White Texas Sheet Cake
It’s a perfect choice for parties, family gatherings, or even just as an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee.
Equipment
- 10x15″ Non-stick Jelly Roll Pan
- Electric Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Toothpick
Ingredients
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 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)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making White Texas Sheet Cake
- 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 10x15″ 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!