Go Back
easy-chocolate-sheet-cake-with-fudgy-chocolate-frosting_feature

Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting

This chocolate sheet cake delivers rich cocoa flavor in every moist, tender bite, topped with an irresistible fudgy chocolate frosting. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any celebration that calls for something sweet, this one-pan dessert comes together quickly without sacrificing that homemade taste everyone loves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  3. Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin – this is normal. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  5. While the cake cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until glossy and spreadable.
  6. Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Don't skip the boiling water - it helps bloom the cocoa powder for deeper flavor. Measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cups and leveling with a knife. Cool cake completely before frosting. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.