Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk (Rich, Fudgy with Chocolate Crunch Topping)

Name: Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All Purpose Flour; 3 tbsp Milk Powder ((optional)); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1 cup Sugar; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1/2 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Cinnamon; 1/8 tsp Nutmeg; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 2 tsp Espresso Powder; 1/2 cup Salted Butter ((melted)); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil; 2/3 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder ((sifted, if lumpy)); 2 large Eggs ((room temperature)); 2/3 cups Buttermilk ((room temperature)); 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract; 3/4 cup Hot Coffee; 3/4 cup Salted Butter; 3/4 cup Heavy Cream; 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 2 tbsp Corn Syrup ((you can also use honey as a substitute)); 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Pecans ((chopped)); 2/3 cup Cocoa Powder; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour; 6 tbsp Salted Butter ((melted))

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This Texas sheet cake recipe is rich, fudgy, and unbelievably moist with a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s topped with a warm pecan chocolate fudge frosting that soaks right into the cake, plus a chocolate crunch topping for the perfect pop of texture. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing chocolate cake that’s just a little extra… oh honey, this is the one.

two slices of texas sheet cake on a plate with a fork.

Ok… this isn’t just any ordinary Texas sheet cake. This is a chocolate-on-chocolate Texas sheet cake recipe that bakes up ridiculously moist with the most tender texture. And if you’ve ever had a dry sheet cake? Yeah… definitely not this one.

And before you start thinking this is complicated, don’t. Everything comes together in about an hour. And let me tell you, this is one of the best chocolate cakes you’ll ever make.

Texas Sheet Cake with Buttermilk (Classic Recipe, Taken Up a Notch)

photo of texas sheet cake on a plate topped with chocolate fudge frosting and chocolate crunch topping.

This is a traditional Texas sheet cake with a few simple upgrades. We’re talking a soft, single layer chocolate cake topped with a gooey chocolate frosting that melts right into the cake. Then I take it a step further by adding a chocolate crunch topping. This is where it really stands out.

That subtle crunch adds contrast and plays up the pecan flavor. Traditional Texas sheet cake is soft from top to bottom, and that little bit of texture? Whew. It takes this from a good cake to a close your eyes, happy food dance moment. Think chocolate brownie cake with a crunch!

👉 For more chocolate desserts, make my chocolate snack cake and chocolate mud cake – perfect dessert for chocolate lovers like me.

Recipe Highlights: Why This is the Best Texas Sheet Cake

No hand mixer or stand mixer needed! Just mixing bowls, a saucepan, and a whisk and that’s it!
The addition of buttermilk in this cake isn’t just for flavor, it’s what gives you that super tender, soft crumb and keeps the cake from drying out, even after it cools.
Perfect for large gatherings! This recipe comes together quickly, and is perfect for cookouts, family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing moist chocolate cake that hits every single time.

Key Ingredients

chocolate crunch topping with chopped pecans on a flat surface.

(full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card)

Whole Fat Buttermilk – store bought acidulated buttermilk is going to give you the best results but if you can’t find any, it’s easy to substitute at home. Just mix whole milk with lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (aka Natural Cocoa Powder) adds cocoa flavor but also reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise.
A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg really take this cake over the top! It goes from regular cake to whoa, this is freaking delicious.
A Mix of vegetable oil and salted butter provide that rich flavor that classic Texas sheet cake recipes are known for. The combo makes this a decadent cake with an incredibly moist texture.
Milk Powder boosts a creamy milk chocolate flavor. This is my little secret ingredient and I absolutely swear by it!
Hot Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor by blooming the cocoa powder. Don’t skip this step!

How To Make Texas Sheet Cake

Prep: Prep the pan and preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment and grease the sides.

chocolate crumble topping mixed together in a bowl.

Step 1: Make the chocolate crumble topping. Mix cocoa powder, brown sugar, all purpose flour, and melted butter until crumbly.

Step 2: Bake the crumble for 8–10 minutes, then let cool to crisp up.

dry ingredients whisked together in a bowl.

Step 3: Whisk together dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, milk powder, sugars, leaveners, spices, salt, and espresso powder.

hot coffee being poured into the chocolate cake batter.

Step 4: Mix wet ingredients and combine batter. Whisk together melted butter, oil, cocoa, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir in the flour mixture, then add hot coffee and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Bake the cake. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

chocolate fudge frosting in a saucepan with chopped pecans and a whisk mixing everything together.

Step 6: Make frosting. Warm butter and cream in medium saucepan over medium heat, add chocolate chips and stir until melted, then whisk in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Fold pecans into the chocolate mixture.

texas chocolate sheet cake in a baking pan topped with fudge frosting and chocolate crunch and chopped pecans.

Step 7: Assemble the cake. Pour over the warm cake, let set, then add the chocolate crumble on top.

Recipe FAQs

What size pan for Texas sheet cake?

Texas sheet cake is traditionally baked in a large sheet pan, typically a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan for a thinner cake or a 9×13-inch pan for a slightly thicker, more fudgy version. This recipe uses a 9×13-inch pan for a richer, more tender crumb.

Why is it called Texas sheet cake?

Texas sheet cake gets its name from its large size and thin, sheet-pan style. Everything about it is bigger, just like Texas.

Can you make Texas sheet cake without buttermilk?

Yes, you can make Texas sheet cake without buttermilk, but it may lose some of its signature tenderness and slight tang. For best results, substitute with whole milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Why do you pour frosting over Texas sheet cake while it’s warm?

Pouring the frosting over a warm cake allows it to melt slightly into the top layer, creating that signature glossy finish and locking in moisture. It’s what gives Texas sheet cake its rich, fudgy texture.