Elevate Your Dessert Game with Classic White Texas Sheet Cake
Are you craving a sweet treat that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious? Look no further than our Classic White Texas Sheet Cake recipe! This beloved dessert combines the rich flavors of butter, vanilla, and sour cream, resulting in a moist and irresistible cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, this recipe is sure to delight. Join us as we dive into the world of this iconic dessert, complete with step-by-step instructions, helpful cook’s notes, and even keto and low-carb variations to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15-inch baking sheet or jelly roll pan and set aside.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Gradually pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Add the vanilla, sour cream, and eggs to the batter, mixing until well combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is lightly golden brown.
4. Make the Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, salt, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
5. Frost the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Adding Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider stirring chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the cake batter before baking.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or lemon for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Decorative Touches: Garnish the frosted cake with sprinkles, edible flowers, or shredded coconut for a decorative touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it, unfrosted, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I use a different pan size? A: While a 10×15-inch baking sheet is ideal for a classic Texas sheet cake, you can use a similar-sized pan such as a 9×13-inch baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze this cake, either frosted or unfrosted, for up to three months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe? A: While the sugar contributes to the texture and sweetness of the cake, you can reduce the amount slightly if desired. Keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste and texture of the cake.
Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free? A: Yes, you can make this cake dairy-free by substituting dairy-free alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut milk yogurt for the butter and sour cream, respectively.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make the following adjustments to adapt this recipe:
- Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb alternative.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar in both the cake and frosting.
In conclusion, Classic White Texas Sheet Cake is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its simple yet decadent flavors and moist, tender texture, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure bliss with this iconic dessert!