Small Chocolate Cake Recipe (Mini Sheet Cake)

April 2024 · 4 minute read

This small chocolate cake recipe is based off of a classic Texas sheet cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate icing made in an 8×8 pan. 

Two slices of chocolate cake on a white plate.

Any day is a good day for chocolate cake. This delicious recipe tastes like a classic Texas sheet cake, but the smaller size makes it perfect for everyday snacking. No special occasion necessary; this delicious small chocolate cake recipe is ready to sweeten up any regular day. You might also: Chocolate Banana Cake.

What is Texas sheet cake?

Texas sheet cake is a large thin chocolate cake that is topped with chocolate icing (and nuts, if desired). The cake is moist and soft and the icing is rich and chocolaty. Texas sheet cake is typically very large. It’s baked in an 18×13 jelly roll pan and it serves approximately 24 people.

This recipe tastes exactly like a traditional Texas sheet cake but I have reduced the recipe to get a smaller size, around 9 servings.

Chocolate cake with chocolate icing in a white baking dish.

Why you’ll love this small chocolate cake recipe:

Easy: No special equipment and no mixer needed.
Quick: This thin cake bakes up in under 20 minutes.
Flavor: Sweet, smooth chocolate flavor in every bite.
Size: The perfect size for snacking or serving a small group; about 6-9 servings.

Chocolate cake batter in a glass bowl.

Recipe overview:

Chocolate cake
Combine flour, sugar and salt.
Bring melted butter, cocoa powder, and water to a simmer.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Combine milk, egg, baking soda, and vanilla and stir into the batter.
Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Chocolate icing
Combine melted butter with cocoa powder.
Add milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and combined.
Stir in nuts (if using).
Pour the icing over the hot cake and spread into an even layer.

Serving and storage

Serving: Allow the cake and icing to cool completely before serving and serve at room temperature. If desired, you can sprinkle the top of the cake with flaky sea salt to balance out the sweetness.

Storage: This cake can be stored tightly covered at cool room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

A slice of chocolate cake on a white plate.

More small batch recipes

Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes
Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes
Small Batch Brownies

Recipe

Two slices of chocolate cake on a white plate.

Small Chocolate Cake Recipe (Mini Texas Sheet Cake)

This small chocolate cake recipe is based off of a classic Texas sheet cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate icing made in an 8x8 pan. 

5 from 24 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Dessert

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 9

Calories: 252kcal

Author: Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

Instructions

For the cake:

Icing:

Notes

*Toasting nuts: Place nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat the nuts, stirring occasionally, until toasted and fragrant.  Serving: Serve at room temperature. If desired, you can sprinkle the top of each serving with flaky sea salt to balance out the sweetness.  Storage: This cake can be stored tightly covered at cool room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.

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