Chocolate Picnic Sheet Cake

This classic chocolate sheet cake is soft, rich, and easy to make for a crowd. It’s a reliable, no-frills dessert that works just as well for family gatherings as it does for potlucks and celebrations.

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Chocolate Picnic Sheet Cake (The Best)

A moist chocolate sheet cake made with simple pantry ingredients and baked in a large pan. Perfect for feeding a crowd and pairing with chocolate ganache or your favorite frosting.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Instructions

Ingredients

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet and set aside.

  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.

  In a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

  Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until fully combined, about 2 minutes.

  Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.

  Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.

  Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  Cool completely before frosting with chocolate ganache or desired frosting.

Notes

• This cake pairs especially well with chocolate ganache frosting.

  The batter will be thin after adding boiling water—this is normal and helps create a moist cake.

  Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting for the cleanest finish.