Texas Sheet Cake

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the cake.

#### Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
1. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. **Combine the Wet Ingredients:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and water to the saucepan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
3. **Add to Dry Ingredients:** Once the mixture has come to a boil, remove it from the heat and pour it into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
4. **Add Buttermilk and Eggs:** Stir in the buttermilk (or your milk/vinegar mixture), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until smooth.
5. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
1. **Melt the Butter:** While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
2. **Combine with Powdered Sugar:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
3. **Add Nuts (Optional):** If you like nuts in your frosting, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.

#### Step 4: Frost the Cake
– Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While the cake is still warm, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
– The frosting will harden as it cools, creating a glossy and fudgy topping that pairs perfectly with the moist cake.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
– Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into squares. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for an even firmer frosting texture.
– Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of soft chocolate cake and rich, fudgy frosting!

### Tips for the Perfect Texas Sheet Cake:

1. **Don’t Overbake the Cake:** To keep the cake moist, be careful not to overbake it. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes, and test with a toothpick. It should come out clean, but the cake should still be soft and moist.
2. **Customize the Frosting:** If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can omit them from the frosting, or even sprinkle shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips on top for a fun twist.
3. **Make Ahead:** This cake stores well and actually improves in flavor the next day! You can keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
4. **Frosting While Warm:** Frosting the cake while it’s still warm will help the frosting set beautifully and meld into the cake, making for a smooth, shiny finish.

### Why Texas Sheet Cake is a Crowd Favorite

**Texas Sheet Cake** is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Its simplicity, rich chocolate flavor, and easy-to-serve nature make it a hit at parties, family gatherings, and potlucks. What makes it so irresistible is not only the moist cake but also the fudgy, buttery frosting that creates a delectable contrast in each bite.

This dessert is a true classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress your guests. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a generous slice of this irresistible **Texas Sheet Cake**. It’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!