Texas Sheet Cake

Everything is bigger in Texas! I always thought that was just a phrase, but after moving to Houston, believe me, it's true. I always wondered why this was called 'Texas Sheet Cake' but it makes sense because it is made in a jelly roll pan rather than a x13 or made into a layered cake. This is my Grandma Lilly's recipe, and it is so simple and delicious!

This cake is perfect to make for a picnic, or anywhere you need to please a crowd. In a 15x10 inch jelly roll sheet pan, it will make 15, 3 inch squares. You can even squeeze out quite a few more slices if you make them smaller.

This cake is so moist, so buttery and absolutely delectable. I promise you won't be able to have just one slice! In fact, when Sean is around, I have to strategically hide it or he will eat half of the sheet cake without blinking an eye! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 2 cups sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup butter

• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar (or 1/2 cup buttermilk)

• 2 eggs, slightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

Cake Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 15x10 inch jelly roll sheet pan. Sift together in a large bowl flour, sugar and salt.

2. In a medium sauce pan, bring butter, cocoa and water to a boil, stirring frequently. Pour over flour mixture, beating well.

3. Add milk, eggs, baking soda, vanilla and vinegar. Mix well.

4. Bake about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. While cake is baking prepare icing.

Icing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1/3 cup milk

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Icing Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine first 3 ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat until butter melts.

2. Remove from heat. beat in enough powdered sugar to make a spreading consistency. Beat in vanilla and stir until smooth and creamy, not runny.

3. Pour over the sheet cake while warm. Sprinkle with nuts if using!