Description

An ultra-fudgy, moist chocolate sheet cake designed for baking with kids. It features a simple mix-and-pour method with a warm, crackly chocolate frosting that sets instantly.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
½ cup (115g) butter, softened
½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
⅓ cup (80ml) milk
2 cups (250g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
optional: chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and dust with cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
Add eggs, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed or stir vigorously for 2 minutes until thick. Scrape down sides.
Carefully pour boiling water into the batter while stirring constantly. The batter will become thin; this is normal. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
While cake bakes, make frosting: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, cocoa powder, milk, and salt. Stir until butter melts and mixture boils. Boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove from heat.
Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. The frosting should be thin and warm.
Pour warm frosting immediately over the hot cake. Spread evenly to edges.
Let cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Do not skip the boiling water; it blooms the cocoa for a fudgy texture. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in frosting. Pour frosting while hot for a crackly crust. Let cake cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting to prevent frosting from sliding off. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 42
Sodium: 250
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 58
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: chocolate sheet cake, kids baking, fudgy cake, easy dessert, chocolate frosting, family baking, simple cake