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A classic White Texas Sheet Cake that lives up to its Lone Star State reputation - big, bold, and generous. Each slice delivers perfectly tender cake topped with creamy, pecan-studded cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that's made for sharing and celebrating.
Growing up in Texas, this cake was a staple at every gathering. The moment you pour that warm frosting over the cake, watching it seep in slightly, you know you're creating something special.
Essential Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature
- Cream Cheese: For frosting
- Fresh Pecans: Roughly chopped
- Large Eggs: Room temperature
- Whole Milk: For richness
- All-Purpose Flour: For structure
- Baking Powder: Fresh
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For depth
- Powdered Sugar: For frosting
STEP-BY-STEP PREPARATION
- 1. Initial Setup:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 18x13-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature - crucial for proper mixing and texture.
- 2. Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour and baking powder in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for proper rise.
- 3. Butter Base:
- Beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, incorporating fully between each addition. Scrape bowl as needed.
- 4. Combining Components:
- Gradually add flour mixture on low speed, then milk and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan with an offset spatula.
- 5. Frosting Creation:
- While cake cools briefly, melt butter and cream cheese with milk until smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar until glossy. Add pecans and pour over warm cake.
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The secret lies in the timing. As my Texas grandmother would say, "A warm cake and warm frosting make magic together."
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Storage and Make-Ahead Success
Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerating, let come to room temperature before serving for best texture. The cream cheese frosting makes this cake too delicate to freeze well, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Temperature and Serving Variations
Serve at room temperature when the cake is at its most tender and the frosting perfectly set. For casual gatherings, cut into generous squares. For more formal occasions, create smaller, precise rectangles. During holidays, decorate with seasonal sprinkles or arrange pecan halves in patterns on top.
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Creative Adaptations
Transform this Texas-sized treat by varying the nuts - try walnuts or a mixture of your favorites. Add a touch of cinnamon to the frosting for warmth, or create a marbled effect by swirling cream cheese frosting with caramel. For special occasions, drizzle with white chocolate or add a touch of almond extract to the batter. While adaptations are welcome, remember that sometimes simple is best - this cake has been perfected over generations of Southern baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use room temperature ingredients?
- Room temperature ingredients blend better for a smoother batter and more even texture.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
- → Why pour warm frosting?
- Warm frosting spreads easily and creates a smooth, glossy finish.
- → Can I skip the pecans?
- Yes, the frosting works fine without nuts for those with allergies.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, freeze unfrosted for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.