This chocolate sheet cake recipe is the kind of dessert everyone asks for again and again. It’s rich, moist, deeply chocolatey, and baked in a single pan — making it one of the easiest and most reliable cakes you can prepare.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, family dinner, or holiday gathering, a chocolate sheet cake is always a safe and delicious choice. No stacking layers. No complicated decorating. Just pure chocolate comfort in every bite.
If you’re looking for a foolproof, from-scratch chocolate sheet cake recipe that turns out perfectly every time, this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Sheet Cake
This recipe is popular because it:
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Bakes in one 9×13-inch pan
- Stays incredibly moist
- Is easy to frost
- Serves a crowd
- Stores beautifully
It’s perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
This ensures even distribution.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Oil
- Vanilla
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Add Hot Coffee
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing.
The batter will be thin — this is normal. It helps create an ultra-moist texture.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
How to Make the Frosting
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and cream, beating until smooth.
- Adjust cream for desired consistency.
Spread evenly over cooled cake.
Why Coffee Makes Chocolate Better
You won’t taste coffee in this chocolate sheet cake recipe — it simply deepens the cocoa flavor. If preferred, you can substitute hot water.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Sheet Cake
✔ Use room temperature ingredients
✔ Don’t overmix the batter
✔ Let cake cool completely before frosting
✔ Use high-quality cocoa powder
✔ Store covered to maintain moisture
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Want to customize your chocolate sheet cake?
Try adding:
- Chocolate chips
- Espresso powder
- Chopped nuts
- Caramel drizzle
- Peanut butter swirl
For a Texas-style version, pour warm chocolate glaze over the cake while still slightly warm.
How to Store Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Room temperature: 2 days (covered)
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months
Sheet cakes freeze very well, making them ideal for make-ahead baking.
Perfect Occasions for Chocolate Sheet Cake
This chocolate sheet cake recipe works beautifully for:
- Birthday parties
- Potlucks
- Holiday dinners
- School events
- Family gatherings
- Office celebrations
It slices easily into squares, making serving simple and clean.
Why Sheet Cakes Are So Practical
Unlike layered cakes, sheet cakes:
- Require no stacking
- Are easier to transport
- Are beginner-friendly
- Allow for quick decorating
- Serve larger groups easily
That’s why they’re a go-to for busy home bakers.
Make It Look Beautiful (Without Extra Work)
Even simple sheet cakes can look elegant.
Decorating ideas:
- Chocolate curls
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Sprinkles
- Drizzled ganache
Because the surface is flat, decorating takes minutes.
Final Thoughts 🍫✨
This chocolate sheet cake recipe is everything a great dessert should be: simple, moist, rich, and reliable. It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly at any gathering.
With basic ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing chocolate cake ready without stress. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just satisfying a chocolate craving, this sheet cake never disappoints.
