White Texas Sheet Cake

This white Texas sheet cake is the scrumptious counterpart to the classic chocolate cake of a similar name. Instead of a chocolate cake, however, this recipe makes a delightfully flavored white cake that is covered in a browned-butter and toasted walnut frosting.

As for the cake itself, we use a unique mixing method that prevents it from doming in the sheet pan. Once the sheet cake cools, it has a smooth and even surface for frosting.

The frosting has one invaluable ingredient as its base: browned butter. When mixed with powdered sugar, the result is a silky sweet frosting that's perfect for highlighting the richness of toasted walnuts.

Learn how to make a white Texas sheet cake. Together, this cake and frosting stands as one of the best sheet cakes out there—I suppose we owe Texas a note of gratitude.

What Is White Texas Sheet Cake?

Texas sheet cake is a crowd-pleasing cake, often served at large gatherings, potlucks, and parties. Originating in, of course, the state of Texas, this large, thin chocolate cake is baked in a sheet pan and topped with a thick, fudgy frosting before serving. Pecans or other chopped nuts are often sprinkled on for texture and flavor. The large surface area means it's great for serving a crowd.

White Texas sheet cake is a vanilla spin on this beloved dessert. A white cake with buttermilk and almond extract in the mix is baked in a sheet pan and topped with a sweet, walnut-laden frosting before serving.

Ingredients for White Texas Sheet Cake

With a rich, browned butter frosting laden with toasted walnuts, and a tender white cake with a soft crumb, you can see why this sheet cake might just disappear in minutes. To make white Texas sheet cake, you'll need:

For the frosting:

• Chopped walnuts: Adds a nutty crunch to the frosting. You could use pecans if you wanted. That's a very Texas choice.
• Butter: For a rich and creamy frosting.
• Milk: Thins the frosting slightly for a spreadable texture.
• Powdered sugar: Thickens and sweetens the frosting.
• Clear vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor without affecting the color of the frosting. You can substitute with standard vanilla extract, or other flavored extracts.

For the cake:

• Cake flour: Gives the cake a soft, tender structure and fine crumb. All-purpose flour might make a more dense, tough cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake.
• Baking powder: Aerates and helps lift the cake.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent reacts with buttermilk and other acidic ingredients to give the cake its rise.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: Gives the cake flavor and richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the cake.
• Large eggs and egg white: Binds the batter and gives the cake its structure.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. You can use canola oil instead.
• Clear vanilla extract: Gives the cake depth of flavor without imparting additional color.
• Almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor to the cake to complement the walnut frosting. You can leave it out if preferred.

How To Make White Texas Sheet Cake

An easy cake batter is poured into a sheet pan and gloriously topped with frosting while partially cooled for a moist result. It's simple, and fuss-free. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Toast walnuts: Toast walnuts until lightly browned. Set aside.
• Step 2. Make the cake: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix the dry ingredients. On low speed, add butter one tablespoon at a time, mixing to incorporate after each addition. Adding butter to dry ingredients may be unusual to you. This is known as the reverse creaming method. Keep reading to learn more about it and why it's great for this cake.
• Step 3. Finish batter: In a bowl, whisk together wet ingredients. Mix one-third of the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Scrape down, and mix in another third. Repeat with final third.
• Step 4. Add batter to pan: Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
• Step 5. Bake cake: Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set aside.
• Step 6. Make browned butter: While cake is baking, melt butter in a saucepan until browned.
• Step 7. Make frosting: Transfer butter to a clean mixing bowl. Add milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla and mix until combined. Beat until creamy, then stir in walnuts.
• Step 8. Add frosting to cake: Cover cake with frosting and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.
  

White Texas Sheet Cake Variations

To change up this twist on the classic Texas sheet cake, consider these variation ideas:

• Flavorings: If you aren't a fan of almond extract, substitute with additional vanilla, or other flavored extracts as desired. Add citrus zest, ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or other favorite flavorings.
• Mix-ins: While not traditional, fold shredded coconut, chocolate or flavored chips, fresh berries, and more into the cake before baking.
• The frosting: Swap the walnuts for pecans, and the milk for buttermilk for a tangy addition. You can also flavor the frosting with a hint of orange zest, spice, other types of flavored extracts, or a splash of rum or bourbon. You can also mix things up by opting for a traditional fudgy frosting in the place of the white frosting.
• The walnuts: If desired, leave out the nuts in the frosting and top the brown butter frosting with sprinkles, candies, fresh fruit, or toasted coconut. You can also add a nutty touch by topping the frosting with chopped candied pecans or toasted sliced almonds.
• Toppings: Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate or a homemade caramel for an extra-decadent touch.

Can I Make White Texas Sheet Cake Ahead?

To avoid marring the frosting, make and bake the sheet cake as directed, waiting on preparing the frosting until the day of serving. Cool the cake to room temperature, then wrap well and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to one month for the freshest results. Bring the cake to room temperature or warm lightly in the oven. Prepare the frosting and top the cake as directed before serving.

You can also prepare the cake entirely, then wrap well and refrigerate for up to two days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

How To Store Leftover White Texas Sheet Cake

Store leftover slices of white Texas sheet cake well-wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to two months.

More Southern Sheet Cake Recipes You'll Love

From the classic Texas sheet cake with a fudge icing, to hummingbird cake and Mississippi mud cake, these iconic recipes are always crowd-pleasers:

• Texas Sheet Cake with Fudge Icing
• Hummingbird Sheet Cake
• Cream Soda Confetti Sheet Cake
• Lemon-Blueberry Sheet Cake
• Chocolate Mayonnaise Sheet Cake
• Blond Texas Sheet Cake
• Dr Pepper Texas Sheet Cake
• Mississippi Mud Cake
• Strawberries-and-Cream Sheet Cake

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.