Ultimate Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake with Rich Fudgy Frosting

This easy chocolate sheet cake is the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, and family gatherings. With its moist crumb and rich fudgy frosting, it’s a crowd-pleasing treat that comes together in just one pan – making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a simple chocolate dessert, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

The beauty of this sheet cake lies in its versatility and foolproof method. You’ll love how the warm fudgy frosting melts into the cake, creating layers of chocolate flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out our Ultimate Easy Chocolate Traybake.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Fudgy Frosting:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – this is normal and creates the moist texture.

Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until smooth.

Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the frosting is smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven. Spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 9: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The frosting will set as it cools.

Expert Tips

• For extra richness, use high-quality cocoa powder – it makes a noticeable difference in flavor

• Don’t skip the boiling water step – it helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a tender crumb

• Make sure your cake is hot when you add the frosting – this allows it to soak in slightly

• Let the cake cool completely before serving for the frosting to set properly

• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days

If you love easy dessert recipes, you might also enjoy our Ultimate Pioneer Woman Chocolate Sheet Cake or our Ultimate Moist And Fudgy Chocolate Cake for more chocolate inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it covered at room temperature.

Can I use a different pan size?
You can use two 8-inch round pans instead, but reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes.

How do I make this without buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

For more simple dessert ideas perfect for gatherings, explore our collection of easy homemade desserts that are sure to please any crowd.

Ultimate Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake with Rich Fudgy Frosting

This easy chocolate sheet cake is perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings with its moist crumb and rich fudgy frosting that comes together in just one pan. The warm frosting melts into the hot cake, creating layers of chocolate flavor with minimal cleanup required.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – this is normal and creates the moist texture.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and milk until smooth.
7. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
8. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately after removing it from the oven. Spread evenly with a spatula.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The frosting will set as it cools.

Notes

For extra richness, use high-quality cocoa powder. Don’t skip the boiling water step – it helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a tender crumb. Make sure your cake is hot when you add the frosting. Let the cake cool completely before serving for the frosting to set properly. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.