Chocolate Sheet Cake

The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake is a rich, fudgy Southern dessert with an ultra-moist crumb, enhanced by hot coffee and tangy buttermilk. Perfect for parties or weeknight treats!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Cooling Time: 15

Total Time: 1 5

Servings:

Calories: 390kcal

Cost: $8–$10

Equipment

13x9-inch baking pan Metal preferred for even baking
Offset spatula For smooth frosting application
Wire cooling rack Helps cake cool evenly
2 Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredient separation
Hand or stand mixer Optional, for smooth frosting
Digital kitchen scale Ensures accurate measurements

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa use high-quality
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil neutral oil like canola
2 large eggs room temperature
1 cup hot coffee freshly brewed
2 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
2 tablespoon instant espresso optional, boosts chocolate flavor

For the Frosting

½ cup butter softened
⅓ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
¼ cup milk adjust for desired consistency
3 cups powdered sugar sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F
Grease 13x9-inch baking pan
Whisk dry ingredients
Combine wet ingredients
Mix wet into dry
Stir in hot coffee
Add espresso powder (optional)
Pour into pan evenly
Bake 35–40 mins
Let cake cool slightly
Beat frosting ingredients
Frost warm cake

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition