Ina Garten’s Texas Sheet Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a luscious, glossy chocolate glaze. This classic Southern dessert is known for its thin, fudgy texture and crowd-pleasing flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, potluck, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this sheet cake is simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.

What Is Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake?

Ina Garten’s Texas Sheet Cake is a large, thin chocolate cake baked in a sheet pan and topped with warm, pourable chocolate icing. The cake itself is made with cocoa powder, butter, and buttermilk, giving it a moist texture and deep chocolate flavor. The icing is poured over the cake while it’s still warm, creating a smooth and slightly crackly top.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Easy to make – Simple ingredients and a one-bowl batter.
Rich chocolate flavor – Uses cocoa powder and buttermilk for a deep taste.
Moist and fudgy texture – The warm glaze soaks into the cake for extra softness.
Feeds a crowd – Perfect for potlucks, parties, or large gatherings.
Customizable toppings – Add pecans, walnuts, or sprinkles for extra texture.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup water
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch or 18×13-inch sheet pan.
Combine dry ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Make the chocolate mixture – In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in water and cocoa powder. Bring to a slight simmer, then remove from heat.
Mix wet ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine all ingredients – Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Add the buttermilk mixture and mix until smooth.
Bake the cake – Pour the batter into the greased sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

For the Glaze:

Melt butter and cocoa – In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and stir in cocoa powder.
Add milk and vanilla – Stir in milk and vanilla, then remove from heat.
Mix in powdered sugar – Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
Pour over warm cake – Spread the glaze evenly over the warm cake. If using pecans, sprinkle them on top while the icing is still warm.
Let it set – Allow the cake to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Serve with vanilla ice cream – A cold scoop enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
Pair with coffee or milk – Balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
Top with whipped cream – Add a light, creamy contrast.
Drizzle with caramel sauce – A touch of caramel complements the deep chocolate taste.
Sprinkle with sea salt – Enhances the sweetness with a slight salty contrast.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Use hot cocoa mixture – Pouring warm chocolate into the dry ingredients ensures a smooth batter.
Do not overmix – Mix just until combined for a light texture.
Pour icing over warm cake – This helps the glaze set into the cake for extra moisture.
Use room temperature eggs – Allows for even mixing and a tender cake.
Sift powdered sugar – Prevent lumps in the glaze for a smooth finish.
Let the cake set before cutting – Cooling for at least 20 minutes ensures clean slices.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Add espresso powder – A teaspoon enhances the chocolate flavor.
Use dark chocolate cocoa powder – Results in an even richer taste.
Incorporate cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon adds warmth to the cake.
Make it nut-free – Skip the pecans for a smooth glaze.
Try a white chocolate glaze – Swap out the cocoa for white chocolate for a unique twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Store at room temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage – Lasts up to a week when stored in the fridge.
Freeze for up to 3 months – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Thaw before serving – Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Texas Sheet Cake

Microwave for a quick warm-up – Heat slices for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.
Oven method for a warm texture – Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Enjoy cold for a fudgy texture – Some prefer it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Why is my Texas sheet cake dry?

A Texas sheet cake can become dry if overbaked or if too much flour is used. To ensure a moist cake, bake just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Measuring the flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method also prevents a dense texture.

Should I refrigerate the Texas sheet cake after baking it?

Texas sheet cake does not need to be refrigerated if consumed within 2-3 days. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container. If you prefer a firmer texture or need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Can I make Texas sheet cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice. For every ½ cup of buttermilk needed, use ½ cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I get a smooth and glossy chocolate glaze for Texas sheet cake?

To achieve a smooth glaze, whisk the powdered sugar into the warm butter and cocoa mixture while it is still warm. Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it prevents lumps, and pouring the glaze over the cake while it is warm helps it spread evenly.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Texas Sheet Cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and an irresistible fudgy glaze.

Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!