Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and easy to make at home. This simple chocolate cake is topped with warm frosting and perfect for sharing at gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup
- Water – 1 cup
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – ¼ cup
- Buttermilk – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2 large
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, for frosting
- Cocoa powder – 3 tablespoons, for frosting
- Milk – 6 tablespoons, for frosting
- Powdered sugar – 3 ½ cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for frosting
- Chopped pecans – ½ cup, optional
Instructions
Prepare Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set it aside. This step helps the cake bake evenly and prevents sticking later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined so your cake batter will be smooth and even.
Make Chocolate Mixture
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add water and cocoa powder. Stir well until smooth. Let it come to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
Combine Mixtures
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently using a spatula until everything is well combined and smooth without overmixing the batter.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the batter. Mix slowly until smooth. The batter should look silky and slightly thin, perfect for a soft cake texture.
Bake Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Prepare Frosting
- While the cake bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa powder and milk, then stir until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla.
Frost Cake
- Pour the warm frosting over the cake right after baking. Spread gently across the top and sprinkle chopped pecans if you like. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing
- Do not overmix the batter
- Use coffee instead of water for deeper flavor
- Serve with ice cream or fresh berries
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days