White Texas Sheet Cake
Enjoy a soft, buttery white Texas sheet cake with a rich vanilla frosting that melts into every bite. This easy, crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for any occasion and comes together in just minutes!
There’s something about a white Texas sheet cake that just feels special. Maybe it’s the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture or that sweet vanilla frosting that soaks perfectly into the warm cake. Whatever it is, this cake is a total crowd-pleaser, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps—just simple, classic flavors that everyone loves.
I love making this for family gatherings because it feeds a ton of people without the hassle of layering or decorating. You just bake it in a big pan, pour on the frosting, and let it do its thing. Plus, the flavor is rich and comforting, with just the right balance of sweetness. The hint of vanilla in both the cake and the frosting makes it taste like a bakery-style treat, but without all the effort.
If you’ve never tried a white Texas sheet cake before, you’re in for a treat. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, birthdays, or just a random Tuesday when you need something sweet. And since it stays soft and moist for days, you can enjoy it throughout the week (if it lasts that long!). Trust me—once you try this, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make white Texas sheet cake:
Cake:
- Butter – Adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb to the cake.
- Water – Helps dissolve ingredients and create a smooth batter.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and contributes to a soft texture.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and structure.
- Sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds a slight tang for balance.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Frosting:
- Butter – Creates a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
- Milk – Helps achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and provides structure.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and complements the cake’s sweetness.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some easy ways to customize this white Texas sheet cake:
- Add Almond Flavor – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the cake and frosting for a nutty twist.
- Top with Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the frosting for added crunch.
- Citrus Zest – Mix in lemon or orange zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted cake for extra indulgence.
- Sprinkles or Coconut – Add sprinkles for a festive look or shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
- Fruit Topping – Garnish with fresh berries or a thin layer of fruit preserves before the frosting sets.
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Swap Sour Cream – Use Greek yogurt instead for a slightly tangy, protein-rich alternative.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Heat the butter and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
Remove from the heat and pour into the dry ingredients mixture. Stir just until combined.
Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan.
Bake the cake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Melt the butter and milk together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then raise the temperature to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer.
In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the melted butter and milk mixture. Whisk together until smooth.
Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread it out evenly.
Cool the cake completely before slicing and serving.
Note
Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm—this helps it soak in slightly, creating an ultra-moist and flavorful cake.
Storage
To store a white Texas sheet cake, keep it covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate it for up to a week. If refrigerating, place it in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake for up to three months—just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting and bring back the cake’s fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Let eggs and sour cream sit out for a bit before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
Here are more helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cake light.
- Check for Doneness – Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Work Quickly with the Frosting – It sets fast, so pour and spread it immediately over the warm cake.
- Grease the Pan Well – Use non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cool Slightly Before Frosting – Let the cake rest for 5-10 minutes so the frosting doesn’t melt too much.
- Store Properly for Freshness – Keep covered at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain moisture.
- Customize the Toppings – Try chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
White Texas sheet cake is perfect on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few simple serving ideas. Try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add some extra creaminess. The cold, smooth texture balances the cake’s buttery richness, making each bite even better.
For a fresh twist, serve the cake with some fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tanginess of the berries complements the sweetness of the cake, giving you a balanced and flavorful bite. If you enjoy my Drinking Chocolate recipe, you could even drizzle some chocolate syrup over the cake to add a little extra cocoa flavor.
For a more festive touch, consider topping each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also add chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a bit of crunch. If you’re craving something that pairs perfectly with this cake, try it alongside my Keto Coffee Shortbread Cookies for a delightful dessert spread that’s sure to satisfy.
FAQs
Recipe
White Texas Sheet Cake
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
- Heat the butter and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and pour into the dry ingredients mixture. Stir just until combined.
- Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan.
- Bake the cake at 375F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Frosting:
- Melt the butter and milk together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then raise the temperature to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer.
- In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the melted butter and milk mixture. Whisk together until smooth.
- Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread out evenly.
- Cool the cake completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm—this helps it soak in slightly, creating an ultra-moist and flavorful cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the cake light.
