Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
Chocolate sheet cake is a classic dessert that never goes out of style. It’s easy to make, incredibly fudgy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration, a family gathering, or simply a Tuesday night craving. This recipe yields a large cake, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create this delicious treat with ease.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This chocolate sheet cake is not just any chocolate cake. It’s incredibly moist, has a rich chocolate flavor, and offers a delightful texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of boiling water or hot coffee enhances the cocoa flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with indulgence. The best part? It requires minimal effort and no fancy equipment. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a baking pan are all you need. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a potluck, this cake is sure to impress everyone with its amazing taste and moist density.
Ingredients
To bake your own chocolate sheet cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch (33x23cm) baking pan with parchment paper. This will help in easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined. This dry mix forms the foundation of your chocolate cake.
Step 3: Incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture together until it’s smooth and homogenous. This step is crucial to achieve a velvety batter.
Step 4: Gradually add the boiling water or hot coffee to the batter. Mix until the batter is thin and well combined. This step enhances the richness of the chocolate flavor and ensures moisture throughout the cake.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps distribute the batter evenly for uniform baking.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is vital before frosting or slicing the cake, ensuring that it holds its shape.
Pro Tips For Making the Perfect Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Using room temperature ingredients makes for a smoother batter and more even baking.
- For an extra moist cake, consider substituting part of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Enhance flavor by using brewed coffee instead of boiling water.
- Be cautious not to overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients, as this can make the cake dense.
- Let the cake cool completely before applying frosting to avoid melting.
FAQs
Can I make this chocolate sheet cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the chocolate sheet cake a day in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator to retain moisture.
What type of frosting goes best with this cake?
This chocolate sheet cake pairs beautifully with chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
Can I freeze the chocolate sheet cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature before serving.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy milk. Also, ensure the vegetable oil is plant-based.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or even sprinkles to customize your cake.
Conclusion
This chocolate sheet cake is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with deliciousness. Whether you serve it at a party or enjoy it as a midweek treat, its rich flavor and moist texture will leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients and get started on this irresistible dessert today!
