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Chocolate Dream Cake

This Chocolate Sheet Cake is rich, moist, and packed with deep cocoa flavor. Topped with a smooth, fudge-like chocolate frosting, it’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Simple ingredients, big flavor—an instant crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Servings

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups hot coffee
  • Frosting
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk if needed to thin

Instructions
 

Cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a half-sheet pan (18x13 inches) with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix for about a minute.
  • Slowly stir in hot coffee until fully combined. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
  • Pour the batter into the greased half-sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Tip: The batter may rise close to the edge, so place a baking sheet underneath to catch any potential spills.

Frosting Instructions

  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in sugar and sour cream, mixing constantly. Bring to a low boil and let simmer for 30 seconds.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder, salt, and dark chocolate chips until smooth.
  • If the frosting thickens while waiting for the cake to cool, return it to low heat and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Finishing Touches

  • Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then pour the warm frosting over the top and spread evenly.
  • For a decorative touch, sprinkle the edges with your favorite sprinkles—because what's a cake without sprinkles?

Enjoy!

    Keyword #yum, Cake, Chocolate, One Sheet Pan