Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

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Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a delicious twist on the classic Texas sheet cake, combining rich chocolate, caramel, and pecans to create a truly indulgent dessert. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at parties, gatherings, or family dinners!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies (for drizzling)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×18-inch baking sheet (jelly roll pan).
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Heat the Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the water and cocoa powder, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the flour and sugar mixture, stirring until combined. Add the buttermilk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda, mixing until smooth.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer

  1. Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Spread the Caramel: Pour the caramel sauce over the warm cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

  1. Heat the Butter and Cocoa: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Remove from heat.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and glossy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  3. Frost the Cake: Pour the warm chocolate frosting over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Add Toppings

  1. Top with Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Immediately sprinkle the toasted pecans and chocolate chips over the warm frosting.
  2. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the top of the cake with caramel sauce (or melted caramel candies for extra richness).

Step 5: Let the Cake Set

  • Allow the cake to cool completely so the layers can set. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Tips:

  • Storing the Cake: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a firmer texture.
  • Make-Ahead: You can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it the next day before serving.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Enjoy this rich and indulgent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake, combining the best flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans!

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