Texas Sheet Cake is a beloved dessert, known for its thin, moist cake and decadent frosting. While the traditional Texas Sheet Cake boasts rich chocolate flavors, the White Texas Sheet Cake offers a delightful vanilla twist that’s equally satisfying. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, look no further than this guide to White Texas Sheet Cake Pioneer Woman style. This recipe embodies the spirit of simple, heartwarming baking that home cooks everywhere adore, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks.
A slice of white texas sheet cake on a plate
What Makes This White Texas Sheet Cake “Pioneer Woman” Style?
The term “Pioneer Woman” evokes images of hearty, home-style cooking, emphasizing ease of preparation and generous servings. This White Texas Sheet Cake recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s straightforward, uses common pantry ingredients, and is designed to feed a crowd. Like many Pioneer Woman recipes, it prioritizes flavor and simplicity over complicated techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
This isn’t just any vanilla cake; it’s a sheet cake, meaning it’s baked in a large, shallow pan. This results in a thinner cake that bakes quickly and is incredibly moist. The frosting is poured over the warm cake, creating a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth topping that perfectly complements the vanilla flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at gatherings, leaving everyone wanting just one more slice.
A white sheet cake sliced into twenty four slices
Essential Tips for Baking a Superb White Texas Sheet Cake
To ensure your White Texas Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Pan Size Matters: The recipe ideally calls for a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches). If you only have a half baking sheet pan (13×18 inches), you can use it, but the cake will be thinner and bake faster. Reduce baking time and check for doneness after about 15 minutes. For a thicker, more traditional cake shape, a 9×13 inch pan will also work, though baking time will increase to around 30-35 minutes, and you might have extra frosting.
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a moist sheet cake is to avoid overbaking. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Warm Cake, Warm Frosting: Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm. This allows the frosting to melt slightly and seep into the cake, creating that signature fudgy texture.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize your cake! For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the frosting. Toasted or untoasted coconut is another fantastic topping. If you love almond extract, substitute it for the vanilla extract or use a half-and-half mixture in both the cake and frosting for a subtle almond note.
- Storage Solutions: White Texas Sheet Cake stores beautifully. Keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days covered with plastic wrap or a lid. For longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. Individual slices can also be frozen for easy single servings.
A slice of white texas sheet cake being taken out of the pan.
Baking Your White Texas Sheet Cake: Step-by-Step
Creating this delightful White Texas Sheet Cake is simpler than you might think. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through the process:
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter
- ⅓ cup milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Jelly roll pan (15×10 inches) or alternative pan (see tips)
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Boil Butter & Water: In a medium saucepan, combine butter and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until butter is melted.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Remove the butter mixture from heat and pour it into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add Remaining Wet Ingredients: Stir in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes while you prepare the frosting.
Frosting Instructions:
- Melt Butter & Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine butter and milk. Cook over low heat until butter is melted.
- Boil Frosting Base: Increase heat to medium and bring the butter mixture to a boil.
- Combine with Sugar & Vanilla: In a separate bowl, place the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Pour the hot butter mixture over the powdered sugar.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: Immediately pour the warm frosting over the warm cake. Spread evenly to the edges of the pan.
- Cool & Set: Allow the cake to cool completely until the frosting is set before slicing and serving.
A slice of white texas sheet cake with a bite on a fork
Serving and Enjoying Your White Texas Sheet Cake
This White Texas Sheet Cake is fantastic on its own, showcasing its moist vanilla cake and luscious frosting. It’s also delightful with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a touch of brightness. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, family dinners, or any time you need a simple yet impressive dessert, this cake is sure to be a hit.
A slice of white texas sheet cake on a plate with strawberries on top.
Conclusion: Your Go-To White Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
This White Texas Sheet Cake Pioneer Woman inspired recipe is your answer to easy, crowd-pleasing desserts. With its moist vanilla cake and rich, melt-in-your-mouth frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to master and delicious enough to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and bake up a slice of happiness today!
