Texas sheet cake is a popular chocolate cake that originated in Texas. It’s called a “sheet cake” because it’s baked in a large sheet pan. But why is it specifically associated with Texas? There are a few theories behind the name and origins of Texas sheet cake.
What is Texas Sheet Cake?
Texas sheet cake is a moist, rich chocolate cake. It’s made with cocoa powder, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and buttermilk. The cake has a fudgy texture and is iced with a chocolate frosting. Some key features of Texas sheet cake include:
- Baked in a sheet pan – This gives the cake its flat, sheet-like appearance.
- Dense and fudgy – The cake has a soft, almost brownie-like texture.
- Thin chocolate frosting – A silky chocolate icing is poured over the warm cake so it soaks in.
- Typically served at room temperature – The cake is meant to be served straight from the pan at room temp.
The simple ingredients, easy prep, and crowd-pleasing chocolate flavor have made Texas sheet cake a mainstay at potlucks, barbecues, and family gatherings in Texas and beyond.
Origins and History
While the exact origins are unclear, most accounts point to Texas in the mid 20th century as the birthplace of the Texas sheet cake.
Some key facts about the history of Texas sheet cake:
- First appeared in the 1950s or 1960s – The earliest known recipes came out of Texas around this time.
- Mrs. L.E. Watt – One story credits this Dallas resident with inventing the cake. Her recipe was printed in local papers in the 1950s.
- Well known by the 1970s – Recipes for Texas sheet cake were widespread in Texas and Southern cookbooks by the 1970s.
- Popularized outside of Texas in the 1990s – The cake gained national attention in the 1990s and spread beyond Texas borders.
While we may never know the exact origin story, Texas sheet cake became an iconic Southern dessert of the late 20th century. Its popularity endures today both in Texas and well beyond.
How Did It Get the Name “Texas Sheet Cake”?
There are a few leading theories about how Texas sheet cake got its name:
Baked in Sheet Pans
The most straightforward theory is that it’s called “sheet cake” because it’s baked in a sheet pan. Sheet pans are common in home and commercial kitchens. They have a flat, sheet-like shape with shallow rims. This would differentiate the cake from layer cakes or other cakes baked in round pans.
Baking the chocolate cake batter in a sheet pan gives it a flat, sheet-like appearance. So the name “sheet cake” may have simply described the pan used and overall look of the cake.
Originated in Texas
Since the cake has its roots in Texas in the mid 20th century, it became known as “Texas” sheet cake.
Adding a geographic label was a way to associate this chocolate sheet cake with the Lone Star State. Similar to Texas barbecue, chili, or toast, attributing a food to Texas can indicate its origins or style.
So while sheet cakes themselves aren’t unique to Texas, calling it “Texas” sheet cake helped cement its origins.
Served at Big Gatherings in Texas
Another idea is that Texas sheet cake got its name because it was commonly served at large gatherings and potlucks in Texas.
The simple, budget-friendly ingredients meant Texas sheet cake could easily feed dozens or hundreds of people in the state. Community gatherings, church functions, school parties, and other big events often had Texas sheet cake.
Since it was regularly served at large-scale events within Texas, the name “Texas sheet cake” emerged.
Larger Portion Sizes
Compared to other types of sheet cake, Texas sheet cake is known for being really big and rich. It’s baked in a large, rimmed sheet pan which can easily serve 25-50 people.
The generous portion sizes of Texas sheet cake at potlucks may have led to its reputation as an over-the-top Texas dessert. The superlatives associated with Texas (bigger, better, bolder) factored into its name and identity.
Popularity and Variations
While the basic recipe has remained largely consistent, Texas sheet cake’s popularity has spawned some variations over the years:
Gluten Free
Gluten-free Texas sheet cakes swap wheat flour for gluten-free options like almond, coconut, or rice flour. This allows people with gluten intolerance to enjoy the classic cake.
Butter Pecan
A popular twist is adding butter pecan flavor to the cake batter and frosting. This gives you incredible nutty, buttery, chocolatey flavors.
Cookies and Cream
Adding crushed Oreo cookies or crumbled chocolate wafers to the batter and frosting turns it into cookies and cream Texas sheet cake. The cookie pieces add nice crunch.
Caramel
Caramel takes the cake to the next level. It can be swirled into the frosting, praline topping, or baked as a ribbon into the cake for delicious caramel flavors.
Boozy
Alcohol amps up the chocolate decadence. Texas sheet cakes can be spiked with instant espresso powder or coffee liqueur for mocha flavors. Whiskey, rum, or bourbon also pair well with the chocolate notes.
Conclusion
While its exact origin remains obscured in mystery, Texas sheet cake emerged as a Lone Star State sensation in the mid-20th century. Its moist chocolate crumb, silky icing, and sheer size made it a potluck favorite and gave it an identity as a bold Texas dessert.
The name “Texas sheet cake” simply describes its place of origin and method of baking in a sheet pan. But the name also reflects how it became intrinsically tied to the culture, identity, and parties of Texas. More than just a chocolate cake, Texas sheet cake remains a culinary icon of the state.
