Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake
Moist, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, this Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, this crowd-pleasing cake comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish. A velvety chocolate frosting is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, creating a luscious, glossy topping that melds perfectly with the tender crumb. With its easy one-pan preparation and decadent flavor, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Slice it into squares and watch it disappear—this is a guaranteed favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 0.33 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter. Stir in the cup of water and bring it just to a boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Pour this mixture into the batter and stir until fully combined and smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the milk, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Let the cake cool to room temperature, allowing the frosting to set. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.9 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.3 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 73 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 132 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.7 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.2 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 32 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 110 mg | 2% | |
*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.
