Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of the South? This Pig Pickin' Sheet Cake recipe is a delightful homage to classic Southern desserts, offering a moist, subtly spiced cake that's perfect for any gathering. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting their homemade cooking journey. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and spice, perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or simply a cozy night in. Get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. This step ensures your cake will release from the pan easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. This is crucial for even baking and a consistent texture.
- Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter will be quite thick at this stage.
- Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, beating on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. The boiling water activates the cocoa and creates a wonderfully moist cake.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Baking the Cake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking.
Cooling and Frosting:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking.
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Pig Pickin' Sheet Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Old baking powder and soda can affect the rise of your cake.
- Let the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
- Get creative with the frosting: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the batter.
- Different frosting: Try a chocolate buttercream frosting for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Pig Pickin' Sheet Cake is a guaranteed hit, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort food! Remember to share your baking adventures with us – we’d love to see your creations!