Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe – Simple, Moist & Delicious

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a beloved classic back into your kitchen warm from the heart of tradition? Chocolate sheet cake has been cherished for generations, often appearing at family gatherings, church suppers, school events, and celebrations where simplicity and togetherness mattered most. This comforting dessert traces its roots to humble home kitchens where cooks relied on pantry staples, transforming them with care into something deeply satisfying.

There’s a quiet beauty in the way this cake comes together—no elaborate steps, no complicated tools, just honest ingredients whisked and poured into a familiar pan. The aroma that rises from the oven evokes memories of gatherings around crowded tables, laughter filling the air, and eager hands waiting for that first square of warm, tender cake covered with silky frosting.

This recipe stays true to those time-honored methods, embracing the straightforward preparation that has endured through generations. Each bite brings the moist crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth icing that made this dessert a steadfast favorite long before modern trends. Whether you’re making it for your family or sharing it with friends, this sheet cake offers the sort of enduring sweetness that never goes out of style. 🍫🍰✨

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup milk
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×18-inch sheet pan or jelly-roll pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda, stirring gently to blend the dry ingredients.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add water and cocoa powder, whisking until smooth and fragrant.
4. Bring the cocoa mixture just to a gentle simmer, then pour it warm over the dry ingredients. Stir slowly until fully combined.
5. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until the batter becomes glossy and fluid.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the center springs back lightly when touched.
8. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt butter, then add cocoa powder and milk. Whisk until smooth.
9. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla, creating a velvety frosting.
10. If using pecans, fold them in gently.
11. Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake, spreading quickly so it settles into a smooth, glossy finish.
12. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing into generous squares.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 20 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~360 | 🍽️ Servings: 20

#chocolatelovers #sheetcake #traditionalbaking #familydesserts #comfortfood

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️