Classic White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
This White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe was a go-to dessert for my Mom when it came to parties and picnics with large crowds. It is so easy to make and is a perfect classic dessert.
What Is a Texas Sheet Cake?
Texas sheet cake is a thin, rich cake typically topped with a warm, pourable frosting and often sprinkled with pecans. It’s traditionally made in a large, shallow pan, making it ideal for serving a crowd. While the most well-known version is a chocolate cake with fudge-like icing, there is also a popular White Texas Sheet Cake variation featuring a vanilla or almond-flavored base with a buttery glaze.
The origins of Texas sheet cake are unclear. One suggestion is that the cake’s size and richness are “as big as Texas,” reflecting the state’s reputation for grandeur. Another theory links the cake to a 1957 “German’s Chocolate Cake” recipe published in a Dallas newspaper.
Its ease of preparation and ability to serve many make it a popular choice for parties, picnics, and events.
Be sure to check out my Best Ever Classic Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make A White Texas Sheet Cake
- Butter: Used in both the batter and the frosting for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the right structure.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for the cake, and confectioners’ sugar is used for the frosting.
- Eggs: Two eggs help bind the batter and create a tender texture.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to both the cake and the frosting.
- Milk: Gives the frosting a creamy consistency.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture and flavor.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a jelly roll or rimmed baking sheet generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and stir in the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Add the sour cream, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and set.
- Step 3: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Combine 1/2 cup of butter and 6 tablespoons of whole milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then remove from heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, mixing until smooth.
- Step 4: Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before pouring the warm frosting over the top of the still-warm cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips For Success
- Ice While Warm: For the best results, pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm. This helps the icing spread evenly and soak into the cake slightly, creating a rich, flavorful topping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try substituting orange juice for lemon juice in the frosting, or add a bit of citrus zest to the batter for a bright, fresh twist.
The Classic White Texas Sheet Cake Is So Easy To Make
This White Texas Sheet Cake is incredibly simple to prepare. The batter comes together in 15 minutes, and the frosting is ready in 10 minutes. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a soft, buttery cake with a luscious, nutty glaze.
You can experiment with lots flavors when making sheet cakes. Get creative! Check out my Peanut Butter option!
White Texas Sheet Cake is the perfect choice when you need a quick and delicious dessert for any gathering. Its tender texture, simple ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a staple for parties, holidays, and special occasions. Try this classic recipe and enjoy a slice of Texas-sized sweetness!
More picnic-worthy recipes: Retro Lime Pear Jello Salad Recipe: A Nostalgic No-Bake Classic, Easy Summery No Bake Cheesecake Jars, Classic Cottage Potato Casserole Recipe and Easy Slow-Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe.
Classic White Texas Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspooon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 3½ cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a jelly roll or rimmed baking sheet generously with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of butter to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and stir in the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Add the sour cream, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and set.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Combine 1/2 cup of butter and 6 tablespoons of whole milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then remove from heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, mixing until smooth.
- Let the cake cool for about 5 minutes before pouring the warm frosting over the top of the still warm cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
