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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
