Chocolate (Texas) Sheet Cake

This is my all time favorite chocolate cake. My mom made this growing up and I have memories of my sister and I completing an entire pan by ourselves.. in one day. I made this today and love the chocolatey, soft consistency of the cake. I cut myself a rather large piece and put it in the microwave for eight seconds, which made the frosting melt even more into the cake (see picture below). If you want a good chocolate cake recipe, this one is all you need. Rating: 10/10

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 heaping teaspoons cocoa
• 1 cube butter (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 eggs

Directions for the Cake:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2) In a small bowl mix 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. Let is sit until foamy. In a large bowl combine 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

3) In a saucepan combing 4 heaping teaspoons cocoa, 1 square butter, 1/2 cup oil, and 1 cup cold water. Mix and bring to a boil. Add to the flour mixture and beat. Add the buttermilk; mix and beat. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat well for 2 minutes - it will be runny. Pour into greased and floured 15x11 inch cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes. Let it cool.

While the cake is baking, make the frosting...

Ingredients for the frosting:

• 1 cube + 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 teaspoons cocoa
• Powdered sugar (I used around 2 1/2 cups)

Directions for the frosting:

1) In a saucepan mix the margarine, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil. Remove from stove and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Mix with 1 teaspoon vanilla and powdered sugar (to desired consistency). 

2) Distribute the frosting evenly on the cake right when it comes out of the oven. You can let the frosting set and cool 1-2 hours (the cake cuts really nicely this way) or eat the cake right away.  If you wait for the frosting to set, cut a piece and put it in the microwave for eight seconds. So heavenly.