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Amy's Texas Sheet Cake
Amy’s Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved classic known for its rich chocolate flavor, tender texture, and indulgent frosting that soaks into the warm cake. Baked in a large sheet pan, this cake is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. The use of sour cream keeps it incredibly moist, while the fudgy cocoa frosting sets it apart from typical chocolate cakes. Whether topped with chopped nuts or raisins, or left plain, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nostalgia in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling and Frosting 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 227 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream

Optional:

  • 1 cup chopped nuts (or raisons)

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick butter (½ cup)
  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lb powdered sugar (approx. 3½ cups)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make Cake Base

  • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 sticks butter, and 4 tbsp cocoa powder.
  • Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Pour hot cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
  • Add eggs and sour cream. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  • Fold in optional nuts or raisins, if using.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Pour batter into a greased sheet pan (either 11½×17½ or 10½×14½ inches).
  • Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Make Frosting

  • In a saucepan, combine butter, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

  • Spread warm frosting over the cake while it's still hot.
  • Let cool completely before serving.

Tips

  • Add 1 cup chopped nuts or raisins, as the card suggests, to the batter or frosting.
  • Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter cake.
  • Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a “Mexican chocolate”–style twist.
  • Toast pecans before adding to enhance flavor.
  • Make it a birthday cake by topping with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
  • For thicker frosting, add more powdered (XXX) sugar.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
  • Substitute part of the butter with oil for an even moister crumb.
  • Use a jelly roll pan for a thinner, classic Texas sheet cake style.
  • Let frosting cool just slightly, pouring while warm gives a shiny finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 64mgPotassium: 68mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate cake, easy frosting, family recipe, potluck dessert, sheet cake, southern baking, vintage recipe
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