A rich, moist, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate cake baked in a simple sheet pan and covered with a glossy, swoon-worthy chocolate frosting.
Chocolate sheet cakes are the quiet heroes of homemade baking. They require no stacking, no special decorating tools, and absolutely no stress — yet they feed a crowd and deliver all the indulgence of a fancy bakery cake. The version we’re making today is the one that becomes a family recipe, the dessert people request for birthdays, potlucks, office parties, and everything in between.
This cake is soft, tender, deeply chocolatey, and beautifully moist without being dense. The frosting pours over the warm cake and sets into a satiny, chocolate-fudge coating that cuts cleanly but melts instantly on the tongue. Every bite feels nostalgic, comforting, and luxurious all at once.
In this article, you’ll get a complete step-by-step recipe, helpful baking tips, storage guidelines, serving ideas, and variations — everything you need to make this sheet cake perfect every time.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Sheet Cake
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Feeds a crowd – perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
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Simple ingredients – no special equipment or complicated techniques.
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Ultra-moist texture – thanks to buttermilk and the warm-mix method.
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Glossy chocolate frosting – buttery, silky, and richer than regular icing.
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Versatile – add toppings, flavor variations, or bake as cupcakes.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sheet Cake
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2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter
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1 cup (240ml) water
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1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional but boosts chocolate flavor)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Glossy Chocolate Frosting
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
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1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream
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3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
