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Moist chocolate cake slice with smooth chocolate frosting on a white plate

Chocolate Sheet Cake Birthday

Emma F., smiling female cake chef wearing a pastel pink apron in a cozy kitchenEmma F.
A rich and decadent chocolate sheet cake perfect for birthdays, with creative decoration ideas to make any celebration special.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking pan greased and lined
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 Mixing bowls large and medium
  • 1 Wire Rack

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup water hot

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.

Baking

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving

  • Once cooled, frost the cake with your chosen frosting and decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh fruit as desired.
  • Cut the cake into slices and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as needed.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Ingredient Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and vegan butter. How to Serve: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Storage & Freshness: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Make-Ahead Tips: Bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped.
Keyword birthday cake, chocolate cake, sheet cake