Gluten Free Skillet Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Updated Jan 26, 2026, Published Jul 20, 2017
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Rich, Decadent Chocolate Dessert
If you love a classic Texas sheet cake but want something with more character and rustic charm, this Gluten-Free Skillet Texas Sheet Cake checks every box. It takes everything you adore about a moist, chocolatey dessert and bakes it right in a cast-iron skillet. As a result, you get a dramatic presentation and deep, irresistible flavor.
This version is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat that still fits a gluten-free lifestyle. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging your chocolate cravings, this skillet cake delivers crowd-pleasing decadence every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Skillet Cake
Deep, rich chocolate flavor
Cocoa and brewed coffee work together to intensify the chocolate. This creates a bold, bakery-style taste without being overly sweet.
Moist, tender crumb
Baking in a skillet helps the cake stay soft and luscious from edge to center. This gives it that signature Texas sheet cake texture with a slightly thicker, more satisfying bite.
Rustic presentation with wow factor
Serving dessert straight from the skillet creates a cozy, shareable centerpiece. It feels both homey and impressive at the same time.
What Makes This Texas Sheet Cake Special
Traditional Texas sheet cake is known for its thin, ultra-moist layers and warm chocolate frosting poured over the top. This skillet version keeps that signature richness while adding a slightly thicker, more indulgent texture. The warm frosting melts into the surface of the cake, creating a glossy, fudgy finish that soaks into every bite.
The result is a dessert that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet elevated enough for entertaining.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Easy to Adapt
This skillet cake proves that gluten-free desserts can be just as rich and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. It’s also easy to adapt for other dietary needs. For example, you can make it dairy-free with plant-based butter and milk alternatives while still maintaining its tender crumb and bold chocolate flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Gluten-Free Skillet Texas Sheet Cake is ideal for:
- Family gatherings and potlucks
- Holiday dinners and celebrations
- Birthdays and special occasions
- Cozy weekend desserts served warm
Pair it with fresh berries, dairy-free whipped topping, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable finish.
For more chocolate desserts, check out our Sweet & Salty Chocolate Potato Chip Clusters, Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats, or Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie Recipe.
Gluten Free Skillet Texas Sheet Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- 1½ cups Wholesome! organic sugar
- 12 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup brewed coffee
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Frosting
- ¼ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, combine the sugar, butter, cocoa powder, coffee and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the flour mixture. Whisk in the buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk the powdered sugar in, ½ cup at a time. Keep whisking until smooth. Whisk in the vanilla.
- As soon as the cake is done, spread the frosting over the top in an even layer, sprinkle with the pecans, and let cool at least 10 minutes or until the frosting sets. Can be served warm, room temperature or cold.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
