Go Back
dark-chocolate-sheet-cake_feature

Rich Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe with Intense Cocoa Flavor

This elegant dark chocolate sheet cake delivers a sophisticated chocolate experience with deep cocoa flavor and a moist, tender crumb. Perfect for potlucks and parties, it features a simple oven baking method and rich dark chocolate frosting for an indulgent finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup high-quality cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat until butter melts and mixture comes to a gentle boil. Pour hot cocoa mixture over dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the chocolate batter and stir until smooth and well incorporated (batter will be thin).
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  5. While cake bakes, prepare frosting: In medium saucepan combine butter, cocoa powder, and milk. Heat over medium heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until frosting is glossy and pourable.
  6. Pour warm frosting over hot cake immediately after removing from oven. Spread evenly with offset spatula and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa powder for deepest chocolate flavor. Don't overbake - remove when edges pull away from pan. Frost while warm to allow soaking in. Cool completely before cutting for clean slices. Cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld together.