Easy Texas Sheet Cake

Seriously, the way my friends rave about dessert that is so fast and easy makes me with twice about even attempting something that might require a significant effort. I had this cake mixed, baked, frosted and taste-tested in under an hour. Yummers.

Even my skinniest friend kept sneaking pieces, but I stopped counting after three...or four...

So maybe this isn't the healthiest, but it is certainly one of the tastiest chocolate cakes I've devoured! Plus it doesn't require any weird ingredients and yet it is extremely addictive. I blame it on the butter. And the fact that your thighs may expand after you try this recipe, I blame on my friend Nicole, who first introduced me to Texas Sheet Cake during college whenever we needed something to whip up and share with a crowd!

Easy Texas Sheet Cake [click to print]
Makes 24 generous servings


For the Cake: 
2 c. flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. hot water
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. sugar
3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs, large

For the frosting: 
1 c. pecans, finely chopped and toasted (optional, but real Texans love pecans)
3/4 c. unsalted butter
1/3 c. cocoa powder
6 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3-1/2 c. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 13x18" jelly roll pan with parchment paper or spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, salt, cocoa and soda; set aside. In another small bowl, whisk together water, buttermilk and vanilla; set aside.

See all those little air pockets just waiting to be filled with frosting?!

In a large mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add eggs. Alternate adding dry mixture and liquids in about three additions. Continue mixing until well incorporated and smooth. Pour batter into pan and bake 20-28 minutes.

While the cake is baking, get going on that deliciously decadent frosting! Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cocoa and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in milk, vanilla and powdered sugar; whisk until nice and smooth. Pour frosting over warm cake and spread evenly.

Sprinkle nuts across the cake and allow to cool until it won't burn your mouth up. Cut into squares and enjoy like crazy!

Source: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Groundhog's Day

I love holidays, as you may have noticed. Groundhog's Day is a big deal when you grow up in Pennsylvania. Mr. Punxsatawney Phil lives in that wonderful state! And every year, the mayor of Punxsatawney, PA drags that poor sleeping groundhog out of his burrow to predict how much longer the bitter winter will last. Cross your fingers for an early spring!

What could possibly make this rodent-dedicated holiday any better? Groundhog pops, of course! If you're looking for something even more decadent than these cute little groundhogs, try using them as a cupcake topper! And if you're against candy with preservative-laden ingredient lists, check back soon for a homemade almond joy recipe!

Oh, and not only is Groundhog's Day fun (and a little funny) but it practically belongs to my oldest brother. Happy Birthday, Chip! You're one year more awesome today!

Groundhog Pops [click to print]
Makes about 20 pops


1 bag snack size Almond Joy candy bars, unwrapped (about 20 pieces)
20 lollipop or mini popsicle sticks
20 red or pink dragees
1 bag M&M minis
1 tube black decorator's gel
1-1/2 c. white frosting in piping bag or ziploc baggie with end snipped off
1/2 c. chocolate chips, melted in ziploc baggie with end snipped off

Insert one stick about 2" deep into each candy bar and arrange on wax paper. Squeeze a small triangle of melted chocolate on the upper half of the almond. Place two brown mini M&M's on the corners of the triangle for cheeks. Place a red dragee on the point of the melted chocolate for a nose.

     

Pipe a small white rectangle of frosting under the cheeks for buck teeth. If you want the edges to be sharper, allow to set a few seconds, then shape with a toothpick. Pipe two white eyeballs above the almond. Use a toothpick to dab a small dot of black decorator's gel onto each eyeball.

Squeeze a small blob/triangle on the top corners of each candy for ears. Poke lollipop stick in a stand, or apple, like I used, and allow ears to set in the refrigerator. Repeat with remaining candy bars and experience some Groundhog's Day Joy!

Source: Adapted from Sweetology 101