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Decadent Dark Chocolate Sheet Cake - Rich Cocoa Dessert for Gatherings

This sophisticated dark chocolate sheet cake delivers an intense cocoa experience with a moist, tender crumb and silky dark chocolate frosting. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, it offers a less sweet, grown-up chocolate experience that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened dark 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 boiling water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until just combined.
  4. Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix on low speed until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin - this is normal.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  7. For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Let set for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for deepest flavor. Add 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder to amplify chocolate notes. Cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Pairs well with berries or vanilla ice cream.