Chocolate Sheath Cake

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Indulge in the rich, nostalgic decadence of Chocolate Sheath Cake, a classic dessert known for its moist, tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate frosting. This simple yet irresistible sheet cake is made with pantry staples like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and fresh eggs, creating a deeply chocolatey flavor that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of vanilla. The real showstopper is the warm, glossy frosting poured over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to seep into every bite. Optional chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, making this cake a versatile treat for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick bake time, this timeless dessert comes together effortlessly, offering a crowd-pleasing favorite your family and friends will crave.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Servings: 12 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

15 items

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 6 tablespoons whole milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)

📝 Instructions

11 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

4. Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the flour and sugar. Stir until well combined.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the chocolate-flour mixture and stir until the batter is smooth.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, then add 6 tablespoons of milk. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.

8. Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and glossy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the optional chopped pecans, if desired.

9. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes).

10. While the cake is still warm, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

11. Let the cake cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (167.6g)

Calories		606
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		29.3 g	38%
	Saturated Fat	16.4 g	82%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		97 mg	32%
Sodium		135 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate		82.6 g	30%
	Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	8%
	Total Sugars	64.5 g
Protein		5.0 g	10%
Vitamin D		0.8 mcg	4%
Calcium		42 mg	3%
Iron		1.3 mg	7%
Potassium		123 mg	3%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3170 cal (42.9%%)

Protein: 242 cal (3.3%%)

Carbs: 3969 cal (53.8%%)