Chocolate Sheet Cake

🍰 Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup sour cream or buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍫 Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Cake Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch sheet pan or jelly roll pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt.
3. Heat Butter Mixture:
   • In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa.
   • Bring to a boil while stirring constantly.
   • Remove from heat and pour over dry ingredients. Mix well.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in sour cream (or buttermilk), eggs, and vanilla.
   • Mix until smooth.
5. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

👩‍🍳 Frosting Instructions (Prepare while the cake is baking):

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
3. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
4. Pour Warm Frosting over warm cake and spread evenly. Let set for 10–15 minutes before cutting.

🍴 Serving & Storage:

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months.