If a simple, yet decadent cake is what you are seeking, then look no further than the classic sheet cake. A sheet cake is like any other type of cake, except you don't have to worry about layering, which makes it even more enticing. Unlike a layered cake, which takes some finessing, all you do is spread your frosting around and you're done! No need to take out the cake, but simply leaving it in the pan will do.
No one really knows who invented the sheet cake, but it is very related to the German chocolate cake in that they both contain buttermilk and pecans. Sheet cakes can also be of any flavor that you desire-citrusy, vanilla, full of spices, or a gooey butter cake, although the classic recipe calls for chocolate. The options are endless when it comes to this cake and it makes the perfect addition to barbeques and potlucks, since cutting it is a cinch. Whether you are in a pinch or what to throw something together and get on with your day, sheet cakes can also be dressed quite nicely with candies and other decorations for birthdays and other events. Or if you'd simply like something sweet to eat, here is an enticing recipe to try.
Classic Sheet Cake Recipe
What You'll Need
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 2 sticks of butter
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
The Frosting
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 6 tablespoons of milk
- 4 1/2 cups of confectioner's sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How To Make Your Sheet Cake
As you make your frosting, you may change it's consistency if you find it too thick or delete the frosting altogether for a lighter version of the dessert. To make your chocolate topping thinner, just add a little more milk or cream to thin it out.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda then set aside.
- In another bowl, blend together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla and set aside.
- Bring one cup of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter, and add the cocoa, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy and the chocolate is fully incorporated.
- When the butter mixture is melted, pour the water into the saucepan and whisk ingredients together then allow to cool.
- Next, allow the elements to come to a boil, then pour the mixture into the flour mixture and blend together until smooth.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased cake pan that has been lined with parchment paper or a nonstick one.
- Bake for about 20 minutes. When the cake is complete or when an inserted toothpick comes out smooth, it is ready to be taken out of the oven. Set aside and allow to cool.
- Meanwhile, create the frosting by mixing together the melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then add in the cocoa powder and stir until the mixture is completely melted.
- Add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla and stir until combined.
- Add in the pecans if you wish and stir a bit more.
- When your cake is cooled, slather the frosting over the desert as evenly as possible.
- Serve and enjoy!
Sheet cake is as yummy as it is easy to make and once you get your hands on this recipe, it will surely become a hit.