Easy Desserts

TEXAS SHEET CAKE

This iconic Lone Star State dessert is commonplace on potluck spreads from funeral gatherings to church homecomings, earning it the nickname “church lady cake.” Wherever you take it, we can guarantee it’ll be a hit.

MAKES 1 (15X10-INCH) CAKE

CAKE

1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup water
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup whole buttermilk
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

CHOCOLATE ICING

⅓ cup water
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
3½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pound confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup toasted pecans, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 15x10-inch metal jelly roll pan with baking spray with flour.

2. For cake: In a medium saucepan, whisk butter, 1 cup water, and cocoa powder over medium-low heat until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Pour into a bowl; let cool until slightly warm.

3. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Make a well in the center of dry ingredients; add butter mixture and egg mixture, whisking until smooth. Pour into prepared pan.

4. Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Let cool until slightly warm, about 30 minutes.

5. For icing: In a small saucepan, whisk ⅓ cup water, butter, and cocoa powder over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture simmers. Remove from heat.

6. In a large bowl, whisk together butter mixture, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Immediately spread over slightly warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans. Let stand until frosting is set.

SWEET TEA PIE

The piecrust’s subtle lemon flavor makes this treat over-the-top good.

MAKES 1 (9-INCH) DEEP-DISH PIE

LEMON PIE DOUGH

2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest