Go Back
dark-chocolate-sheet-cake_feature

Ultimate Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake: Rich Cocoa Dessert with Intense Flavor

This dark chocolate sheet cake delivers an intense cocoa experience with a less sweet profile that appeals to grown-up tastes. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and gatherings, it features a moist dark crumb with rich dark chocolate frosting that complements rather than overwhelms.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (dark variety)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat eggs lightly. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Carefully pour in hot water and mix until batter is smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool completely in pan on wire rack before frosting.
  4. While cake cools, prepare frosting. In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Add milk and bring mixture to gentle boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting is smooth and glossy. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  5. Pour warm frosting over completely cooled cake, spreading evenly with spatula. Allow frosting to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for intense flavor. Don't overmix batter. Ensure cake is completely cool before frosting. Hot water helps bloom cocoa powder for better flavor.