Tailgating Chocolate Sheet Cake

Since I was a teenager, my family and I packed up the car with our tailgating spread and headed to Athens, GA. This has been a tradition for many years in our family celebrating with friends and fellow fans. The atmosphere during a tailgate is such an infectious and unforgettable experience! The energy coming from the fans' celebrating together and preparing for the big game definitely will get you into the spirit. Our tailgating spread must be filled with pimento cheese and pineapple sandwiches, fried chicken, deviled eggs, and Lulu’s chocolate sheet cake. I hope you get together with your family and friends to make your favorite tailgating foods. This will be a memory together that I know you won’t forget! Enjoy and GO DAWGS!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake

3 oz of unsweetened, chocolate squares (1 oz per square)
2 cups of all-purpose flour (288 g)
2 cups of granulated sugar (389 g)
¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt (1 g)
1 ¼ teaspoon of baking soda (6 g)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (4 g)
½ cup of buttermilk
1 cup of coffee or water (coffee will really enhance the chocolate flavor)
1 stick of unsalted butter (113 g)

Ingredients for Chocolate Frosting

3 oz of unsweetened, chocolate squares (1 oz per square)
½ cup of whole milk
3 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (8 g)
3 Tablespoon of unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon of Kosher salt (1g)

Directions for Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 13 x 9 pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, salt and baking soda together.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt chocolate, sugar and butter together.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients and coffee into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted into the center and comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Directions for Chocolate Frosting

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate together. Add milk and whisk until combined.
2. Sift powdered sugar and salt together. Add to the wet ingredients.
3. Pour over the cake while warm. Enjoy!