White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

There is something wonderfully nostalgic and undeniably irresistible about a White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe. This classic dessert combines a moist, tender crumb with a luxuriously creamy frosting, making it an instant hit for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply cheering up any afternoon. What makes this version truly special is the subtle almond extract in the cake batter and the smooth cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of tang. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a crucial role in creating its signature texture and flavor. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the tenderizing effect of sour cream, every component is thoughtfully chosen to deliver that classic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• 1 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the batter, ensuring a tender crumb.
• 1 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and blend the dry ingredients smoothly.
• 2 cups flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure without heaviness.
• 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• 2 eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s softness.
• ½ cup sour cream: Enhances moisture and adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a delicate, nutty aroma that elevates the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste and balances sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cake, creating a light, airy texture.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Base of the creamy frosting, providing tang and richness.
• ¼ cup butter, softened: Adds smoothness and helps the frosting set just right.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that silky texture.
• ½ cup sprinkles (optional): Adds a fun, colorful touch for celebrations.

How to Make White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, generously spray a large baking sheet (18 x 13 x 1-inch) with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cake will come out effortlessly after baking and keeps the edges perfectly defined.

Step 2: Bring Butter and Water to a Boil

Combine one cup of softened butter and one cup of water in a large saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil on the stove. This step might seem unusual, but the hot butter-water mix helps dissolve sugar uniformly and gently cooks the flour once it’s added, creating that signature tender crumb you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Flavorings

Once the butter and water have reached a boil, remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the flour, sugar, eggs, sour cream, almond extract, salt, and baking soda. Keep mixing until the batter is perfectly smooth. This will be a thick, luscious batter that promises a moist and tender cake when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the cake’s top glows a gorgeous golden brown. After baking, allow the cake to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before frosting. This cooling period ensures the frosting won’t melt into the cake, keeping everything beautifully balanced.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cake cools, blend together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable. This frosting is the perfect creamy complement, slightly tangy yet decadently sweet.

Step 6: Frost and Add Sprinkles

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula. For a festive finish, sprinkle your favorite colorful sprinkles on top if you like. This final touch adds visual charm and a playful crunch with every bite.

How to Serve White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe shines best with simple, thoughtful garnishes. Consider a dusting of finely chopped toasted almonds to echo the almond extract in the batter or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to amp up the indulgence. Lightly dusting powdered sugar over the frosted cake just before serving adds an elegant touch and a hint of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, also pair beautifully with the creamy frosting, cutting through the richness and adding refreshing bursts of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Why settle for plain slices when you can get creative? Cut the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or stack smaller squares with fresh fruit layers for a charming layered dessert. You can also turn leftovers into cake trifle by layering cubes of cake with whipped cream and fruit in pretty glasses—talk about a dazzling presentation that tastes just as fantastic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by storing the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the cream cheese frosting, chilling prevents spoilage and maintains the frosting’s creamy texture while keeping the cake moist.

Freezing

This White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe freezes brilliantly. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When properly stored, the cake can last up to three months in the freezer while maintaining its delightful flavor and texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cake slices, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For a freshly-baked feel, you can warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds at low power—just be careful not to warm too long and soften the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla in this White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! If almond isn’t your thing, you can swap it for vanilla extract without changing the cake’s texture. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift to a more classic vanilla note, which is delicious in its own right.

Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?

Yes, sour cream plays an important role in keeping the cake moist and tender while adding a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have sour cream, you could try plain yogurt as a substitute, but the texture might be slightly different.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.

What kind of sprinkles work best on this cake?

Any sprinkles you love will work here! Classic rainbow jimmies add playful color, while pearlized or pastel sprinkles can give a more elegant, subtle appearance. Just make sure to add them once the frosting is spread so they stick well.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a splash of lemon juice to cut the sweetness with a touch of acidity. Be sure to taste as you adjust so that the frosting stays smooth and spreadable.

Final Thoughts

There’s a warm, comforting joy that this White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe brings to the table every time. It’s a timeless dessert that somehow feels both special and homey, perfect for any occasion big or small. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let it become a treasured part of your own kitchen stories. Once you experience the tender crumb and luscious frosting, you’ll find it hard to reach for any other cake!

Print