Baking a wow-worthy cake for a BBQ or potluck doesn't have to involve any complicated decorating tricks. Take Texas sheet cake for instance: The chocolatey treat is baked in a sheet pan ...

Bake until sides pull away from edges of pan and a cake tester inserted in center comes out clean, 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and pour icing over cake while still warm.

Allow eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother batter. Cook the bacon until it's crispy but ...