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texas sheet cake - lightened up

jostlori avatar
Recipe by
Lori L (JostLori)
@jostlori
San Diego

There are many versions of this traditional Texas Sheet Cake, but most are very similar in that they call for a full cup of butter. This version, though certainly not in any way "healthy", uses unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt to replace some of those fat-laden calories. It's also a bit different in that it includes a bit of cinnamon in the cake. The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it makes enough for a crowd, and best of all you don't have to wait for the cake to cool to apply the frosting. A great picnic or potluck cake! So go ahead... indulge!

yield 32 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For texas sheet cake - lightened up

  • FOR THE CAKE:
  • 2 c
    sugar
  • 2 c
    all purpose flour
  • 1/2 c
    butter
  • 1/2 c
    buttermilk
  • 1 c
    water
  • 1/2 c
    unsweetened applesauce or plain yogurt
  • 1/4 c
    unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2
    eggs
  • 1 tsp
    baking soda
  • 1 tsp
    cinnamon
  • 1 tsp
    vanilla extract
  • FOR THE FROSTING:
  • 1/2 c
    butter
  • 1/4 c
    unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 c
    milk
  • 1 lb
    confectioners sugar
  • 1 tsp
    vanilla extract

How To Make texas sheet cake - lightened up

  • 1
    For Cake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • 2
    Whisk together the sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • 3
    In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine butter, buttermilk, water, applesauce/yogurt, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil. Stir well and pour into flour/sugar mixture.
  • 4
    Add eggs, soda, cinnamon, and vanilla. Beat just until combined.
  • 5
    Pour into an ungreased 17 x 11 x 3/4-inch jelly-roll pan (or a baking sheet with a lip around the whole thing. Smooth with a spatula so the batter is evenly distributed. Bake for 20 minutes.
  • 6
    For Frosting: During the last five minutes the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. .
  • 7
    Melt butter and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat. Add milk and bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat.
  • 8
    Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
  • 9
    When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 3-5 minutes, then pour the frosting over the top, spreading all the way to the corners.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!

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