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Pioneer Woman's delicious chocolate sheet cake topped with chocolate frosting.

Chocolate Sheet Cake

A quick, moist, and outrageously delicious chocolate sheet cake that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter (that's two sticks, folks)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (regular milk works too)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Making Your Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a sheet pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring it to a boil and pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
  4. Beat in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed.
  5. Pour the batter into your sheet pan and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Frosting Time
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter for the frosting. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder, bringing it to a gentle boil.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Once your cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the frosting over the top.

Notes

Try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an added crunch. Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This cake stays moist and is even better the next day.