Texas Sheet Cake Brownies (2024)

By Rebecca Hubbell on | Updated | 1 Comment

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Fudgy, chewy Texas Sheet Cake Brownies are the ultimate way to deliver dessert to a crowd! This recipe uses pantry staple ingredients and a one-pot stovetop method to achieve the most divine brownies covered in chocolaty icing with chopped nuts!

Texas Sheet Cake Brownies (1)

Table of Contents

Brownies But Make Them A Texas Sheet Cake

These dense, rich brownies are a Texas twist on my Homemade Chocolate Fudge Brownie Recipe! A batch serves a crowd, the chocolate flavor is rich, and the sugary soft icing makes for the sweetest finishing touch!

This Texas-sized dessert makes baking for potlucks, gatherings, and celebrations SO much easier without sacrificing flavor and texture! The base of these Texas Brownies is deliciously dense and fudgy while the chocolaty icing on top is loaded with chopped nuts.

To make this batch of Texas Sheet Cake Brownies the very best I opted for my tried-and-true one pot stovetop method that replaces creaming the butter and sugar together with melting them. This recipe technique is SO easy yet by eliminating the air that occurs when creaming it allows the brownie butter to remain dense, giving us chewy, fudgy brownies with zero cake-like texture!

Even if you don’t have a crowd to serve, the stovetop method makes an out-of-this-world batch of brownies you don’t want to miss out on!

Rebecca’s Recipe Review

Taste: Deep, rich chocolate flavor with a bit of nuttiness.

Texture: Dense fudge brownies with a sugary soft icing loaded with chopped nuts, which do soften over time.

Ease: 6/10 – Not hard but are a but more involved than a plain pan of brownies.

Pros: Fun and unique with impressive flavor.

Cons: I guess if you don’t like nuts, they might not be for you.

Would I Make This Again? Yes, these brownies are so delicious!

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Ingredients for Texas Brownies

Dive into a batch of these Texas Brownies by combining pantry staples such as granulated sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder with large eggs and unsalted butter.

Then finish off this simple homemade brownie batter by folding in mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. This easy mix-in helps to give the brownies their dense, fudgy texture.

As soon as the brownies are baked, the homemade chocolate icing is poured over the top of them. This is made by mixing salted butter and whole milk with unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and pecan pieces.

Though feel free to leave the nuts out of this brownie recipe if you prefer!

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How To Make Brownie With Texas Sheet Cake Frosting

  1. Prepare by first preheating the oven. Next, line a metal cake pan with parchment paper and then spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Melt unsalted butter over low heat and then stir in granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth without any ingredient separation. Afterward, remove the pot from the stove and allow this butter and sugar mixture to cool.
  3. Beat canola oil and vanilla extract into the cooled butter and sugar mixture until fully combined.
  4. Mix in the large eggs, one at a time. Beating after each addition.
  5. Sift all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt into the mixture. Stir gently until almost all streaks from the dry ingredients are done.
  6. Fold mini semi-sweet chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake the batch in the preheated oven.
  8. Prepare the chocolate icing by first cutting salted butter into cubes and then melting them over medium heat.
  9. Sift powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder into the melted butter. Whisk to combine.
  10. Whisk whole milk and vanilla extract into the mixture.
  11. Stir pecan pieces into the chocolate icing and then pour the finished icing over the top of the warm brownies.
  12. Cool the iced Texas Sheet Cake Brownies completely before removing them from the pan to slice and serve.
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Parchment Paper – To easily remove the entire batch of brownies from the pan, allow the parchment paper to hang over the edges of the cake pan. This may require two sheets, one going in each direction. Then, once the brownies have completely cooled just grab onto the excess parchment paper and carefully lift the batch out of the pan.

Cake-Like Texture – To achieve a more cake-like texture in these brownies, omit the mini chocolate chips from the brownie batter.

Milk – When making the icing it’s important to note that it must be whole milk as heavy cream cannot be substituted for milk in this recipe.

Pecan Chips – If at all possible, I really recommend using pecan chips in the icing instead of chopping up pecans yourself. I like these Pecan Chips from Target. The chips just give a better consistency throughout the brownies, I think, but if you like bigger pieces of nuts, by all means, use them!

Slicing & Serving – Allow the batch of Texas Sheet Cake Brownies with nuts to cool completely before slicing into them. When it’s time to slice and enjoy, I have found that using a plastic knife for cutting gives the cleanest, mess-free lines so give it a try!

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How To Serve Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

Since this recipe for Texas Sheet Cake Brownie yields two dozen servings it can serve a huge crowd! Therefore, this brownie recipe is great to bring to potlucks, holiday parties, or large family gatherings and celebrations.

Enjoy a Texas Sheet Cake Brownie as is or pop a slice in the microwave to enjoy with an ice-cold glass of milk! For an extra delightful dessert, you can top your Texas Sheet Cake Brownie with a hearty scoop of vanilla ice cream!

How To Store Brownies

Store Texas Sheet Cake Brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper separating the layers to prevent the brownies from sticking to one another. The brownies can then be kept at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days.

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How To Freeze Sheet Cake Brownies

Freezing these brownies are a great way to get ahead on baking for a crowd. I also like to store them up as individual treats for when I want something sweet without effort or a mess in the kitchen!

To freeze, remove the completely cooled batch of brownies from the pan and slice into squares. Then you can either transfer the slices into an airtight freezer-safe container or Ziploc freezer bags with parchment paper separating the layers.

Alternatively, you can also freeze these in individually wrapped slices by wrapping each brownie in plastic wrap and again in aluminum foil. Once properly stored, transfer the brownies into the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Scrumptious Brownie Recipes

  • Ultimate Brownie Pie – Homemade brownies baked into a graham cracker crust and loaded with toppings!
  • Brownie S’mores Dip – Serve with graham crackers at EVERY get together!
  • Edible Brownie Batter – Safe to eat edible brownie batter that’s made with only 3 ingredients!
  • Monster Cookie Dough Brownies – Fudgey brownies layered with cookie dough and topped with ganache!
  • Coffee Brownies – An elite brownie recipe that is out of this world delicious!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you’ve tried thisrecipe, please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review. I love hearing from you!

Don’t forget to tag me –@sugarandsoulco–on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos or join ourSugar & Soul Show-offs Communityand share them there.

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Texas Sheet Cake Brownies (8)

5 from 1 vote

Texas Sheet Cake Brownie Recipe


Author Rebecca Hubbell

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Cooling Time 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours 55 minutes minutes

These Texas Sheet Cake Brownies are everything you love about the classic cake but in brownie form! Rich chocolate flavor and delightful boiled icing! We love including nuts, but you can leave them out if that's what you prefer!

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter 227g, I use Kerrygold
  • cups granulated sugar 500g, I use Domino
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 5 large eggs I use Vital Farms
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 130g, I use King Arthur
  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 80g, I use Ghirardelli
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips or 4oz. chopped baking chocolate

Icing

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a metal 9×13-inch cake pan with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.Make sure some of the parchment is over the edge of the pan for easy removal. This may require two sheets, one going in each direction for a 9×13-inch pan – make sure the one that goes across the shorter distance is under the one that goes along the full length of the pan.

  • Melt1 cup unsalted butterin a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat.

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  • Add 2½ cups granulated sugarand stir until smooth, the butter and sugar have started emulsifying, and no butter is separated from the sugar. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, stirring often to release heat.

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  • Add2 tablespoons canola oiland1 tablespoon vanilla extractto the butter and sugar and beat them in with a rubber spatula until fully combined and there's no separation between the ingredients (no oil resting on top).

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  • Beat in5 large eggsone at a time, beating with the spatula or a fork after each one. Mix until fully incorporated.

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  • Sift the1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¾ teaspoon saltinto the butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula just until almost all the dry streaks are gone.

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  • Fold in the½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips.

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  • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 27 to 30 minutes.

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  • Cut ⅔ cup salted butter into cubes and melt in a saucepan over medium heat.

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  • Sift in 2½ cups powdered sugar and ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder and whisk until combined, then whisk in 3 ounces whole milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

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  • Stir in ¾ cup pecan chips or pieces and then pour over the top of the warm brownies.

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  • Cool before removing it from the pan and slicing it for best results. Use a plastic knife for the cleanest cuts.

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Video

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Don’t forget to share it with me on Instagram @sugarandsoulco and follow on Tiktok @sugarandsoulco and Pinterest @sugarandsoulco for more!

Reader Interactions

Share your thoughts!

Love this recipe? Share your thoughts with me below and leave a review! And don’t forget to connect on your favorite social platform below!

    5 from 1 vote

    Leave A Reply!

    Comments & Reviews

  1. Rebecca Hubbell says

    Texas Sheet Cake Brownies (20)
    I absolutely love these brownies. I used the small pecan chips pieces, and they were really good and easy to cut!

    Reply

Texas Sheet Cake Brownies (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between sheet cake and Texas sheet cake? ›

But for a Texas sheet cake, like everything else in the Lone Star state, the dimensions are much bigger. The classic Texas sheet cake is often made with a jelly roll pan, a pan that measures 10x15 inches, or an even longer 12x18-inch sheet pan.

What is the difference between cake like brownies and regular brownies? ›

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat—in this case, butter and chocolate. A cakey batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar and eggs does not change whether you're going fudgy or cakey.

Why is my Texas sheet cake dry? ›

The ratio of wet to dry ingredients determines a cake's moisture level. If there's simply too much flour and not enough butter, a cake will taste dry. On the other hand, if there's too much milk and not enough flour, a cake will taste too wet. Finding the right balance between wet and dry ingredients is key.

What are other names for Texas sheet cake? ›

Though I did not discover who named this cake or when the name originated, what I did find, after consulting many cookbooks and the published recipes, is that the Texas sheet cake goes by many names: buttermilk brownies, brownie sheet cake, chocolate brownie cake, chocolate sheet brownies, Mexican chocolate cake, Texas ...

How many people will a 1 4 sheet cake feed? ›

Generally, a full sheet cake can serve around 70 to 80 people, a half sheet cake serves about 36 to 48, and a quarter sheet cake caters to approximately 20 to 24 guests. Q: How much batter do I need for a sheet cake?

Is a sheet cake pan the same as a cookie sheet? ›

Baking sheet pans have rolled edges with a lip around the entire pan, whereas cookie sheets do not. Baking sheets are often used for roasting and other savory preparations. Baking sheets can also be used for very shallow cakes, like those used for jelly rolls. Baking sheets can be used for cookies.

What are the three types of brownies? ›

Brownie textures fall into three general camps… Cakey, fudgy and chewy. Cakey brownies, like the name implies, are light, moist and airy, with a slightly fluffy, cake-like interior. Fudgy brownies are moist, dense and gooey, with almost the texture of fudge, but not quite as compact.

Why did my box brownies turn out like cake? ›

The aeration agent or leavening agent as it's often called helps trap air in the batter structure and hence results in the cakey brownie style.

Does brownie batter taste the same without eggs? ›

It tastes exactly like regular brownies, but it's perfect if you're out of eggs or avoiding them because of an allergy. These eggless brownies are a staple in my house. Keep reading for the best way to make a boxed mix of brownies without eggs.

Why did my Texas sheet cake sink in the middle? ›

The pan is too small. There's too much liquid. Opening the oven or moving pans during baking. Oven temperature is too low, or cake isn't baked long enough.

How do bakeries get their cakes so moist? ›

Jump to:
  1. Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
  2. Add Vegetable Oil.
  3. Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
  4. Use the Right Recipe.
  5. Don't Overbake.
  6. Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
  7. Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.
Apr 23, 2021

Why is my Texas sheet cake frosting grainy? ›

Too much sugar or not enough liquid can cause the buttercream to break or become too gritty. Using room temperature or softened butter, can also help create a smoother texture. Different types of sugar, such as cane sugar, beet sugar, or brown sugar, can affect the texture of your buttercream frosting as well.

Why is it called a funeral cake? ›

Why is it called funeral cake? meant not only to provide refreshment for mourners, but also to be a token of remembrance and comfort. special funeral cakes has all but disappeared.

What are some fun facts about Texas sheet cake? ›

The origins of this cake are murky. Some sources say it may have first shown up in a Texas newspaper, which is why it's called "Texas" sheet cake, while others claim the name comes from the fact that it's the size of Texas. Regardless of its origins, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser.

Can you bake a sheet cake in a glass dish? ›

If you do find yourself needing to bake a cake or a similarly sugary treat in a glass dish, many bakers suggest reducing the oven temperature by 25 degrees in order to minimize your risk of over-browning.

What is the best type of cookie sheet for baking? ›

The takeaway

For most uses, we recommend an uncoated aluminum baking sheet with rolled edges, and the Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Half Sheet is our top pick in that category.

What is the difference between a full sheet cake and a half sheet cake? ›

A full-sheet cake (18 x 24 inches, requiring approximately 16 cups of batter) serves up to 80 people. Meanwhile, 1/2 sheet cake (18 x 12 inches and using 7 to 8 cups of batter) should be enough for 36-48 guests. And the smallest option, 1/4 sheet cake (9 x 13 inches, up to 4 cups of batter), can feed 20-24 people.

What defines a sheet cake? ›

This chocolate cake recipe is made in a sheet cake pan, which is where it gets the name, “sheet cake.” A sheet cake is any cake that is made in a large rectangular pan known as a sheet pan or jelly roll pan.

Do sheet cakes have two layers? ›

A standard sheet cake is usually made with two layers of cake, a layer of filling or frosting, and is then covered with frosting. However, for smaller occasions or less formal events, they can be made with a single layer and are simply topped with frosting.

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