Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe

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If you have a serious sweet tooth and love chocolate in all its glory, then get ready to fall head over heels for the Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe. This homemade skillet cake captures the rich, fudgy decadence of classic Texas sheet cake but with a wonderfully gooey texture that melts in your mouth. From the moment you pull it out of the oven, slather it with a luscious chocolate-pecan frosting, and dig in with a scoop of ice cream, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of dessert that brings friends and family together around the table, inviting laughter and second helpings all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how such simple, easy-to-find ingredients can come together to create something so irresistibly delicious. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that signature deep chocolate flavor that makes this skillet cake stand out.

• 1 cup water (227 grams): The base for melting the cocoa and butter to infuse the batter with rich chocolate goodness.
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (21 grams): Adds intense chocolate flavor without any sweetness, vital for that true Texas cake taste.
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (226 grams, chopped): Gives the cake its tenderness and moist crumb; don’t skip the butter—it’s literally the magic ingredient here.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams): The structure of the cake, making sure it holds together without being dense.
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams): Balances bitterness and enhances the moist texture while giving sweetness that melts perfectly on your tongue.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (6 grams): Helps the cake rise just enough for a light but rich feel.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to accentuate the chocolate and balance the sweetness.
• 2 large eggs (100 grams): Adds richness and stability to the cake’s texture.
• ½ cup sour cream (114 grams): Gives the cake its signature moist, slightly tangy crumb that keeps it so soft.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): Brings out all the deep flavors and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• 6 tablespoons milk (85 grams): For the luscious frosting that tops the cake perfectly.
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (16 grams): Used again in the frosting for that double chocolate hit.
• 4 ounces unsalted butter (113 grams, chopped): Melts into the frosting for a velvety finish with a touch of richness.
• 3¾ cups powdered sugar (424 grams): Sweetens the frosting to heavenly levels with silky smoothness.
• ¾ cup pecan bits (86 grams): Adds delightful crunch and a nutty contrast that takes this cake to the next level.

How to Make Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying your skillet with nonstick spray. A 10-inch skillet works perfectly here, giving the cake just the right thickness to bake evenly and gorgeously.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 8 ounces of butter. Bring this to a boil, stirring occasionally. This step is the foundation for that rich chocolate flavor that saturates the entire cake, so don’t rush it. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it cool for a moment.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While your chocolate mixture cools, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. These dry ingredients set the structure and sweetness, so mix them thoroughly to ensure an even batter.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. This egg mixture helps bind the batter and adds a creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until just combined. Then gently incorporate the chocolate mixture, whisking or using a hand mixer until the batter becomes gloriously smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared skillet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake should hold its shape but still be just barely gooey in the center. The toothpick test is your friend here—expect a few fudgy crumbs or a slight chocolate smear, which means perfection.

Step 7: Craft the Iconic Frosting

While the cake bakes, combine milk, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 4 ounces butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and beat with a hand mixer until smooth and luscious. This frosting is what truly elevates the Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe to legendary status.

Step 8: Add the Pecan Crunch and Frost the Cake

Fold pecan bits gently into the frosting, then pour the warm mixture over your hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let the frosting seep in and cool for about 10 minutes—the perfect time for the glaze to get glossy and irresistible.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Grab a spoon or a sharp knife and scoop generous slices out. Don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent experience. Invite your favorite people over and watch how quickly this skillet cake disappears!

How to Serve Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Feel free to be playful with your garnishes! A scoop of creamy vanilla or butter pecan ice cream adds delightful contrast to the warm cake. Fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the plate visually and add a fresh pop for your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This decadent dessert stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to serve a little something extra, try pairing it with simple homemade whipped cream or a small fruit salad to balance its rich sweetness. A cup of bold coffee or fresh brewed iced tea also complements the complex chocolate flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices straight from the skillet for rustic charm, or carefully transfer portions to pretty plates and drizzle extra warm chocolate sauce over the top. For a crowd-pleaser, turn the skillet cake into parfaits layered with whipped cream and berries, lending a fresh, playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe stays moist and delicious at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about four days without losing its signature gooey texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing slices in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds to get back the warm, gooey feeling that makes this cake so special. You can also reheat the entire skillet cake in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use either natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but note that natural cocoa powder will give a slightly sharper, more acidic taste, while Dutch-processed tends to be smoother and less bitter. The recipe works well with both, but adjust other ingredients slightly if you want a milder flavor.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for adding moisture and a similar tangy profile. Just keep the measurement the same for best results.

Can I make this cake in a regular baking pan instead of a skillet?

Absolutely! A 9×13-inch baking pan is a good alternative, though baking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the cake toward the end to achieve that perfect gooey center.

How do I know when the cake is done if I like it more on the gooey side?

Look for a cake that no longer jiggles and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs or chocolate streaks—this indicates the perfect gooey consistency. Baking longer will result in a more set cake if you prefer that.

Can I add extra nuts or mix-ins?

Definitely! While pecans are traditional and add a wonderful crunch, feel free to stir in walnuts, chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut to make the Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe your own delicious creation.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Gooey Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake Skillet Recipe that turns ordinary days into memorable celebrations. It’s effortless yet indulgent, with every bite bursting with deep chocolate flavor and gooey goodness that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this skillet cake promises to become one of your all-time favorites. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a dessert that feels like a warm chocolate hug every single time.

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