Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe \\ A Perfect Dessert For Every Occasion

Hello, fellow bakers and dessert lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that brings back some sweet memories from my childhood — the Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe.

This rich, moist cake, topped with a luscious chocolate frosting, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family get-together, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll be baking it again and again!In this post, I’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe,

As well as share some tips, variations, and health benefits you might not expect from such a decadent dessert!

How To Prepare Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes

Course: Dessert

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12-16 servings (depending on how large you cut the pieces)

Equipment Needed

Before we start, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
• Oven

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup hot water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup milk (or more, as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cocoa powder. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Once it’s well mixed, pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter and cocoa powder until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and milk, stirring until you get a creamy, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For an extra touch, you can top it with chocolate sprinkles, chopped nuts, or marshmallows if you like.

Special Note

If you’re looking for a quicker version, you can use a store-bought frosting instead of making your own. But trust me, the homemade frosting makes all the difference in this recipe.

Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will ensure that the frosting doesn’t melt into the cake and will give you that perfect, smooth finish.

Nutrition Facts Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 350 kcal

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 35mg

Sodium: 210mg

Total Carbohydrates: 49g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 38g

Protein: 3g

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance the experience. For a classic twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the chocolate.

If you want to add a touch of freshness, top it with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which pair beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.

For a more festive touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even marshmallows on top of the frosting.

If you’re hosting a gathering, consider cutting the cake into smaller squares for easy serving. Pairing this dessert with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Tips And Variations

Tips:

• Tips 1: For a lighter texture, try substituting the buttermilk with sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will add a slight tanginess and create a fluffier crumb in your cake.
• Tips 2: Make sure your butter is softened before making the frosting. This helps it blend more easily with the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Tips 3: If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, add a small amount of espresso powder to the cake batter. It enhances the chocolate taste without overpowering the dessert, making it even more decadent.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter Frosting: Swap the chocolate frosting for a creamy peanut butter frosting. The combination of rich chocolate cake and peanut butter adds a delicious, nutty twist to this classic dessert.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, stir in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cake batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting. This adds a delightful contrast to the soft, moist cake.
• S’mores Twist: For a fun variation, top the frosting with mini marshmallows and toast them lightly under the broiler for a few seconds. Add crushed graham crackers for a true s’mores-inspired dessert!

Health Benefits

While Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, it does offer some surprising health benefits.

The cocoa powder used in the cake is rich in antioxidants, which are known to promote heart health and may help reduce inflammation.

Additionally, eggs, a key ingredient in the cake, provide high-quality protein that helps in tissue repair and muscle building.

The use of buttermilk adds calcium and probiotics, supporting bone health and gut health. Though this cake is indulgent, these ingredients do offer some nutritional value.

Just remember, it’s all about balance—enjoying a slice of this cake as part of an overall healthy diet is a great way to treat yourself without guilt.

Is It Safe For Heart Patients?

Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe contains ingredients like sugar, butter, and oil, which may not be ideal for heart patients when consumed in large amounts.

These ingredients can contribute to higher levels of saturated fat and sugar in the diet, potentially affecting cholesterol and blood pressure.

For heart patients, it’s important to enjoy this cake in moderation and consider using healthier ingredient alternatives, like reducing sugar, using healthier oils, or opting for a lighter frosting.

Is It Safe For Diabetic Patients?

Due to its high sugar and carbohydrate content, Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe is not ideal for diabetic patients, especially those needing to manage their blood sugar levels.

Diabetics should limit their intake of sugary desserts, as it can cause spikes in blood glucose levels.

A modified version of the cake with sugar substitutes or a smaller portion size may be a safer option for those with diabetes, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before indulging.

How Many People Will A 1 Sheet Cake Feed?

A standard 9×13-inch sheet cake typically yields 12-16 servings, depending on how large or small you cut the pieces.

For smaller portions, you could serve up to 16 slices, and for larger portions, you might feed around 12 people. This makes it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, birthdays, or small parties.

How Many Cake Mixes For A Full Sheet Cake?

To make a full sheet cake, which is typically 18×26 inches, you’ll need about 2 to 3 boxes of cake mix.

The exact amount depends on the brand and the specific instructions on the box, but using 2-3 cake mixes ensures you have enough batter to fill the large sheet pan without it being too thin.

What Is The Secret To Super Moist Cake?

The secret to a super moist cake is using ingredients that retain moisture, like buttermilk or yogurt, and ensuring not to overmix the batter.

Incorporating oil instead of butter can also make the cake more moist. Additionally, baking at the right temperature and not overbaking is key to keeping the cake soft and tender.

How To Freeze Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe?

To freeze Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut the cake into individual slices if desired, and wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature or heat it up in the microwave for a warm treat!

Conclusion

I hope you give this Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe a try! It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The Hostess Sheet Cake Recipe is an irresistibly delicious dessert that combines simplicity with indulgence.

Its moist chocolate cake paired with rich, creamy frosting makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Plus, it offers endless opportunities for customization with various frosting and topping options.

Enjoy it as a simple snack or dress it up for a special event, this cake is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert as much as I do—happy baking!