White Texas Sheet Cake

Craving a cake that’s simple yet utterly delicious? Look no further than the White Texas Sheet Cake! Known for its light, fluffy texture and creamy frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made for any occasion.

It’s a perfect choice for parties, family gatherings, or even just as an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee.

Trust me, you’re going to want to try this easy-to-make cake recipe that brings a touch of Southern charm to your table.

Ingredients List

For the Cake

• ½ cup shortening
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup whole buttermilk, well shaken
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Frosting

• 1 lb. box of powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar)
• ½ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3-4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Rainbow sprinkles (for that fun, festive touch)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes preparing this White Texas Sheet Cake a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 10×15″ Non-stick Jelly Roll Pan: This size is essential for making the thin, perfect layer of cake that is characteristic of Texas Sheet Cake.
2. Electric Mixer: This helps beat the batter and frosting to smooth perfection.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to the success of this recipe.
4. Toothpick: For testing the cake’s doneness.

Cake Preparation

The White Texas Sheet Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that yields a large batch, making it perfect for serving a crowd. Let’s dive into the cake-making process, step by step!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making White Texas Sheet Cake

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is at the perfect temperature when the cake is ready to go in. While the oven heats up, grease a 10×15″ non-stick jelly roll pan with shortening or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This step makes cleanup easier and helps the cake release smoothly once it’s done baking.

2. Boil the Butter, Shortening, and Water

In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup shortening, ½ cup salted butter, and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat until the butter and shortening melt completely, and the mixture begins to boil. Stir occasionally to make sure everything melts evenly. Once boiling, remove the pan from the heat.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

While your butter mixture is cooling slightly, grab a large mixing bowl and add 2 cups sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together to ensure that everything is well combined. This dry mixture is the base of your cake batter.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients in your mixing bowl. Stir quickly with a spatula or spoon to combine the ingredients until smooth. Once the wet and dry ingredients are fully incorporated, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients.

5. Add the Vanilla, Almond Extract, Buttermilk, and Eggs

Slowly add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, ½ cup whole buttermilk (make sure it’s well shaken), and 2 large eggs (at room temperature). Beat the batter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the batter is smooth and fully combined. The buttermilk gives the cake that extra fluffiness, and the vanilla and almond extracts add a nice, subtle flavor.

6. Bake the Cake

Once your batter is perfectly mixed, pour it into the prepared jelly roll pan. Spread the batter evenly across the pan using a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be sure to check the cake around the 15-minute mark, as ovens can vary slightly in temperature. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Frosting for White Texas Sheet Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to whip up the sweet and creamy frosting that makes this cake extra special. The frosting is simple but incredibly delicious, adding the perfect finishing touch to the cake’s fluffy texture.

1. Prepare the Frosting Base

In a large bowl, add 1 lb. box of powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar) and ½ cup salted butter, which should be softened to room temperature. Start mixing on low speed with an electric mixer to combine the sugar and butter. This helps prevent powdered sugar from flying everywhere!

2. Add the Milk and Vanilla

Once the sugar and butter are combined, add 3-4 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

3. Frost the Cake

Now that the frosting is ready, it’s time to spread it generously over the cooled cake. Use a spatula to evenly spread the frosting across the surface, making sure every corner and edge is covered. The frosting will spread easily and create a smooth, creamy layer.

4. Optional Garnish with Sprinkles

For a festive touch, you can add a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosting. This adds a pop of color and makes the cake even more fun, especially if you’re serving it at a birthday or special occasion!

Serving and Storing White Texas Sheet Cake

Now that your White Texas Sheet Cake is fully frosted and decorated, it’s time to enjoy this delightful treat. Here are a few tips on how to serve and store your cake, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

1. Cutting and Serving the Cake

Slice the cake into small squares (approximately 1.5-inch squares). This size is perfect for serving a crowd or for guests to enjoy as a little sweet bite after a meal. The cake is rich, so smaller portions are usually more than enough for most people.

You can serve the cake on its own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for an extra indulgent treat. The moist, fluffy texture of the cake pairs wonderfully with a refreshing beverage, like iced tea or a light coffee.

2. How to Keep White Texas Sheet Cake Fresh

If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store your cake to keep it fresh for a few days. To do so, place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay soft and moist, and the frosting will remain creamy.

3. Freezing White Texas Sheet Cake

If you’d like to keep the cake for a longer period, freezing is a great option. To freeze the cake, first, cut it into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let the cake thaw at room temperature, and it will taste just as fresh as the day you made it!

Conclusion

Making a White Texas Sheet Cake is a fun and rewarding baking project that results in a moist, flavorful cake topped with a delicious, creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit. Its light texture, subtle almond and vanilla flavors, and sweet frosting make it a dessert everyone will love. And with easy preparation and storage tips, you’ll be able to enjoy this cake for days or even weeks!

Now that you’ve mastered this Southern classic, feel free to experiment with different variations or toppings, or even add your favorite jam or fruit on top. No matter how you serve it, White Texas Sheet Cake is a surefire way to sweeten up any occasion!