Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 6 Tablespoons (90 ml) milk
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan (or line with parchment).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together hot water, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cocoa powder and milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  7. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
  8. Immediately pour the warm frosting over the warm cake.
  9. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.
  10. Let the cake cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy this amazing chocolate sheet cake recipe!