Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and a luscious frosting. Perfect for any celebration or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress family and friends. Its unique layers create an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and chocolate pudding creates a deep, rich chocolate taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this delightful cake without fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a family gathering, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
• Fun Toppings: The crushed Oreo cookies and gummy candies not only add texture but also make it visually appealing for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Base: You can customize the toppings or even the pudding flavor to suit your preferences!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9×13 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer makes it easy to combine ingredients smoothly without manual effort.
• 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for sheet cakes, ensuring even baking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to organize ingredients efficiently during preparation.

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups sugar
• 1¾ cups flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or boiling water)

For the Chocolate Pudding

• 6 ounces chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups whole milk

For the Chocolate Frosting

• 1½ cups unsalted butter
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup milk (add more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• 26 Oreo cookies, crushed into crumbs
• 10 ounces pectin-based gummy candies

How to Make Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray the 9×13 baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

1. In a stand mixer on low speed, combine:
2. Sugar
3. Flour
4. Cocoa powder
5. Baking powder
6. Baking soda
7. Salt
8. In a separate bowl, whisk together:
9. Eggs
10. Milk
11. Vegetable oil
12. Vanilla extract
13. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the mixer. Mix on low speed until just combined.
14. Carefully stir in hot coffee by hand—this helps maintain the batter’s consistency.
15. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
16. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
2. Pudding mix
3. Milk
4. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until thickened.
5. Spread the pudding evenly over the cooled cake layer.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in cocoa powder until fully incorporated; then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Transfer cooled chocolate mixture to your stand mixer.
4. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, alternating ⅓ at a time until smooth.
5. Add vanilla extract last; mix well.
6. If frosting appears too thick, add a bit more milk as needed.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Spread frosting over the chilled pudding layer evenly. Finally, sprinkle crushed Oreo crumbs over top and decorate with pectin-based gummy candies for that fun touch! Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting!

How to Serve Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

Serving chocolate sheet cake with pudding and frosting can be a delightful experience for gatherings. The rich layers of chocolate, creamy pudding, and fluffy frosting make it a favorite dessert for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.

Individual Portions

• Use dessert cups: Serve the cake in clear dessert cups for a visually appealing presentation.
• Slice and serve: Cut into squares for easy serving at parties or potlucks.

Toppings Galore

• Fresh fruit: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries on top for a burst of freshness.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances the cake’s decadence.

Fun Themes

• Birthday celebration: Decorate with colorful sprinkles or themed candles for birthdays.
• Movie night: Pair with popcorn and serve as a sweet treat during movie marathons.

How to Perfect Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

To achieve the perfect chocolate sheet cake with pudding and frosting, follow these helpful tips. Each step will ensure that your cake is moist, flavorful, and irresistible.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly, leading to a better texture.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder removes lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
• Check oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature prevents overbaking or underbaking your cake.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow the cake to cool fully to avoid melting your frosting.
• Adjust frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, gradually add more milk until it reaches your desired spreadability.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

Pairing side dishes with chocolate sheet cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the chocolate.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Extra chocolate treats that enhance the theme of your dessert.
4. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee brings out the deep flavors in the chocolate cake.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy side that provides texture alongside the soft cake.
6. Fruit Salad: A light and fruity option that adds freshness after indulging in rich chocolate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk. This helps the batter combine better and leads to a fluffier cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can cause the cake to be dense. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overcooked cake. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool completely before adding pudding and frosting prevents melting and ensures proper layering.
• Ignoring frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, it won’t spread well. Adjust with additional milk until it reaches a smooth consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure the cake is completely cooled before covering to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting.

Can I use different flavors of pudding?

Yes! You can experiment with vanilla or other flavors of pudding to create unique variations of your cake.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Make sure you properly grease your baking pan and consider using parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate sheet cake a day in advance and add the pudding and frosting just before serving.

What toppings can I add?

Feel free to add nuts, sprinkles, or fresh fruit as additional toppings alongside Oreo crumbs and gummy candies.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Sheet Cake with Pudding & Frosting is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different puddings or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its rich flavors!