Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake made in two ramekins to serve two.
This was one of the first recipes I scaled down to size. I’ve always been mesmerized by the versions of Texas chocolate sheet cake (or sheath cake, as my grandmother called it).
My Mom’s version is made with shortening and contains cinnamon. I kept the cinnamon but replaced the shortening with butter. This little chocolate cake really cures the homesick blues.
The thing that sets Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake apart is the use of cinnamon in a chocolate cake. Plus, the cake is covered with a warm chocolate frosting made on the stove top. The cake should only cool slightly before pouring the frosting on top.
It reminds me of a poke cake, because the warm chocolate frosting seeps into the lower chocolate cake part, and becomes this amazing chocolate mess.
Texas chocolate sheet cake in ramekins:
These are the small 8 ounce ramekins I use when baking this recipe. They're slightly larger than regular creme brulee ramekins that you commonly see, which is perfect for two people.
I love not having to share a chocolate cake; this recipe makes two individual chocolate cakes! It's a great date night dessert for two, or a fun way to make a Monday not so terrible.
If you're looking for a larger serving size, I made it in a quarter sheet pan also! A standard Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake is made in a large half-sheet pan that measures 17 x 13. Typically, I get 16+ slices of cake out of that pan. When I scale it down to a Quarter Sheet Pan Chocolate Cake, I get about 12 pieces.
This recipe made in ramekins is the only true way to get 2 servings. And you know I'm all about those small batch desserts, right?
Texas Chocolate Sheet Cakes
Two small sheet cakes made in ramekins.
Ingredients
For the cakes:
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon unbleached flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for greasing ramekins)
- 3 packed tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
For the icing:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 packed teaspoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons very finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and butter two 8-ounce ramekins.
- In a medium bowl, stir together with a fork the flour, sugar, cinnamon and baking powder.
- In a small saucepan, add the butter, water and cocoa powder. Stir with a small whisk over low heat. Once it simmers gently and the cocoa powder is well dissolved, remove from the heat.
- In another small bowl, mix together the buttermilk, egg and vanilla. Pour this on top of the flour mixture, then immediately pour the chocolate mixture on top of this. Using a small whisk, stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the two ramekins. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make the icing while the cakes cool slightly. Have ready in a small bowl the powdered sugar.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa powder and milk. Pour this over the powdered sugar and beat with a whisk to combine. Stir in the pecans. Pour this over the cakes while they are still warm. Serve the cake when cooled.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 580Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 156mgSodium: 290mgCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 3gSugar: 54gProtein: 8g
DSG says
Craving chocolate cake but lord knows I don't need a full sized one in the house. Came across this site after combing thru multiple postings for mug cakes (ugh!). Two words--WOOP PEE!! Made this and it so so moist and so rich--and only a measly 390 calories per cake (I dusted them with a hint of powdered sugar instead of frosting). A single "cakelett" between me and the wee one was plenty. You know what that means? Chocolate cake tomorrow! Love the site. Keep the good stuff coming.
lenny face says
Genius!!!!! I am so making these this Summer!
lenny face says
July 18, 2014 at 7:28 pm
Craving chocolate cake but lord knows I don't need a full sized one in the house.
lenny face says
I am so making these this Summer!
kerala lottery results says
I made this recipe this weekend and it was amazing!!
Status n Quotes says
A single "cakelett" between me and the wee one was plenty.
Vicki J. says
Is there no nutritional information for this recipe? I always love that you tell the calories, etc. but there isn't any of that info listed for this recipe. :(
I am also wondering if I could divide this recipe between three 6 oz ramekins instead of two 8 oz ramekins? I know the baking time would be a little less.
Mandy says
Another perfect recipe! This tastes exactly like the sheet cake my mom/granny always made, I only realized it was a Texas thing when I was probably 30?!? Y'all are missing out.