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Ugly Cake

Nov. 9, 2009 7:54 am

Updated: Nov. 12, 2009 5:00 pm

   The two people I have learned the most from in my cooking life, have been my Grandpa, and my Aunt Shawna. My grandpa is the kind of cook who doesn't have a single recipe book in the house, and I have yet to see him use the one set of measuring cups he does have around (no not even for baking). Needless to say, it is definetly a chore trying to get him to replicate a recipe of his that I want to try for myself. I have however, spent countless hours watching, learning, and asking questions with him in the kitchen, in hopes to attempt to replicate some of his amazing meals and carry on our family traditions.

    My Aunt Shawna on the other hand, has tons of recipe books in her kitchen, and more baking gadgets than one person could ever need in a lifetime.She learned a lot about baking from my great grandma, who passed away when I was still very young. Shawna still hangs on to Grammy's cherished old recipe books and baking pans.I was never interested in baking until she showed me how easy and rewarding it could be. I was biased, as grandpa always complained about anything that had to do with following a recipe and measuring, and up until this point, he was my one and only kitchen hero.

       I am going to share with you a texas sheet cake recipe for the BEST chocolate cake I have EVER had. It was the first thing I learned how to bake, and this is my aunt's recipe. She would probably kill me if she saw I posted it for all to see, but I am not one to keep recipes secret. I just don't see the point! However, if one of you does go on to make millions off her recipe, well, it'd be nice if you shared! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years, if you do decide to try it out!

Chocolate Cake

     Melt in saucepan:
     2 sticks of butter
     3Tbls cocoa
     1 c. water
     Bring to boil, remove from heat and let stand 1 minute.

     Sift together:
     2 c. sugar
     2 c. flour
     1 tsp baking soda
     1 tsp cinnamon

     Add to liquid and mix well by hand. Then add 2 eggs, 1/2c. buttermilk,
     1 tsp vanilla and stir together.

     Bake in large roast pan 20-24 minutes @ 380.

           Frosting
     1 stick butter
     2 Tbls cocoa
     6 Tbls buttermilk
     Bring to a boil, add 1 lb powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla. Whisk til
     smooth and pour on cake and spread quickly.

     Attached you will find a picture of the ugliest tastiest chocolate cake there ever was. Please do not attempt to frost until completely cooled, and frost QUICKLY it dries within seconds. Enjoy!

Ugly Cake

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yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 9, 2009 7:55 am

I have no idea where the lines of gibberish are coming from! Please read around them : )

Cindy in Pensacola

Nov. 9, 2009 8:04 am

That looks great! Wish it didn't call for 3 sticks of butter :(

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 9, 2009 8:05 am

haha yeah it definetly isn't healthy cake thats for sure!

Patty Cakes

Nov. 9, 2009 8:08 am

Ya that gibberish is kinda distracting and confusing. I love the story of your dear Grandpa, How wonderful for you to have such fond memories of such a special person in your young life. I cannot wait to try your Ugly cake!! And I certainly not try to pretty it up! hahaha. Might not taste as good:) Thanks for sharing a treasured family recipe, we are honored! Well, I am.!

ShareBear

Nov. 9, 2009 8:12 am

Looks good, I love cake. My grandpa used to make home-made rootbeer and it as awesome!! To bad I was to young to learn how to make it or want anything to do with it...unless it came to drinking it! Anyhow, thanks for sharing.

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 9, 2009 9:01 am

Patty- I wish I could delete that gibberish but it doesn't even show up until I hit "publish" oh well! I hope you like the cake!! Share- homemade root beer...oh my yumminess!! I could just imagine what kind of root beer floats that would make! YUM!

Kerstin

Nov. 9, 2009 1:42 pm

That gibberish has shown up on a few recipes I've viewed in the past few weeks! Sounds delish! And WOOHOO for you making Most Popular Blog! I've been swamped at work today, so now I'm playing catchup

DABRIDE

Nov. 9, 2009 2:17 pm

I've had the EXACT same recipe for years, can't remember where I got it, but everybody loves it. The only difference is mine has sour cream in it. I was under the impression that's what made Texas Sheet Cake different from other chocolate cakes.....the sour cream?

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 9, 2009 3:34 pm

Hey Kerstin!I played a little hooky today, wasn't feeling well but of course felt fine for work by noon : ) Hi Dabride, I am not 100% sure on what defines a TX sheet cake, but that's what this cake has been most closely compared to.

claeli69

Nov. 9, 2009 5:12 pm

I am so excited to try this, I am always looking for egg-free cookie and cake recipes, (4 year old with egg allergy) and this looks like a winner!! YUMM!

claeli69

Nov. 9, 2009 5:15 pm

just actually read the whole recipe...eggs...dang it. I will still try it, but for something he isn't going to be invited to!

Chris

Nov. 9, 2009 5:58 pm

Just copied and added this fabulous recipe to my book...I too can't wait to try it!!! Thanks so much!

witchywoman

Nov. 9, 2009 6:06 pm

what a great story yellowpairs..I always love to hear the story behind a recipe...and (pardon the pun) takes the cake!

Lori

Nov. 9, 2009 6:13 pm

This sounds just like a recipe I got from my mother-in-law from their family recipe book. My husband's grandfather's second wife loved chocolate, and made this all the time. It is my very favorite chocolate cake to make and eat! The frosting is almost like fudge! Enjoy!

Nov. 9, 2009 7:00 pm

I got this recipe from a co-worker about 15 years ago, and it has been the "go-to" cake for many a birthday. Last time I made it, I put a full cup of buttermilk in accidentally, and it made the cake very moist and very dense --- I had more requests for it after that! I'm going to try 3/4 Cup buttermilk just to see how it turns out. BTW, thanks for the recipe, Lisa! :)

J Fredrickson

Nov. 9, 2009 7:58 pm

I've made this cake for 40 years! What makes it a "texas" sheetcake is the addition of the cinnamon.

grammlila

Nov. 10, 2009 12:05 am

the best "brownie" cake..so easy

Linda

Nov. 10, 2009 4:48 am

Hi, lets try again, I am from NAMIBIA in AFRICA and do not know how much a stick of butter is, not our way of speaking. could you let me know. Cant wait to try the cake

JARRIE

Nov. 10, 2009 4:54 am

Linda in Namibia, 1 stick of butter = 1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons.

valerie160

Nov. 10, 2009 5:57 am

This looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing :)

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 10, 2009 6:32 am

Thank you all for coming to visit my blog! I hope you enjoy the cake as much as I have over the years if you do decide to bake one!

CST

Nov. 10, 2009 6:59 am

I sure hate to think this might be thought of as a "stupid question" but...could you clarify which kind of 'cocoa' you use, please? Is this the unsweetened powder (i.e. Hersheys)? Thanks.

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 10, 2009 7:13 am

CST - I buy my cocoa powder in bulk but you can use any unsweetened brand you like, hershey's would work great!

ntreez

Nov. 10, 2009 8:34 am

I will try this. You are lucky to have such great cooks in your family. My husband sure misses his mom's baking, but she didn't write anything down. There is no way I can replicate what she did..and that's a pity.

bunnyroo

Nov. 10, 2009 8:50 am

Looks good gotta try it..I love to knit too

tuffpuffin

Nov. 10, 2009 9:19 am

My mom has been making this for years. My brothers always ask for this on their birthday - and they're in their 40s and 50s now ;-]

JeanneBean

Nov. 10, 2009 9:34 am

Your cooking tragedy in "About Me" makes me chuckle! :0

michelle

Nov. 10, 2009 10:02 am

We use coca cola for the liquid except the buttermilk and you should try it with marshmallows and pecans in the batter!! Double yum...

Tina

Nov. 10, 2009 11:53 am

Mm love this cake...its been a tradition in our family for birthdays for years! Yummy, thanks for the reminder...there are no birthdays coming up any time soon 'round here..I might have to make it anyway!

Geri G

Nov. 10, 2009 1:52 pm

response to claeli69, I believe you missed part of the recipe, you said you were looking for egg free recipes. It does call for 2 eggs, mixed with buttermilk.

RnRMama

Nov. 10, 2009 3:21 pm

I love a good homemade chocolate cake. Thanks for sharing your family recipe...I can't wait to try it!

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 10, 2009 3:24 pm

JeanneBean - I will NEVER live that one down lol! To anyone else reading, if you do decide to try the cake I hope you enjoy it! If you have had it in the past, I think it's time for another round! This cake always brings good memories for me : )

Lagatha

Nov. 10, 2009 3:37 pm

Does this cake bring back memories!!! I grew up with this down in MS and used it with my family here in NC!!! The frosting is good with chopped pecans added to it!!!

Kim

Nov. 10, 2009 4:31 pm

Woohoo, another Idahoan! I haven't tried it yet but I am definitely saving your recipe. My grandparents were much the same. Throw a little of this in here, a little bit of that..never wrote anything down. Like some others have said, a shame to have missed out on their great recipes. Not a lot of stuff was written down. Thanks for contributing this great recipe!

savour the flavour

Nov. 10, 2009 6:40 pm

I have had this recipe for years. When I was a teenager I used to babysit for a lady who always left goodies for me and the kids when her and hubby went out. She made this cake once and I thought it was soooo good that I went through her file and copied it down after I got the kids to bed. I have made it for years now. Her recipe was called Scotch Chocolate Cake and had chopped nuts and coconut in the frosting. Sometimes I put them in, sometimes I don't, it's very good either way. Mostly I will leave them out if I'm making this for kids, many don't like nuts or coconut but love chocolate. This is the most decadent cake ever, no matter how you make it.

teddi

Nov. 10, 2009 6:52 pm

I can't believe I was just talking about finding this Texas sheet cake recipe not two hours ago to a friend. I told her the one I had years ago called for buttermilk and had been looking for it for years. I accidentally came across this when looking for a differant recipe. I was so surprised! Thank You so much!

Shirley Reeves

Nov. 10, 2009 8:45 pm

My recipe calls for only 1 stick of butter in the cake, and you put the frosting on the cake when you take it out of the oven. Also it doesn't have the cinnamon in it. Oh, and my recipe calls for nuts in the frosting. So good!!

KELLYPOOH

Nov. 10, 2009 10:51 pm

I think your cake sounds great, but what size roast pan do you mean. I can't wait to make it.

KrystynaCooks

Nov. 11, 2009 1:05 am

Yellowpairs* G'day from Down Under ( Sydney, AUSTRALIA ) Yeah it sure does look UGLY! Sorry I could not help myself THE PHOTO DOES NOT DO YOUR CAKE JUSTICE What Gibberish are you talking about? The story on where it came from? I, as I'm sure like many others LOVE TO HEAR about the history of hand downed?? recipes I am looking forward to also baking your terrific cake WHAT SIZE BAKING DISH Will 13" X 9" be okay? , Kind regards Krystyna, PS I hope my comment about UGLY dd not offend I was being a bit of a smartie

BEVBAILEY

Nov. 11, 2009 5:18 am

Self rising or all purpose flour?

blondienewspaper

Nov. 11, 2009 5:45 am

Has anyone ever made a pumpkin sheet cake?

BelleD

Nov. 11, 2009 6:58 am

I have made a similar recipe, however, I used margarine instead of butter. My recipe also uses 1/2 cup sour cream. I also have the frosting recipe using margarine and the frosting is spread on HOT cake. Cinnamon is omitted from the cake batter. I use an 11 1/2 x 18 cookie sheet. Makes 60 squares. May try this to compare with mine.

Rose

Nov. 11, 2009 7:01 am

sounds great like the cake my grandmother used to make she always used buttermilk. makes the cake so moist.Cant wait to make it. BTW the story is great not Gibberish really enjoyed it.thank you :)

ldg

Nov. 11, 2009 7:28 am

My sister makes this cake - it is fantastically good - highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yellowpairs ♥

Nov. 11, 2009 7:47 am

Hello to all, looks like the gibberish went away. When I first posted, there were random symbols , numbers and letters cluttering my story. The pan I use is a 13x9 however I have tried it in a pyrex with BAD results so make sure it is a dark pan. The flour I use is AP not self rising , and to the gal from down under, no offense taken at all! It is what it is, an UGLY yet DELICIOUS choco cake :) happy baking!!

navybaby1489

Nov. 11, 2009 9:04 am

My grandmother makes this cake every year, it is ugly for sure lol. But I was skeptical at first, it tastes amazing! But definately not for the one on a diet!

diana

Nov. 11, 2009 10:05 am

guess I am stupid but what size of pan? don't get the roaster thing but the cake sounds very good

Liane

Nov. 11, 2009 11:14 am

I was just in Meridian to visit my own grandparents. My grandma is the cooking genius of the family but she is now immobilized from a stroke...just looking around her kitchen with the years of accumulated cooking accoutrement intimidated me and inspired me even more. That cake is indeed ugly, but it sounds great! I will have to try it soon.

Teresa

Nov. 11, 2009 11:20 am

Hey Yellowpairs, thanks for sharing the story of your grandpa and auntie. My grandpa cooked the same way your did and taught me to make things like home made sage sausage for my Thanksgiving stuffing. He never used a recipe and always called it "cooking by the seat of your pants" a phrase used by my family, friends, and coworkers to explain why I can never give anyone a recipe. Sadly it never works well for baking, but I am going to try your cake today and actually use those measuring cups.

Judy

Nov. 11, 2009 12:01 pm

just to make sure I do it right, you can use a dark 13X9 pan? You said roasting pan and in my pea brain I am thinking of like what I cook a turkey in........and just couldn't imagine :-) Sounds yummy--Does the frosting get hard?

Erni

Nov. 11, 2009 12:14 pm

What a lovely story. Now I must make GRANDPAS'cake. I also don't use measuring tools, although I have enough for three kitchens. [: Thank you for sharing

Nov. 11, 2009 1:57 pm

This recipe is very similar to one that I got from a lady named Ms Cameron - at least 30 years ago. She called it a $300 cake, and I must agree ~ it's the best Chocolate cake EVER!

TWMCCARTY1

Nov. 11, 2009 2:10 pm

I found this recipe when I was looking for a dessert to serve at a high school football team meal for the players. It is now the requested dessert from the players when I bring dessert. I usually double the recipe for them. Thanks...it is a hit!!

Peaches

Nov. 11, 2009 2:59 pm

I started out looking for a recipe for mulled apple cider... and ended up here instead. LOL There's an old saying: "Cook with your heart; bake by a recipe." Well... yes and no. When it comes to baking a cake, there are some things you just can't get around. For starters, its almost always 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of flour. And then, there's 1 cup of butter (or margarine), that's part of ratio, too. Eggs are the binding ingredient. I used to use 5 eggs, I've since reduced that to 4. That's where my measuring ends. I use both sour cream AND buttermilk to make my pound cakes... and I don't measure either one. Anything within reason, goes. Bananas, canned cherries, applesauce, canned pumpkin... frozen orange juice... lemon juice... pineapple. When you add cocoa though, you have to add the right amount of oil or the cake turns out too dry. Whatever you decide on, especially with the fruit combinations, you spice it up accordingly. When I'm throwing a cake batter together, what I'm aiming for is consistency in the batter... not too thin, not too thick. Its got to pour out of the mixing bowl as though it wasn't in a hurry to get there, but it can't be molasses in January slow, either. Loved the grandpa and auntie story. For me it was my grandma. She didn't do a lot of baking, but she should did know how to can the veggies she grew and fed her ample family with.

Lilly

Nov. 12, 2009 12:05 am

I got this from a friend some 15 yrs ago. She said this cake will make you husband fall in love with you all over again. She called it Boiled Chocolate Cake. It is my family's favorate. "Mom,bake your famous boiled chocolate cake." I want to Thank you, Ila Johnson for this receipt. (Newberg, Ore.)

genkol79

Nov. 12, 2009 12:07 am

How do I add this to my "recipe box"?

Lilly

Nov. 12, 2009 12:11 am

P.S. you can substitue milk with 2 or 3 tsp. vinegar in it for the buttermilk

marsha

Nov. 12, 2009 4:30 am

My recipe also uses the sour cream but everywhere I take it people love it too. When I first started making it I followed the recipe and it called for crushed nuts and mini marshmellows on top of the frosting. Then you took a tablespoon of the frosting and watered it down and drizzled it over the marshmellows, not quite so "ugly" then.

QESTINE

Nov. 12, 2009 5:24 am

I love stories that come with recipes! Thank you SO much for sharing! I am officially a fan. :)

christyjo

Nov. 12, 2009 8:11 am

i liked the grandpa story with the ugly cake. hope to read more from you

Ann S.

Nov. 12, 2009 8:24 am

This sounds so yummy. I want to make it for an anniversary party next week. I've had a "Texas Sheet Cake" recipe for years that calls for a 10"x15" jellyroll pan (or cookie sheet with sides). Does anyone think this recipe makes enough batter to use this size pan?

SOUTHERN TRANSPLANT

Nov. 12, 2009 8:27 am

To blondienewspaper: Try Paul's Pumpkin Bars--very good. They are more of a cake than a bar.

Hugh Brown

Nov. 12, 2009 8:28 am

Being a war baby I grew up eating things that tasted delicious but were not much on presentation. Therefor I was attracted to this "Ugly Cake." Thanks for posting.

jalynn

Nov. 12, 2009 9:27 am

WE CALL THIS BROWNIE SHEET CAKE

glady

Nov. 12, 2009 11:09 am

you're right: this is the best chocolate cake EVER! And it's not difficult! I'm a Texas native and this recipe has been around as long as I remember - well worth passing along! Pecan halves on it aren't bad either!

Lindsay H

Nov. 12, 2009 11:40 am

I always thought Texas Sheet Cake referred to the pan size (jelly roll). My mom has been making the Pillsbury winner from 1980-something, a chocolate cherry cake that is to die for, and it calls for an XL pan. I usually do a 9x13 and another small round pyrex thing. One for the event, and a small side cake for me! :)

patsponys

Nov. 12, 2009 1:00 pm

Can this be added to "recipe box"?

ROMANLI

Nov. 12, 2009 1:21 pm

My Grandmother makes this receipe and uses a jelly roll pan, but we add pecans to the frosting. No matter what function we bring it to it is gone in a flash. If she asks what she can bring to a party or get together, we always say the chocolate sheet cake and the pineapple cake.

lisarenae0561

Nov. 12, 2009 1:26 pm

yes, please add as a recipe so we can save to our recipe boxes :) thanks!

lynn

Nov. 12, 2009 5:00 pm

my mama used to make a cake a lot like it with peanut butter frosting. i tried it as is this time and it was great. next time its pb frosting. thanx for bringin back the old times. lynn

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yellowpairs ♥

Living In: Meridian, Idaho, USA

Member Since: Apr. 2009

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Cooking Interests: Grilling & BBQ, Stir Frying, Asian, Mexican, Italian, Quick & Easy

Hobbies: Knitting, Gardening, Hiking/Camping, Walking, Music

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About Me

I have four adorable corgis that I love more than anything, even my fiance' ; )

My favorite things to cook
Love to cook chicken marsala, really any kind of pasta. Love to make enchiladas and experiment with different kinds of tacos (not the storebought hard shells yuck!). I like any recipe with lots of chopping, I am in love with my chef's knife : )

My favorite family cooking traditions
Throw a buncha stuff in a pot and make soup!

My cooking triumphs
I am not so good at baking but last year I ROCKED the chirstmas cookies!! Peanut butter kisses, chocolate terds (not really their name haha) snickerdoodles and of course pretty sugar cookies :) EDIT- My new cooking triumph, SUSHI! Never thought I could master the art but man am I getting close! Yum yum

My cooking tragedies
I once mixed up the salt and sugar when baking chocolate chip cookies....wow

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