Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Sheet Cake

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Chocolate Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Classic Ideas

As a devoted football fan, I love celebrating the Super Bowl with friends and family, and this chocolate sheet cake is my go-to dessert. It's rich, decadent, and perfectly portioned to serve a crowd. I adore how easy it is to whip up this cake in a single pan, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the game. With a luscious chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth, this cake has quickly become a favorite in our home for those festive gatherings. Trust me, this sweet treat will make your Super Bowl party unforgettable.

Created by

Unity Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:42:34.494Z

Every Super Bowl, I make sure to have this delicious chocolate sheet cake ready to go. It’s a simple recipe that always impresses my guests and satisfies those chocolate cravings perfectly. One of my favorite tips is to use high-quality cocoa powder; it truly elevates the flavor and richness of the cake.

I’ve also experimented with different toppings, from sprinkles to nuts, depending on what my guests prefer. Making this cake ahead of time and letting it chill in the fridge enhances its flavors, creating a delightful treat for the big game day. It's consistently a winning recipe in our house!

        Reasons to Love This Cake
        Decadent chocolate flavor that's hard to resist
Simple one-pan preparation for easy cleanup
Perfectly moist texture that pleases every palate

      

Mastering the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect moist texture in this chocolate sheet cake hinges largely on your mixing technique. After combining the dry and wet ingredients, it's crucial not to overmix. Just beat until the mixture is combined, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Also, the addition of boiling water not only helps to dissolve the cocoa powder but also creates a light, airy batter that will bake into a deceptively fluffy cake. Trust me, this extra step is what sets this cake apart.

Another key to a moist cake is ensuring that it doesn't overbake. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking—start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfect. This attention during baking will yield a cake that remains soft and tender, making it a delightful treat for Super Bowl Sunday.

The Importance of Ingredients

When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. For this cake, I suggest using high-quality cocoa powder as it greatly influences the chocolate flavor. Also, using whole milk instead of skim helps contribute to the cake's richness and moisture. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, almond milk can work, but just be aware that it might alter the flavor slightly.

The eggs in this recipe serve a dual purpose: they provide structure and moisture. For a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with a 'flax egg' (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and allow it to sit until it thickens. This swap doesn’t just keep the cake dairy-free; it also maintains its deliciously moist texture while still holding everything together during baking.

Frosting Tips and Variations

The frosting is where you can really personalize this chocolate sheet cake. If you're a fan of cream cheese, consider blending in a few ounces of softened cream cheese for a tangy twist that complements the rich chocolate flavor nicely. Just remember to adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly for desired sweetness and consistency. Additionally, if you're short on time, a store-bought chocolate frosting can be a good alternative; just ensure it's of high quality.

Storing the cake properly is also vital if you have leftovers. After frosting, keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before your next gathering, and they'll taste freshly baked, ready to wow your guests once again.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful experience!

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Ensure everything is at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a winning dessert!

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large sheet cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

Bake the Cake

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

Make the Frosting

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

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Your delicious chocolate sheet cake is now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Using a higher quality cocoa powder will provide a richer flavor. Additionally, letting the cake rest for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

For those looking to elevate the flavor of this cake even further, consider adding a touch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Just one tablespoon can enhance the chocolate flavor significantly without making it taste like coffee. This subtle addition can make the cake even more decadent and might surprise your guests with its depth of flavor.

Another way to enhance the enjoyment of this dessert is by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosted cake before serving. The slight contrast of salt elevates the sweetness of the chocolate and provides a more complex flavor profile. This simple step can make a big difference and is very appealing.

Serving Suggestions

To serve this chocolate sheet cake at your Super Bowl gathering, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, soft chocolate cake beautifully and makes for a crowd-pleasing presentation. If you want to go the extra mile, you can serve it with fresh berries to add a refreshing contrast.

Another fun serving suggestion is to cut the cake into themed shapes using football-related cookie cutters, turning your dessert into a centerpiece for the table. A little creativity in presentation can make it even more enjoyable as part of your Super Bowl festivities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cake has domed too much during baking, don't fret! Once baked, you can level the top with a serrated knife for a more professional presentation before frosting. Just wait for the cake to cool completely, as warm cake can crumble easily.

In case your frosting seems too runny, it usually just needs more powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it feels too stiff, you can beat in small amounts of milk until it becomes spreadable. This adaptability ensures that your cake remains stunningly delicious no matter the circumstance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for the eggs in this recipe.