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Ultimate Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting

This easy chocolate sheet cake recipe creates a moist, tender crumb cake with rich chocolate flavor that comes together quickly using simple pantry staples. Paired with a luxurious fudgy chocolate frosting, this one-pan wonder is perfect for celebrations and casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Stir constantly until butter melts completely and mixture is smooth. Bring to gentle boil, then remove from heat immediately.
  4. Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cake cool completely before frosting.
  6. While cake cools, prepare frosting. In saucepan, combine butter, milk, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy and spreadable.
  7. Spread warm frosting over cooled cake. If using nuts, sprinkle them over top. Let frosting set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra moist crumb, use room temperature eggs and buttermilk. If frosting becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches spreading consistency. Cake can be baked a day in advance and frosted just before serving - it actually gets more flavorful the next day!