Easy Ina Garten Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Decadent chocolate sheet cakes elevate any celebration with their irresistible charm and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Sweet and indulgent, these classic desserts capture the essence of comfort and pure delight.

Bakers love their simplicity and versatile nature, transforming ordinary gatherings into memorable moments.

chocolate brings people together, creating connections through shared culinary experiences.

Rich layers of flavor and smooth textures make this cake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Generous portions and easy preparation ensure everyone can enjoy a slice of happiness.

Invite friends and family to savor this irresistible treat: pure chocolate bliss awaits.

Reflecting on Ina Garten’s Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake

Sweet chocolate revelations await with Ina Garten’s legendary birthday sheet cake.

Delightful layers of buttery richness merge with silky chocolate frosting in perfect harmony.

Childhood memories dance through each delectable slice of this classic dessert.

Rich chocolate notes whisper nostalgic stories from family gatherings and celebrational moments.

Home bakers can recreate this magical recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Readers who crave delicious experiences should dive into this irresistible chocolate masterpiece, share the recipe, spread joy through comments, and tag fellow chocolate enthusiasts to spark culinary connections.

Why Ina Garten’s Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake Rocks

• Effortless Celebration Cake: Perfect for birthdays and special occasions, this sheet cake delivers maximum joy with minimal kitchen stress, making party preparation a breeze.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightfully moist, tender cake with a silky smooth chocolate ganache frosting that melts in your mouth, creating a luxurious dessert experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Designed to serve a large group, this oversized sheet cake allows easy slicing and sharing, ensuring everyone gets a delicious piece of chocolatey happiness with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Essentials for Ina Garten Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, subtle citrus note to complement the chocolate.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Provide structure and create a delicate cake texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Chocolate Chips: Main flavor component of the rich chocolate frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the chocolate frosting.
• Corn Syrup: Adds shine and helps create a glossy frosting texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps thicken the frosting.

Easy Guide to Ina Garten’s Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 12×18-inch sheet pan with butter, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Baking soda

Step 4: Combine and Spread the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stir just until combined. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream, stirring occasionally until smooth.

Step 7: Finish the Frosting

• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 8: Whip the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, whisk the cooled chocolate mixture with butter until the frosting thickens and becomes spreadable.

Step 9: Decorate the Cake

Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cake. Invite kids to add their favorite chocolate candies for a fun finishing touch.

Pro Tips for a Memorable Chocolate Sheet Cake

• Capture Chocolate Essence: Melt chocolate gently in a double boiler to preserve its smooth, rich flavor and prevent scorching.
• Create Cake Perfection: Start and end mixing with dry ingredients to maintain a tender, light texture.
• Seal Moisture Magic: Cover cake loosely with plastic wrap, keeping it fresh at room temperature for three delightful days.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Splash coffee into chocolate frosting for an intense chocolate experience without coffee overpowering the taste.
• Celebrate with Flair: Sprinkle colorful chocolate candies across the cake surface for a playful, festive birthday touch.

Preserving Ina Garten Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake

• Airtight Container Method: Transfer cake slices to a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Slice cake into individual portions. Use a vacuum sealer to remove air completely. Place sealed cake sections in the freezer for long-term storage up to 4 months. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn and maintains the cake's original moisture and texture.
• Room Temperature Strategy: Cover cake loosely with a cake dome or clean kitchen towel. Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality. Ensure the storage spot remains consistent in temperature to prevent texture changes.

Fun Variations on Ina Garten’s Chocolate Sheet Cake

• Chocolate Espresso Sheet Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a rich coffee undertone that elevates the chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Sheet Cake: Fold 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the batter before baking, creating a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Sheet Cake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the chocolate frosting, introducing a sweet and salty contrast that makes the cake more complex and indulgent.
• Berry Chocolate Sheet Cake: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or strawberry slices between the cake and frosting layer, adding a bright, fruity freshness that complements the deep chocolate notes.

Ina Garten Birthday Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s birthday chocolate sheet cake delivers rich, moist chocolate bliss with classic buttercream frosting. Celebration desserts rarely match this simple yet elegant masterpiece that brings pure chocolate joy to any party table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sugar
• 24 ounces (680 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

Dairy and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 18 tablespoons (255 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sour cream, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 lemon, zested
• Chocolate candies (like M&M’s) for decorating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 12×18-inch sheet pan by generously greasing it with unsalted butter and lightly coating with all-purpose flour.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs gradually, two at a time, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
3. Mix in sour cream, pure vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest. Carefully scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure uniform blending.
4. In a separate bowl, meticulously sift together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, and baking soda, eliminating any potential lumps.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stir just until combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared sheet pan, using a silicone spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Position the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no raw batter.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan at room temperature for approximately 45-60 minutes.
9. Create the chocolate ganache by melting semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler, stirring periodically until smooth and glossy.
10. Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and incorporate light corn syrup and additional vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly.
11. In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the cooled chocolate mixture with softened unsalted butter until the frosting reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
12. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the chocolate frosting evenly across the surface using an offset spatula.
13. Invite children to decorate the cake with colorful chocolate candies, creating a fun and personalized dessert.

Notes

• Transform this sheet cake into a showstopper by adding personal decorative touches like sprinkles or edible glitter.
• Keep ingredients measured and ready before starting to streamline the baking process.
• Customize frosting by adding a splash of coffee or espresso for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture if preparing in advance.
• Quickly chill cake in refrigerator for 15 minutes to set frosting faster and prevent sliding.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 685 kcal
• Sugar: 53 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg