Ingredients:
Cake:
One cup (two sticks) unsalted butter + additional for frying pan greasing
1/2 cup (1 3/4 oz.) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Frosting and Assembly:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (1 oz.) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process
1/3 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups (339 g) sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup toasted chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts)
Instructions:
Cake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 15x10x2″ baking pan with unsalted butter.
In a large saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 1/2 cup (1 3/4 oz.) of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of canola oil, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and boil for 30 seconds. Let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour, 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Whisk to combine.
Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and whisk until just combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir this mixture into the batter with a rubber spatula.
Pour the cake batter into the greased pan and bake for 32-35 minutes, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
Frosting and Assembly:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 1/4 cup (1 oz.) of cocoa powder and bring it to a boil for 30 seconds.
Remove from heat and whisk in 1/3 cup of whole milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Add the sifted powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while whisking until combined.
Immediately after the cake comes out of the oven, pour the frosting over it.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of toasted chopped nuts.
Allow the cake to set without jiggling it to avoid waves in the frosting.
Enjoy your delicious Texas Sheet Cake!