Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Sheet Cake

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 cups powdered sugar; ⅓ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When it comes to dessert for the Super Bowl, this Chocolate Sheet Cake never fails to impress! Each bite offers a rich, chocolatey experience that keeps guests coming back for more. I love how easy it is to prepare, allowing me to enjoy the game rather than spend hours in the kitchen. Topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser, and you'll adore how it pairs perfectly with your favorite snacks and drinks during the big game. Let's dive into this delightful recipe!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:52:16.043Z

As I prepared this Chocolate Sheet Cake, I was reminded why it's become a staple at our Super Bowl gatherings. The process is straightforward, with the cake coming together quickly and baking evenly, thanks to a simple whisking technique rather than complicated mixing. This method allows the cocoa and flour to blend perfectly, creating a moist texture that’s simply irresistible.

One of my favorite tips for ensuring the frosting turns out luxurious is to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the cake and the icing. It balances those sweet flavors beautifully and enhances the chocolate's depth. I also love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream during halftime—now that's a touchdown!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies every craving
Easily serves a crowd, perfect for parties and gatherings
Simple preparation allows for more time enjoying the game

      

Mastering the Perfect Chocolate Cake

The magic of this Chocolate Sheet Cake lies in the balance of ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder creates a rich and moist texture. Make sure your cocoa powder is fresh for the best flavor; an expired cocoa can dull the chocolate's intensity. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy, avoiding a dense cake caused by too much flour.

Mixing the wet and dry ingredients properly is key to achieving that light and airy crumb. Incorporating the boiling water is crucial as it activates the cocoa powder, enhancing the cake's flavor and moisture. Remember to fold the batter gently after adding the water to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake; you want just until combined.

Creating the Ultimate Frosting

For the frosting, using softened unsalted butter helps achieve that creamy texture everyone craves. If your butter is too cold, it won’t blend well, leading to lumps. Ensure it's softened at room temperature, which takes about 30-60 minutes out of the fridge. If you’re short on time, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave at low power can do the trick—just be cautious not to melt it.

The vanilla extract adds a warmth to the frosting, balancing the rich cocoa flavor. For a more intense chocolate experience, consider swapping some of the powdered sugar with melted dark chocolate, adjusting the milk to achieve your desired consistency. The result is a smooth, glossy frosting that spreads beautifully over the cooled cake.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your Chocolate Sheet Cake!

For the Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have all your ingredients on the counter before you start for a smoother baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake and frost your cake perfectly!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12x18 inch sheet pan with baking spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine the Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water, but do not overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder in a medium bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.

Serve

Cut into squares and serve on game day! Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy making this cake as you root for your favorite team!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter for extra decadence. This will make the cake even more indulgent.

Storage Tips

Once cooled and frosted, this Chocolate Sheet Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container, allowing the flavors to meld. If you need to keep it longer, it freezes wonderfully. Slice the cake into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to two months without compromising its taste.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen piece, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer your cake warm, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off while keeping the frosting intact. This ensures every bite remains deliciously rich.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra special touch on game day, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. The contrast of the warm, moist cake with the cold ice cream is simply delightful. Consider garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of cocoa or shaved chocolate to elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor.

If you're feeling adventurous, try adding toppings like chopped nuts, berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These simple additions can transform each square of cake into a mini dessert experience. This flexibility not only adds texture but also allows guests to customize their slices to suit their preferences, making it a fun and interactive dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

→ What if I don't have buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

→ What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted coconut oil or canola oil as substitutes for vegetable oil.