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Easy Devil’s Food Sheet Cake for a Crowd

A close-up of a moist, dark slice of Devil's food sheet cake topped with thick chocolate frosting.
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A simple, rich chocolate sheet cake recipe perfect for serving large groups at parties, topped with classic American buttercream.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a standard 13×18 inch sheet pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for two minutes.
  4. Carefully stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and thin. This batter will be liquid.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared sheet pan.
  6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, alternating with the milk or cream, beating until smooth. Add the remaining vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
  10. Spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

  • Using hot coffee instead of hot water deepens the chocolate flavor in the cake.
  • For easy serving at your party, you can frost the cake while it is still in the pan.
  • This recipe makes a great base for an aesthetic chocolate frosting presentation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://onedishuniverse.com/devils-food-sheet-cake-recipe-for-crowd/