Texas Hot Cocoa Cake

Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Texas Hot Cocoa Cake, a rich and intensely chocolatey dessert brimming with southern charm. This easy-to-make sheet cake combines a moist, cocoa-infused batter with a velvety, fudgy frosting poured on while the cake is still warm, allowing it to seep into every bite. Made with pantry staples like unsweetened cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vanilla, this recipe balances bold chocolate flavor with a subtle tang, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this 9x13-inch treat can be ready in just 40 minutes—prep to table. Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of water and 5 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Heat until smooth and just beginning to boil. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Mix to combine.

Step 4

Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until blended.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 0.5 cup of buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the cocoa batter and mix until smooth.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt 0.5 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of milk. Heat, stirring, until smooth and just starting to simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 8

Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the cocoa mixture, whisking until smooth and lump-free.

Step 9

Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Pour the warm frosting over the cake, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.

Step 10

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your rich, chocolatey Texas Hot Cocoa Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1682.2 grams (1682.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5379

Total Fat 216.30g	277%
Saturated Fat 126.90g	635%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 896mg	299%
Sodium 2774mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 864.10g	314%
Dietary Fiber 25.20g	90%
Total Sugars 645.00g
Protein 53.90g	108%

Vitamin D 221IU	1107%
Calcium 410mg	32%
Iron 20mg	111%
Potassium 1450mg	31%

*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: 34.6%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 61.5%