Chocolate Sheet Cake With Cocoa

Name: Chocolate Sheet Cake With Cocoa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/3 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Tooth Favorites

I absolutely love making chocolate sheet cake with cocoa because it brings back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. The process is surprisingly simple, and I find joy in watching the rich, dark batter come together effortlessly. The warm aroma that fills the kitchen while it's baking is irresistible, and the end result is a moist, decadent cake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether for a birthday or just a sweet treat, this cake never fails to impress and satisfy my chocolate cravings.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:37:35.949Z

Making chocolate sheet cake with cocoa is more than just a recipe for me; it’s about creating sweet memories. I remember the first time I tried this cake at a friend’s birthday party, and it was love at first bite. The combination of cocoa powder and the rich frosting creates a deep flavor that is simply divine.

One of my best tips for this cake is to let it cool completely before icing. This ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt into the warm cake, which preserves its beautiful appearance and rich texture. Every family gathering is a little sweeter with this delightful treat on the table!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Baking Fundamentals

The key to achieving a perfect chocolate sheet cake lies in understanding the role of each ingredient. For example, buttermilk not only adds moisture but also reacts with baking soda to create a fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Another crucial aspect is the incorporation of boiling water at the end of the mixing process. This helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor and making the cake incredibly moist. Be sure to mix cautiously; adding boiling water enhances the batter's consistency but quickly thickens it, so don’t be alarmed if it looks slightly runny after mixing.

Frosting Finish

The frosting is where this chocolate sheet cake truly shines, complementing the rich cake with a silky texture. When preparing your frosting, ensure your butter is softened, but not melted; this is crucial to achieving the right creamy consistency. If you're using cold butter, consider cutting it into small pieces and allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating.

For a decadent twist, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the frosting. This enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the frosting a subtle complexity without being overly coffee-flavored. Remember, you can adjust the milk to achieve your desired frosting thickness; add it gradually to avoid a runny consistency.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth baking process.

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re set to start baking your delicious cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a perfect chocolate sheet cake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12x17-inch baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring until just combined. Finally, stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa. Mix in the milk and vanilla until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Optional: top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate sheet cake, perfect for any special occasion!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of brewed coffee to the batter. It enhances the chocolatey notes wonderfully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Once your chocolate sheet cake has cooled completely, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and freezing them for up to three months. Just ensure you let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying them again.

Alternatively, you can frost the cake ahead of time, but it’s best to serve it fresh for the best texture. If you do frost in advance, store the cake in the fridge to maintain the frosting's freshness, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra special touch, consider serving your chocolate sheet cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm cake against the cold creaminess creates a delightful experience. Additionally, a sprinkle of orange zest over the top can elevate both the flavor and presentation, aligning beautifully with the subtle orange notes hinted in the cake.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of fresh fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, between the cake and frosting. This adds a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich chocolate flavor, making it a perfect complement to celebratory gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works great for this recipe!

→ How should I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cake (either whole or sliced) for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's well-wrapped.

→ What can I add for a fun twist?

Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of peppermint extract for a delicious variation!