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Easy Chocolate Sheet Cake with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

This classic chocolate sheet cake with fudgy chocolate frosting is perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight treats. The rich cocoa flavor combined with decadent fudgy frosting creates a dessert that's worthy of any celebration or casual get-together.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Calories: 420
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 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gradually add the hot water while mixing – the batter will be thin.
  3. Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  4. While cake cools, prepare frosting. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Stir in milk and bring to gentle boil. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and glossy.
  5. Pour warm frosting over completely cooled cake. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. The frosting will set as it cools.

Notes

Don't overmix the batter - mix just until combined. Hot water helps 'bloom' cocoa powder for intensified chocolate flavor. Wait until cake is completely cool before frosting. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.