Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Sheet Cake is a beloved classic, known for its rich and decadent flavors. This recipe, made famous by Ree Drummond, is a tribute to the irresistible combination of chocolate and moist cake, topped with a delectable icing. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you crave a slice of Southern comfort. Let’s dive into creating this iconic sheet cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (heaping) cocoa powder
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (heaping) cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- In a saucepan, melt 2 sticks of unsalted butter. Stir in 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Add 1 cup of boiling water, and allow the mixture to boil for 30 seconds. Remove it from heat.
- Pour the hot butter-cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
- Pour this buttermilk mixture into the batter and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Preparing the Icing:
- While the cake is baking, start preparing the icing. In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of whole milk. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually stir in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and well combined.
Frosting the Cake:
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the hot icing over it.
- Spread the icing evenly, making sure it covers the entire cake.
Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool and the icing to set before slicing and serving.
Variations and Tips
- Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Add chopped pecans or walnuts and chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Coffee Infusion: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the boiling water used in the cake batter.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dutch Process Cocoa: For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Pioneer Woman’s Chocolate Sheet Cake is a slice of Southern heaven, boasting the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and moist, tender crumb. Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert or shared at gatherings, it’s a timeless favorite that brings joy to every bite. With its straightforward preparation and heavenly flavors, this cake is destined to become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire. So, savor the nostalgia and enjoy a slice of this Southern delight!
