A chocolate sheet cake is a rich, moist cake that's perfect for serving a crowd. It’s typically baked in a large, flat pan (like a sheet pan), making it easy to cut into squares or rectangles.
Chocolate Sheet Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk and 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
A pinch of salt
Instructions:
For the cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch sheet pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the water and butter. Heat over medium until the butter melts, then bring to a boil.
4. Pour the hot butter-water mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter and stir until fully combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan while you prepare the frosting.
For the frosting:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious chocolate sheet cake!