Description
This decadent, ultra-moist sheet cake combines rich cocoa with a silky fudge-like icing that melts directly into the warm sponge. It is the ultimate express dessert for chocolate lovers who want bakery-quality texture without the complex time commitment.
Ingredients
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 400g granulated sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 227g butter
- 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 120ml buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter (for icing)
- Cocoa powder (for icing)
- Milk (for icing)
- Powdered sugar (for icing)
- Chopped pecans (for icing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 18-by-13-inch sheet pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the 4 heaping tablespoons of cocoa powder.
- Add the boiling water to the saucepan and let the mixture come to a rolling boil for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir lightly to incorporate and cool slightly.
- Whisk together the buttermilk, beaten eggs, baking soda, and vanilla, then pour into the batter and stir until completely smooth.
- Pour the thin batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly touched.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the icing by melting butter, cocoa, and milk in a pan, whisking in the powdered sugar and pecans until smooth.
- Immediately pour the warm icing over the cake the moment it comes out of the oven.
Notes
To achieve the smoothest batter possible, ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature so they emulsify quickly into the warm chocolate base. If you want a perfectly glossy finish on your icing, sift the powdered sugar before whisking it into the melted butter and cocoa mixture to prevent any tiny lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American