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Delicious Lunch Lady Chocolate Cake topped with homemade chocolate frosting in a sheet pan.

Lunch Lady Chocolate Cake

A simple and delicious chocolate sheet cake topped with a warm pourable frosting that sets into a fudgy layer, reminiscent of nostalgic cafeteria treats.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Use regular unsweetened cocoa for the best flavor.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk Real buttermilk recommended for best results.
  • 1 cup warm water Or hot coffee for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil Keeps the cake soft.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Frosting
  • 0.5 cups butter
  • 0.25 cups milk
  • 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, warm water (or coffee), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; the batter will be thin.
  5. Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Making the Frosting
  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Whisk in the milk and cocoa powder until smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar a cup at a time, whisking until the mixture is glossy and pourable.
  4. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Adjust thickness with milk or powdered sugar as necessary.
Assembly
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 3 to 5 minutes after baking.
  2. Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
  3. Allow it to cool at room temperature until the frosting sets, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Notes

For best results, avoid overbaking the cake, as it can dry out quickly. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the frosting right after pouring for added texture and flavor.