This White Texas Sheet Cake is a dreamy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines a tender, buttery crumb with a luscious, creamy frosting. In just over an hour, you can create a treat that’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any sweet occasion. The cake’s moist texture melts in your mouth, while the rich frosting adds a velvety finish that’s impossible to resist.
With its delicate vanilla flavor and a hint of almond, every bite feels like a warm hug. The 40-minute prep and 22-minute bake make it surprisingly simple for such an indulgent dessert. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, this cake promises to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients for White Texas Sheet Cake
- Cake:
- ▢ 1 cup butter, softened (unsalted recommended)
- ▢ 1 cup water
- ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ▢ 2 cups granulated sugar
- ▢ 2 large eggs (room temperature for best results)
- ▢ ½ cup sour cream (plain yogurt can be substituted)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla extract for a different flavor)
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Frosting:
- ▢ 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (1 package)
- ▢ ¼ cup butter, softened
- ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ▢ 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoother frosting)
- ▢ ½ cup sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to heat up while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then remove from heat.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Stir in the flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, almond extract, salt, and baking soda until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Spray a 18 x 13 x 1-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, then pour the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. If desired, top with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While the cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, you can elevate your White Texas Sheet Cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted chopped almonds for added texture. For a fruity twist, top with fresh raspberries or a dollop of lemon curd to balance the sweetness.
Serve It Up: Creative Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for large gatherings! Cut it into 2-inch squares for easy serving, or slice it into larger portions for a dessert centerpiece. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee to complement its rich flavor. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles or edible flowers.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different flavors by swapping the almond extract for vanilla or lemon extract. For a nutty twist, fold 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the batter. If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 3 cups and add a splash of milk for a smoother consistency.
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prepare the frosting while the cake bakes. Use a stand mixer to cream the butter and cream cheese quickly. For an even faster bake, preheat your oven while gathering ingredients and use a nonstick baking sheet to minimize cleanup. If you’re short on time, skip the sprinkles—they’re optional but still fun!
White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 package, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place one cup butter and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove saucepan from heat and stir in flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, almond extract, salt, and baking soda until smooth.
- Pour batter into a baking sheet (18 x 13 x 1-inch) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until cake is golden brown. Let cool for 20-30 minutes.
- For the frosting, cream together cream cheese, butter and vanilla together.
- Add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Top with sprinkles, if desired.