Indulge in the rich and irresistible flavors of this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake—a moist chocolate cake topped with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and chocolaty with a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Caramel, pecans, and chocolate chips create the ultimate turtle flavor.
- Great for potlucks, holidays, and celebrations.
Ingredients Breakdown:
-
Cake: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, butter, cocoa powder, water, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract.
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Topping: Chopped pecans, caramel sauce, semi-sweet chocolate chips.
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Tips and Tricks
- Toast the pecans before adding them for an enhanced nutty flavor.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- If the caramel is too thick, warm it slightly before drizzling.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Variations and Customizations
- Salted Caramel Twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Extra Chocolatey: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for added richness.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for crushed pretzels or omit them entirely.
Pairing Suggestions
- Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or milk.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve with a scoop of butter pecan or vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and add the toppings before serving.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have it, mix ½ cup of milk with ½ tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How do I prevent the caramel from sinking into the cake?
Let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the caramel to keep it on top.
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Texas Turtle Sheet Cake:
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy the rich flavors of Texas Turtle Sheet Cake—moist chocolate cake with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips. A crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the cocoa powder and water. Bring to a gentle boil and remove from heat.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly.
Step 3: Add the Topping
- While the cake is still warm, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and chocolate chips, allowing the heat of the cake to melt the chocolate slightly.
Notes
- This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Always let the cake cool slightly before adding the toppings for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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