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Experience the ultimate Texas comfort dessert - a generously-sized White Sheet Cake with rich cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. This homestyle recipe creates a tender, buttery cake that's perfect for gatherings and celebrations, carrying on a cherished Southern baking tradition.
This beloved recipe has graced countless Texas gatherings for generations. The signature warm frosting creates an irresistible texture as it settles into the cake.
Key Ingredients
- Butter: Use unsalted, room temperature
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat for frosting
- Pecans: Fresh, coarsely chopped
- Eggs: Large, room temperature
- Milk: Whole milk preferred
- Flour: Regular all-purpose
- Leavening: Fresh baking powder
- Vanilla: Pure extract
- Sugar: Confectioner's for frosting
Preparation Method
- 1. Preparation:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare sheet pan with baking spray. Ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
- 2. Mix Dry:
- Combine flour and baking powder thoroughly in bowl.
- 3. Cream Butter:
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs individually, mixing well.
- 4. Final Mixing:
- Add dry ingredients alternating with milk. Mix in vanilla. Spread in pan evenly.
- 5. Make Frosting:
- Heat butter, cream cheese, milk until smooth. Mix in sugar. Add pecans, pour over warm cake.
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The perfect timing between warm cake and frosting creates that signature Texas sheet cake texture.
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Storage Instructions
Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Return to room temperature before serving. Avoid freezing due to cream cheese frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cake at room temperature. Cut into generous squares for casual events or elegant rectangles for formal occasions. Garnish with holiday sprinkles or arranged pecan halves as desired.
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Recipe Variations
Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or mixed varieties. Consider adding cinnamon to frosting or creating marble effects with caramel. White chocolate drizzle or almond extract provide elegant touches. The classic version remains timelessly delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should the ingredients be at room temperature?
- When ingredients are at room temperature, they mix more smoothly, resulting in a better cake texture.
- → Can I prepare this cake in advance?
- Of course! Make it 1-2 days before and store it covered at room temperature until ready.
- → What’s the reason for adding the frosting while warm?
- Spreading the frosting warm makes it easier and gives the cake a lovely glossy finish.
- → Can I leave out the pecans?
- Absolutely, the frosting works perfectly without nuts if you have allergies or just prefer none.
- → Is it possible to freeze this cake?
- Yes! Freeze it unfrosted for up to 3 months, then add frosting once thawed.