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Home » Family Favorites

Published: Jun 10, 2013 · Updated: Jun 5, 2024 · May contain affiliate links

Amazing Chocolate Recipe For Texas Sheet Cake With Buttermilk

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Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake is perfect for a crowd.  The frosting is so good you can eat it with a spoon and the cake is so moist it will last a week if well covered…but no worries…I promise, it won’t last that long!

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

This post may contain affiliate links of which I may or may not be paid a small commission at no cost to you.

It took me years (about 30) to make this chocolate Texas sheet cake recipe and the rabbit catcher was pretty happy when I served it.

My son liked it too, but he likes everything and he loves chocolate cake!

So hell. I’m going to give you this moist chocolate cake recipe because it really is the perfect dessert.

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk
Why This Recipe For Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk is So Amazing!
How Did Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Originate?
Recipe for Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Ingredients
How To Make a Traditional Texas Sheet Cake
Tips for Making this Recipe for Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk
FAQ's
More Recipes You Will Enjoy!

Why This Recipe For Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk is So Amazing!

This chocolate cake, which is perfect for a crowd, is the best chocolate sheet cake I know of.

Moist and tender, easy to make, no mixer required, and the frosting is killer.

Plus, it is meant to be made for large crowds, hence the name sheet cake.

No cute three layer cake here, folks. This one is the bake in a pan, take to the bake sale cake. Or take to the potluck, perfect cake.

You could serve it with ice cream, but I’m a purist kind of girl. Just give me a glass of milk and I’m happy.

This truly is a favorite cake of mine.

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

How Did Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Originate?

During the ’50’s German chocolate cake was becoming pretty popular.

Apparently a newspaper in Dallas picked up the recipe for German chocolate cake which became quite popular.

Being married to a Texan for so long, I know how much he loves pecans.

German chocolate cake has a layer of pecan filling and though this this recipe for Texas sheet cake with buttermilk does not, it is often topped with crushed pecans.

Frankly, I prefer the chocolate cake and the warm chocolate frosting just the way I made it, but if you are so inclined, feel free to load the top with chopped pecans!

Much easier than baking a three layer German chocolate cake, a chocolate Texas sheet cake is baked in a 13 x 9 pan or a half sheet pan and is made in one bowl.

No mixer required.

Somehow this recipe morphed into this Texas sheet cake and the rest is history.

That is one story.

The other I've heard mentions how large this cake is and since Texas is large, well, who knows, maybe that's how it got its name!

Though it isn't the size of Texas, I guarantee it is perfect for large family gatherings.

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

Recipe for Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk Ingredients

​Sugar

Flour

Melted Butter (I do this in the microwave. Every microwave is different so I hesitate to tell you how!)

Cocoa (not Dutch processed)

Coffee (Use leftover coffee from breakfast as long as it is cool)

Room Temperature Large Eggs

Buttermilk - Texas sheet cake always has buttermilk and that is what makes this cake tender while giving it  a softer texture.

Baking Soda

Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Chips

Frosting:

Butter

Cocoa Powder

Milk (I have lactose free milk that is 2% and it works fine.)

Vanilla Extract

Powdered Sugar

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

How To Make a Traditional Texas Sheet Cake

Mix the dry ingredients of sugar and all-purpose flour together in a large mixing bowl.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter until melted.

Stir in the cocoa and coffee and heat until boiling.

Pour chocolate mixture over flour mixture and stir well.

In a large 4 cup measuring cup or a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda and vanilla.

Pour the buttermilk mixture over the cake batter and stir well.

Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Insert a toothpick into center of cake to test for doneness. Just a few moist crumbs should be clinging to it.

Cake should also be pulling away from the sides of the pan.

​Sprinkle with chocolate chips immediately to melt.

Spread melted chips with an offset spatula before pouring the warm frosting on to the warm cake.

​Spreading the warm frosting will also help melt the chocolate chips.

If you find it hard to spread, put the cake back into the TURNED OFF oven for no more than 5 minutes and then try spreading again.

Prepare frosting while this recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk is baking.

Melt butter in large bowl in microwave. Stir in cocoa, milk, vanilla.

Add powdered sugar and stir well. 

Immediately pour over warm cake and chocolate chips.

As cake cools, the frosting will harden.

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

Tips for Making this Recipe for Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk

Chocolate chips are optional, but they do add an extra layer of goodness to this classic cake.

Want to add more depth of flavor? Instead of using all granulated sugar, use part brown sugar.

Don't have coffee? Use  water. Personally I think coffee really adds to this moist sheet cake.

Powdered Sugar Lumpy? Put it through a wire mesh strainer to get the lumps out.

Want a thinner cake? Traditionally a sheet cake is often made with a half sheet pan which is about 18 x 13".

If you choose to bake the larger size, remember to reduce the baking time about 5 minutes

I am happy with a 13 x 9" which makes a thicker cake slice.

Add pecans? Many recipes feature pecans sprinkled on top of the cake.

I love this moist cake exactly like it is, but if pecans float your boat, toast them and sprinkle on!

Add a hint of cinnamon?

Some recipes recommend adding a ½ t of cinnamon to the cake batter.

You do what you want!

recipe for texas sheet cake with buttermilk

FAQ's

Is there a substititution for buttermilk?

Simply add ½ T of vinegar or lemon juice to ½ c of milk. Let sit about 5 minutes and use as you would buttermilk.

Is there a White Texas Sheet Cake?

There are and though they aren't traditional I bet these almond flavored cakes are very good!

And now to the rest of the story!

The rabbit catcher is from Houston. “Uston” to be exact. A long u please..

That’s how they all say it when they talk and catch up, y’all.

We met in Colorado where we both moved to escape our various climates and to go to school.

Yes, I did go to school kids, even if I met your daddy there. 

And I did graduate and not just with an MRS, as some like to say.

Thirty some years later we are both still here.

But I think the rabbit catcher’s parents have always blamed me for not getting their boy back to Texas.

And what can I say? I may not have brought the boy back, but Texas is still in his DNA.

Now the rabbit catcher loves his bbq. He loves his TexMex. And he loves his beer. Now he loves this thin chocolate cake.

But I gotta tell ya’. He had never heard of this chocolate cake recipe for Texas sheet cake with buttermilk.

When I told him it was a Texas sheet cake, “He said-a what? It doesn’t taste like sh–.” 

His hearing isn’t so good either.

Yeah, the rabbit catcher’s humor is surely interesting.

When I explained  a Texas sheet cake is called a Texas sheet cake by virtue of the fact that it is baked on a sheet or a large pan, he wondered why he’d never heard of it before.

I don’t know rabbit catcher, but I’m sho glad ya liked it.

cut squares of chocolate Texas sheet cake on white plate

So now Father’s Day is upon us. I don’t have to look at a calendar to know this.

When you read many blogs you know what holidays are coming up, by the topics people write about.

I can  tell you without a doubt that men like meat. They like bbq and nachos. And lasagna.

They love steak and hot sauce. The hotter, the better.

My man likes his cigars, his special tequilas and mezcal.

And I mustn’t leave out hamburgers or hot dogs or brownies or cake or watermelon.

Yes, it is pretty clear to me what dads like to eat. FOOD.

And as long as it is prepared by someone else, things are pretty, pretty good.

So y’all. If you got a big group gathering this weekend, this is most definitely the best chocolate cake to bake or make.

This tender chocolate cake with intense chocolate flavor is the easiest chocolate cake to make.

Or take. Wow, Mondays are so eloquent!

And I can attest to the fact that it keeps for a good 7 days not refrigerated but covered with plastic wrap, and still tastes sweet and moist and plain old delicious.

Make the dads happy. Make anyone happy. If chocolate is their thing, this recipe for Texas sheet cake with buttermilk oughta do.

More Recipes You Will Enjoy!

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Texas Sheet Cake Cookies

Best Dairy Free Chocolate Cake

no dairy chocolate cake recipe on white plate with fork

Hershey's Syrup Chocolate Cake

hershey's syrup chocolate cake

I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!

Please share a review or rate the recipe,

and be sure to tag me on social!

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Recipe

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Texas Sheet Cake chocolate

Texas Sheet Cake (Chocolate Style)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Abbe
  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 12 - 16 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe
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Ingredients

Scale

2 c sugar

2 c flour

2 sticks melted butter

4 T unsweetened cocoa

1 c coffee (room temperature)

2 eggs

½ c buttermilk

1 t baking soda

1 t vanilla

1 cup chocolate chips

Frosting:

1 stick butter

4 T cocoa

6 T milk

1 t vanilla

1 pound powdered sugar


Instructions

Preheat oven to 400. Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

In  large bowl, mix together sugar and flour.

In pot, melt butter. Add cocoa and coffee and heat until boiling. Remove from heat. Pour over sugar/flour mixture. Stir well.

Mix eggs, buttermilk, baking soda and vanilla in large measuring cup. Stir into cocoa mixture.

Scrape into greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

While cake is baking, prepare frosting. Melt butter in large bowl in microwave. Whisk in cocoa, milk and vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat well. Spread over cake while both are still warm.

To test if cake is ready, insert a toothpick or cake tester. It should come out with tiny crumbs sticking to it and the sides of the cake should be pulled slightly away from the edge of the pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

Now pour and smooth icing over the top. Chips will melt into the frosting and cake. If needed to get frosting to spread well, place cake back in turned off oven for about 5 minutes. Spread again if needed. Take out and place on rack. Let cool. Frosting will harden as it cools.


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  1. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    June 03, 2024 at 9:42 am

    Growing up in Texas, it seems that this large sheet cake or German chocolate cake made an appearance at every party we went to.

    Reply
    • Abbe says

      June 06, 2024 at 10:40 am

      So funny, because my husband had never hear of it. He did love German chocolate cake though!

      Reply
  2. Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says

    June 08, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Looks so chocolatey and delicious! Thanks for sharing at Friday Frenzy Link Party! Hope you come back and party with us again this week 🙂 PINNED!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    March 12, 2018 at 3:33 am

    Saved as a favorite, I really like your site!

    Reply
  4. Denise Browning says

    October 26, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    Oh, my! Could not take these out of my sight... and mouth. Yummy in the tummy!

    Reply
  5. Bacon Fatte says

    April 29, 2017 at 7:05 pm

    Pinned, and I can't wait to try this recipe! It's just perfect for everyday chocolate cravings! (I can't be the only one who has those... Right?!) 😉

    Reply
  6. claudia lamascolo says

    April 28, 2017 at 10:22 pm

    I dont think there is a better chocolate cake on earth than this recipe!

    Reply
  7. Lynn Vining says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Looks delicious!

    Reply
  8. Doreen Simpson says

    April 28, 2017 at 8:25 am

    What a wonderful result from a simple recipe...looks fabulous ♥

    Reply
  9. Christine's Pantry says

    April 27, 2017 at 11:43 pm

    Looks good!

    Reply
  10. Lea Ann (Cooking on the Ranch) says

    April 27, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    Texas Sheet Cake made a regular appearance when I was growing up. It's been so long since I've made one.

    Reply
  11. Caroline Williams says

    April 27, 2017 at 2:13 am

    Looks like a real crowd-pleaser!

    Reply
  12. Madrid says

    July 25, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I am in love with texas sheet cake.Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  13. Hristo Yanev says

    April 11, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Hi fellas,
    Thank you so much for this wonderful article really!
    If someone want to read more about those cake with name I think this is the right place for you!

    Reply
  14. Abbe Odenwalder says

    June 11, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    You do Liz. But I think sweets are not lacking at your house!

    Reply
  15. Liz Berg says

    June 11, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Haha...love his first response to the name 🙂 We love Texas sheet cake here, too...especially when it's chocolate. I need to make this again soon!

    Reply
  16. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

    June 11, 2013 at 11:52 am

    A big yes for texas sheet cake! It is funny that he didn´t know about it. Is he from texas, really? lol!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      He really is from Texas-but we don't talk about it much. LOL!

      Reply
  17. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    June 11, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I love this cake -- so delicious! I only had it once, but really enjoyed it and yours looks so chocolaty and yummy.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 2:01 pm

      Thanks Amy. I think i had it at a school function long time ago. But I remembered it because I thought it was great, too. It was yummy and now you should try it, too!

      Reply
  18. ChgoJohn says

    June 11, 2013 at 5:32 am

    Looks like a great cake to me, Abbe. You cannot beat chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. When I was young, Mom and Zia rarely made a layer cake unless it was someone's birthday. Otherwise, they always baked sheet cakes. With at least 12 people seated at the table, it was one sure way of everyone getting a piece. All those years and all those cakes, we never knew it as a "Texas Sheet Cake." To us, it was just "cake." 🙂

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 2:00 pm

      I believe that, John. And how lucky you were that your mom made cakes! And if getting a piece of cake means a sheet cake well, that would be good with me! And 12 people? My mom wouldn't have made it past breakfast!

      Reply
  19. Deborah says

    June 11, 2013 at 5:21 am

    Texas sheet cake is one of my favorites. This looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 1:55 pm

      Thanks Deborah. I have to admit that it is now one of my favorites, too!

      Reply
  20. Angie Schneider says

    June 11, 2013 at 4:37 am

    I am going to bake this next time we have visitors or I would end up finishing the whole cake by myself!!

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 1:53 pm

      It would be easy to do Angie!

      Reply
  21. Cindy says

    June 11, 2013 at 2:41 am

    this is one of my all time favorite chocolate cakes. thanks for the recipe. your cuz.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 3:27 am

      You should have told me about this sooner, cuz. I hope you aren't holding out on me. Bake it soon!

      Reply
  22. Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says

    June 11, 2013 at 1:41 am

    It looks so moistylicious!!! MY MOUTH IS LITERALLY SALIVATING...What dad wouldn't be happy eating this cake?

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 3:26 am

      That's what I think, too Denise! And it is so moist!

      Reply
  23. Kitchen Riffs says

    June 11, 2013 at 12:02 am

    You're right about always knowing what holidays are coming up when you read food blogs! Texas Sheet Cake is pretty good - Mrs K R baked one a month or two ago. Great cake for a crowd! We're not that, so we froze some of it - it freezes pretty well, too. Good stuff - thanks.

    Reply
    • Abbe Odenwalder says

      June 11, 2013 at 3:25 am

      I really enjoyed it, Mr. K.R. And good to know it can be frozen. I suppose one could even cut the recipe in half-but that wouldn't be very Texas like now would it?

      Reply
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Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake
texas sheet cake with buttermilk