White Texas Almond Sheet Cake Recipe

Step into the world of sweet indulgence with our irresistible White Texas Almond Sheet Cake recipe. This heavenly dessert is a beloved classic that brings together the rich flavors of almond, the moistness of sour cream, and the decadence of buttery frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this sheet cake promises to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey to cake perfection.

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:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, water, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
7. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the frosting for garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the White Texas Almond Sheet Cake into squares and serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Almond Flavor: Enhance the almond flavor by adding more almond extract to both the cake batter and frosting.
• Texture Variation: For a lighter texture, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit the sliced almonds if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a nut-free version.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, we’ve adapted this White Texas Almond Sheet Cake recipe to suit your dietary preferences:

• Keto Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar. Substitute the sour cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut cream for added richness. For the frosting, use powdered erythritol or a blend of powdered erythritol and cream cheese.
• Low Carb Version: Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce the carb content. Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or sucralose. Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of sour cream for a lower carb option. Adjust the frosting by using a low-carb sweetener and unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour? A: Yes, almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life.

Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, this cake can be frozen. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

With its moist crumb, rich almond flavor, and decadent frosting, our White Texas Almond Sheet Cake is a celebration of Southern sweetness. Whether served as a dessert for special occasions or enjoyed as a delightful treat any day of the week, this cake is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, channel your inner baker, whip up a batch of this delightful cake, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade goodness.