Creating The Best Texas Sheet Cake is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×18-inch sheet pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Boil Water and Butter: In a saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil, then pour it into the dry mixture. Stir until combined.
4. Add Buttermilk: Mix in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
5. Add Pecans: If using, fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
8. Prepare Frosting: In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in cocoa powder and milk, bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
9. Frost the Cake: Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly.
10. Slice and Serve: Once the frosting is set, slice the cake into squares and enjoy!

With these clear instructions, you’ll find that creating The Best Texas Sheet Cake is both fun and rewarding.