Decadent Texas Sheet Cake Bundt: A Rich Chocolate Delight with Pecan Frosting

When you think of comfort desserts, one that’s sure to hit the sweet spot is the classic Texas Sheet Cake. It’s a rich, moist, and indulgent treat that brings together the perfect balance of chocolate and a creamy frosting, often topped with nuts for added crunch. But what if you could elevate this beloved dessert even further? Enter the Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake — a twist on the classic, where everything you love about the original is baked into a gorgeous Bundt cake.

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This recipe takes the traditional sheet cake, which is typically baked in a large, flat pan, and reimagines it into a showstopper of a cake. With its tender crumb, decadent chocolate pecan frosting, and that irresistible nutty crunch, this Bundt cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. If you love the rich, dense texture of a sheet cake and the beautiful presentation of a Bundt, you’re going to love this version. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a little indulgence for yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy all your chocolate cravings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this cake a standout:

Cake Ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – The base of this cake comes from a chocolate cake mix, which keeps things easy while still delivering a moist, rich texture. For a more decadent flavor, we recommend using a chocolate fudge mix, but you can choose any chocolate cake mix you prefer.
• 1 1/4 cups Milk – The milk adds moisture to the cake, making it soft and fluffy.
• 1/3 cup Butter (melted) – Butter is essential for creating that smooth, moist crumb that makes a Bundt cake so irresistible.
• 3 Eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and give the cake its structure, while also contributing to its richness.

Chocolate Pecan Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Butter – Butter is the base of the frosting, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor.
• 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder is what gives the frosting its chocolatey depth. It pairs perfectly with the cake mix, bringing all the flavors together.
• 3 tbsp Milk – The milk helps create a silky smooth consistency for the frosting, allowing it to spread evenly over the cake.
• 2 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar – Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting, ensuring it’s just the right level of sweetness to balance the cake.
• 1/3 cup Chopped Pecans – Chopped pecans give the frosting texture and a delightful crunch, while their rich, nutty flavor complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cake:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the right temperature for a perfectly baked cake.

Next, take your Bundt pan and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking once it’s done baking. Set the pan aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir the mixture together using either a hand whisk or a handheld electric mixer. You want to make sure that all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth batter. The butter should be fully incorporated into the mix, and the eggs should give the batter a rich, smooth texture.

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared Bundt pan. Make sure to spread it out evenly to ensure a consistent rise during baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs. If the toothpick is covered in batter, bake for a few more minutes until it comes out clean.

After the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a cake plate or serving platter. Let it cool completely, so it’s ready for frosting.

2. Making the Chocolate Pecan Frosting:

While the cake cools, it’s time to prepare the frosting. Start by placing the butter, cocoa powder, and milk into a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until the butter is fully melted, and the cocoa powder is fully dissolved. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Once the butter and cocoa are combined, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the powdered sugar, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and silky. This frosting should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable.

Once the frosting reaches the right consistency, fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the frosting. The pecans add both texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

3. Frosting the Cake:

Now it’s time for the fun part: frosting the cake! Pour the chocolate pecan frosting generously over the cooled Bundt cake, letting it cascade down the sides. The frosting should coat the top of the cake and drip down, covering it in a beautiful layer of chocolatey goodness. Be sure to allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake.

4. Serving and Storing:

Once the frosting has set, your Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake is ready to be served! You can garnish the top with a few extra chopped pecans if you like, adding an extra layer of crunch and visual appeal. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but it’s just as delicious on its own.

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh and moist.

Tips and Variations:

• Cake Mix Alternatives: While a chocolate fudge cake mix works beautifully for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of cake mixes. A Devil’s Food cake mix would also create a rich, dense cake, or you could even use a chocolate-hazelnut cake mix for a unique twist.
• Frosting Options: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can leave them out of the frosting, or substitute them with walnuts or almonds. If you prefer a smoother frosting, you can blend the mixture for a creamier consistency.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the cake and frosting ahead of time. The cake can be baked a day in advance, and the frosting can be made and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
• Make It Gluten-Free: For those who need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Texas Sheet Cake Bundt Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering the same rich, chocolatey goodness as the traditional Texas sheet cake, but in a more elegant Bundt form. With its moist chocolate cake, decadent chocolate pecan frosting, and crunchy pecans, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So next time you’re craving a chocolate cake that’s both simple to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed by the layers of flavor and the wow-factor presentation. Enjoy!