Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's features moist chocolate cake layered with rich chocolate frosting, topped with crunchy pecans, offering a decadent blend of soft and nutty textures in a large, generously portioned dessert.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet or large sheet cake pan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife
- Knife (for chopping pecans)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Unsalted butter is used in both the cake and frosting, so make sure to have enough on hand to maintain the rich, creamy texture. Buttermilk is essential for the cake's moistness and slight tang, which balances the sweetness. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve the deep chocolate flavor characteristic of Texas Sheet Cake. Chopped pecans provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake and should be chopped finely for even distribution. Your Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's copycat menu will delight with its moist layers, creamy frosting, and crunchy pecan topping.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a large sheet cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and granulated sugar.
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the flour-sugar mixture.
- Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until well combined.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract to the batter.
- Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet cake pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter.
- Stir in 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons milk; mix well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour warm frosting over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Spread evenly with an offset spatula or butter knife.
- Let cake cool on a rack.
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's copycat menu delivers a moist chocolate base with a luscious chocolate frosting crowned by crunchy pecans. You can substitute buttermilk with an equal mix of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tanginess. If unsalted butter is unavailable, salted butter can be used, but reduce the added salt in the batter accordingly. When chopped pecans are hard to source, walnuts or almonds make excellent nutty alternatives that maintain texture contrast. For frosting consistency, warm the mixture slightly if it thickens too much before spreading on the cake.
Tips
Make sure to grease and flour your sheet cake pan thoroughly to prevent the Texas Sheet Cake from sticking and tearing during removal. Use buttermilk at room temperature to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and the cake texture remains tender. Pour the warm frosting over the hot cake immediately after baking to allow it to soak in and create a glossy, flavorful finish. Remember to chop pecans evenly and fold them into the frosting gently to avoid sogginess while maintaining a crunchy topping.
Nutritions
Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's delivers approximately 450 calories per serving, primarily from carbohydrates and fats sourced from all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and butter. The cake's cocoa powder adds antioxidants, while the buttermilk contributes protein and calcium. Chopped pecans on top provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Your indulgence in this dessert includes a mix of energy-dense ingredients balanced by some nutritional benefits from the pecans and cocoa.
Storage
Store your Texas Sheet Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and rich chocolate flavor. For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to one week, ensuring it is well-covered to prevent drying. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature to enjoy the optimal soft and nutty texture combination.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary this Texas Sheet Cake recipe, substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt to add a slight tang and moisture. You can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor while maintaining sweetness. For a nut-free option, omit pecans and use toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips as a crunchy topping. Your frosting can be enhanced with a teaspoon of instant coffee granules dissolved in the milk to intensify the chocolate richness.
Allergies
Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, butter, and milk), and tree nuts (pecans). The presence of all-purpose flour means it contains gluten, which may affect those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. If you have allergies, be cautious and consider ingredient substitutions or consult allergen information before enjoying this rich dessert.
Why this recipe?
Texas Sheet Cake from Luby's restaurant is beloved for its rich, moist chocolate layers combined with a fudgy frosting that melts in your mouth. The cake's unique texture, made from simple ingredients like cocoa, buttermilk, and pecans, offers a nostalgic comfort that resonates with many fans. Recreating the copycat version allows you to enjoy this classic treat fresh at home, customizing sweetness and portion size to suit Your preferences. Replicating this iconic dessert captures the authentic taste of Luby's and elevates any special occasion or casual gathering.