Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake

Moist, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, this Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with simple pantry staples like cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vanilla extract, this crowd-pleasing cake comes together in just 40 minutes from start to finish. A velvety chocolate frosting is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, creating a luscious, glossy topping that melds perfectly with the tender crumb. With its easy one-pan preparation and decadent flavor, this is the ultimate go-to recipe for birthdays, potlucks, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes. Slice it into squares and watch it disappear—this is a guaranteed favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
• 0.33 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup unsalted butter. Stir in the cup of water and bring it just to a boil. Remove from heat and pour the hot mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Pour this mixture into the batter and stir until fully combined and smooth.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the milk, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy.

Step 8

Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm frosting over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Step 9

Let the cake cool to room temperature, allowing the frosting to set. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2030.6 grams (2030.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6514

Total Fat 226.30g	290%
Saturated Fat 133.10g	665%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 899mg	300%
Sodium 2205mg	96%
Total Carbohydrate 1147.00g	417%
Dietary Fiber 51.80g	185%
Total Sugars 883.00g
Protein 69.60g	139%

Vitamin D 239IU	1196%
Calcium 542mg	42%
Iron 29mg	160%
Potassium 2578mg	55%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.5%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 66.5%