Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

This decadent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a rich and gooey dessert inspired by classic turtle candies. It features a moist chocolate cake topped with a fudgy chocolate frosting, pecans, and gooey caramel. It’s perfect for celebrations or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream or buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the toppings:

• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×18-inch sheet pan (or line with parchment paper).
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
   • Gradually pour the cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
   • Add eggs, sour cream (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan.
4. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Remove from heat and gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • While the cake is still warm, spread the caramel sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage.
   • Sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the caramel.
   • Pour the warm frosting over the cake, spreading it gently to cover the pecans, chocolate chips, and caramel.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for an indulgent treat.

Tips for Success

• Toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• For homemade caramel, melt 1 cup of caramel candies with 2 tbsp heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly.
• This cake is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Dive into the gooey, chocolatey goodness of this irresistible Texas Turtle Sheet Cake!