Texas Turtle Sheet Cake: A Decadent Delight

If you’re craving a dessert that balances rich chocolate, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting, the Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is your ultimate indulgence. This dessert combines the classic charm of a sheet cake with the irresistible flavors of a turtle candy—chocolate, caramel, and nuts—into a decadent treat perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply spoiling yourself.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water or hot coffee (coffee enhances the chocolate flavor)

For the Caramel-Pecan Topping:

1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Frosting:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk (adjust for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Saucepan
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly dust it with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated.
Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing; the batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the toppings.