Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Introduction

Get ready to experience the ultimate dessert delight with our mouthwatering Texas Turtle Sheet Cake. Inspired by the flavors of the Lone Star State, this cake brings together the goodness of moist chocolate cake, the sweet allure of caramel, the nutty crunch of pecans, and the indulgence of a velvety chocolate glaze. Each bite is an exquisite taste adventure that will transport you to a realm of sweet satisfaction. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a moment of indulgence, our Texas Turtle Sheet Cake will leave you craving for more!

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 sour cream

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Turtle Topping:

1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Glaze:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup milk

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

For the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.

In a large saucepan, combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Gradually pour the cocoa mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

For the Turtle Topping:

Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the hot cake, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the caramel layer.

For the Chocolate Glaze:

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, stirring until well combined.

Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and glossy.

Pour the chocolate glaze over the caramel and pecan layer, spreading it evenly.

How to Prepare

To prepare this heavenly Texas Turtle Sheet Cake, make the chocolate cake batter, bake it in a sheet pan, and while it’s still warm, drizzle it with caramel and sprinkle with pecans. Top it off with a luscious chocolate glaze, and get ready to savor the deliciousness!

Preparation Time

The preparation time for this cake is approximately 20 minutes, and baking takes 25-30 minutes.

Servings

This recipe yields about 12 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or celebrations.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of nuts? A: Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer.

Q: Can I use store-bought chocolate sauce instead of the glaze? A: While the glaze enhances the flavors, you can use store-bought chocolate sauce as a quick alternative.

Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Add the topping and glaze before serving.

Q: Can I use a different size of baking pan? A: If you use a different size of pan, the baking time and thickness of the cake layer may need to be adjusted.

Q: Can I serve the cake warm? A: Absolutely! This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.