Sugar Free Texas Sheet Cake

This Sugar Free Texas Sheet Cake is everything you love about the classic Southern dessert

Made from scratch with no added sugar, this cake has a rich chocolate flavor, a soft and fudgy crumb, and an irresistible chocolate and pecan frosting on top.

Why this recipe works

Texas Sheet Cake is an nostalgic, old-school, crowd-pleasing slab of chocolate comfort. It bakes up with a soft crumb that stays light despite its generous size.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• The cake layer is thin but incredibly moist thanks to the combination of butter, cocoa powder, and hot water which create a deep chocolate base, while sour cream keeps the cake moist and tender.
• On top of the cake is a warm frosting which is poured on top. The frosting settles into a smooth and shiny blanket of chocolate, forming a fudgy layer that is somewhere between icing and ganache.
• Texas Sheet Cake is rich but not heavy, deeply chocolatey, and perfect for slicing into generous squares to share.
• This cake is perfect for perfect for potlucks, birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.

Have you tried my recipe for Sugar Free Chocolate Dump Cake?

Made with cake mix and chocolate pudding, that dump cake is a fudgy cobbler-style dessert made with just five ingredients. Both this recipe for Texas Sheet Cake and that recipe for Dump Cake are delicious no added sugar recipes for chocolate cake .

To make this recipe you will need a rimmed 17x13 sheet pan. You can find rimmed sheet pans here.

Ingredients needed to make this cake.

For the Sheet Cake

• Sugar Alternative. Use a granular sugar alternative that measures like sugar and that can also be baked with.
• Baking Soda. To help give the cake structure.
• Salt. This can be omitted if you are using salted butter.
• Water. Room temperature.
• Unsalted Butter. Cut into cubes.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Gives this cake that chocolatey flavor.
• Flour Regular all purpose flour.
• Sour Cream. Added for moisture, texture, and a bit of tang.
• Eggs. Large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract For flavor balance.

Frosting.

• Milk. Room temperature.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder For that chocolate flavor.
• Butter. Salted butter can be used.
• Powdered Sugar Alternative. Granular will not work in this recipe.
• Pecans. Chopped into small pieces.

How to Make Homemade Sugar Free Texas Sheet Cake

• Prep Time 15 minutes .
• Bake Time 25 minutes .
• Servings 24 .
• How to serve : Slice this cake into squares and serve it at room temperature or enjoy it slightly warm if you want the frosting extra soft and gooey. You can also top it with a dollop of Sugar Free Whipped Cream or a scoop of Sugar Free Vanilla Ice Cream for an extra special dessert.
• Notes: You will need a rimmed 17x13 sheet pan, whisk, cooking spray, parchment paper (optional), medium saucepan, large mixing bowl, and a large large saucepan.

1. Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or Grease a rimmed baking sheet. You can optionally use parchment paper.
2. Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to combine together the sugar alternative, flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Chocolate. In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, use a whisk to combine together the water, butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Whisk the ingredients occasionally at first, then more consistently as the butter melts. Heat the mixture just until melted, lump-free and smooth, and lightly simmering. Then remove it from heat and carefully pour the mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl and stir until combined.
4. Wet Ingredients. In a small bowl, use a whisk to combine together the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gently stir this mixture into the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
5. Bake. Transfer the ingredients from the mixing bowl to your prepared baking sheet. Bake 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Note that because
   sugar free cakes can brown a bit differently from regular cakes, you should start checking on your cake at around 18 minutes.
6. Heat. To make the frosting, in a clean saucepan over medium heat, combine together the milk, cocoa powder, and butter, whisking until the butter has melted and the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
7. Combine. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the sugar free powdered sugar until smooth. Then stir in the chopped pecans.
8. Frost. To frost your sheet cake, simply and carefully pour the frosting over the warm cake, using the backside of a spoon or rubber spatula to help spread the frosting out if needed. Allow the frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Tips for making the best sugar free chocolate sheet cake

Whisking the ingredients while heating is important. This helps keep the mixture smooth, prevents lumps and scorching, and mixes the ingredients.

More helpful tips for you.

1. When heating the chocolate mixture for the cake, take care to not overheat the chocolate mixture. It is best to just bring it just to a gentle simmer, not a full boil, for the best texture.
2. The sugar alternatives that work best in this recipe are alternatives that measure just like sugar and that can also be bakes with. A monk fruit-allulose blend or powdered monk fruit blend can give the best texture while avoiding the graininess that can happen with straight erythritol
3. It is important that your frost this cake while it is still warm. Pouring the frosting over a warm cake helps it spread evenly and creates that classic glossy Texas sheet cake finish. Then allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it so that the frosting can set as it cool .

FAQ

• What is the best sugar alternative to use?
  For the best texture, I like allulose or a monk fruit-allulose blend in the cake batter and a powdered monk fruit sweetener in the frosting. These options tend to taste the most like traditional sugar and help prevent a grainy frosting.
• What does sour cream do in Texas sheet cake?
  Sour cream adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang that balances the chocolate flavor. It also helps create a soft, tender crumb, which is especially helpful in a sugar free cake where the texture can sometimes be a little drier.
• Why do you have to pour the frosting over a warm Texas sheet cake?
  Pouring the frosting over a warm cake helps it spread quickly and evenly, creating the smooth, glossy chocolate layer that Texas sheet cake is known for. It also allows the frosting to slightly soak into the top of the cake for extra richness.
• Do I have to use pecans in Texas sheet cake frosting?
  No, pecans are what are traditionally used. You can leave them out if you prefer a smooth chocolate frosting or if you need a nut-free version.
• Can I make this sugar free Texas sheet cake ahead of time?
  Yes! This cake is great for making ahead because it stays moist and flavorful. You can bake it a day in advance, let the frosting set, and keep it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Variations.

• Use walnuts instead of pecans: For a slightly different flavor and crunch, swap the pecans for chopped walnuts.
• Try coffee for deeper flavor: Replace part of the water with brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Add cinnamon: Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the cake batter for a subtle warm flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

How to store Texas Sheet Cake.

Leftover sheet cake should be stored in an airtight container or covered well. When properly stored, it should keep for up to two days at room temperature, refrigerated for up to five days, or frozen for up to a couple of months. I like to first slice the cake and then freeze the pieces on the pan for 30-40 minutes. Once firm, transfer the pieces to an airtight container. If you are stacking them, I would suggest placing a piece of parchment paper between the layers. When you are ready to serve, thaw in a single layer at room temperature until the frosting softens.

You may also be interested in these no added sugar cake recipes.

• How to Make Sugar Free Pound Cake
• Sugar Free Yellow Cake
• Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake
• Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Cake
• Sugar Free Chocolate Depression Cake
• 40 No Added Sugar Desserts Made With Fruit