Decadent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe: A Sweet and Nutty Delight

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour (or 2 cups all-purpose flour with 2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup strong dark coffee
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (see substitution tip below)

Chocolate Icing:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2.5 cups powdered sugar

Turtle Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and self-rising flour. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup dark coffee, and 1/3 cup cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour this hot mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined. Add the eggs and buttermilk, mixing for an additional minute until smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake cools slightly, prepare the chocolate icing.

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 4 tablespoons buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Spread the warm icing over the warm cake.

Immediately sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the icing. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Buttermilk Substitution Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1/2 cup milk with 2 teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Indulge in this rich, fudgy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake, perfect for any celebration or sweet craving!