Prepare to embark on a journey of sweetness and indulgence with our White Texas Almond Sheet Cake. This beloved dessert is a Southern classic, known for its moist crumb and rich almond flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a delightful treat, this cake is sure to impress. Join us as we guide you through the steps to create this heavenly confection that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 4 1/2-5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Frosting:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and milk.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the frosting over the top, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the frosting for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy each delectable bite of this White Texas Almond Sheet Cake!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the almond extract and sliced almonds for a nut-free version of this cake.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use an equal amount of buttermilk instead.
- Add Some Texture: Fold in shredded coconut or chopped nuts into the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use salted butter for this recipe? A: While unsalted butter is recommended for better control of the saltiness in the recipe, you can use salted butter and adjust the added salt accordingly.
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Q: Can I freeze leftover cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk in the frosting? A: Yes, almond milk can be used as a substitute for whole milk in the frosting. Just note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Q: How can I prevent my frosting from becoming too runny? A: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the frosting mixture until you reach the desired consistency. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it thickens.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can make the following substitutions:
- Cake: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb option.
- Sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar in both the cake and frosting.
- Frosting: Substitute powdered sugar with powdered erythritol or a combination of powdered erythritol and cream cheese for a keto-friendly frosting.
In conclusion, our White Texas Almond Sheet Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich almond flavor, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!
