Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Texas turtle sheet cake – it’s unapologetically decadent and we absolutely love it for that. It seems impossible to think there are some who haven’t tasted the glory that is Texas turtle anything, but if you were going to make any sort of iteration on this classic, let it be this amazingly delicious Texas turtle sheet cake. A rich, chocolate and coffee-flecked cake, topped with a buttermilk chocolate frosting (YUM), then topped off with caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and pecans (or walnuts, if that’s what you’ve got on hand). Holy guacamole, guys, this stuff is good.

If you wanted to cut some corners, you could use a store-bought cake mix, but if you’ve got the time…man, this from-scratch cake is really something. We use a cup of coffee to add a special depth of flavor, then we use buttermilk to add a tiny bit of tang and keep things super moist – no dried-out cake here! You might find the color of the cake to be a little lighter than your average chocolate cake, but don’t worry, there’s just as much flavor – if not more – packed in there to shake up your taste buds. And that’s just the cake, we haven’t even gotten into the frosting and topping of this bad boy!

Not only do we use buttermilk in the cake, it also plays a role in the frosting, and let us tell you, this stuff is addictive and quite possibly our favorite chocolate frosting. Buttermilk wouldn’t be our first guess of star ingredients, but it really balances out the flavors here in this cake. We mentioned that it adds tang, but it also balances out all the sweetness of the recipe and keeps this cake from being too sweet or cloying. Once you pile on the caramel sauce and chocolate chips and nuts, the buttermilk and coffee are what keep this cake on the rails – bottom line: you need this cake and you need it now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Texas turtle sheet cake is perfect for all occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. It’s not only delicious but also easy to make, with a balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of chocolate, coffee, caramel, and nuts is irresistible!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Hand-held mixer
• Whisk
• Baking pan
• Parchment paper or grease and flour for the pan

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Turtle Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce, to drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour the pan or use parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup coffee, and 1/3 cup cocoa. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour into the prepared dry ingredients. Using a hand-held mixer, mix on medium speed until wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add eggs and the 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Mix on medium speed for another minute or so, until well combined.
3. Pour into baking pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. When cake is done baking, a toothpick or fork inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean.
4. Prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 4 tablespoons buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and use a wire whisk to gradually mix in powdered sugar, a 1/2 cup at a time.
6. Spread or pour the warm frosting over the cake. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle with chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
• For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Let the cake cool slightly before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting too much.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer. For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cake batter or frosting. If you’re a fan of extra gooey caramel, increase the caramel sauce drizzle on top.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While specific nutritional information can vary, a typical serving of this Texas turtle sheet cake provides a delightful mix of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, perfect for an occasional treat. Be mindful of portion sizes to enjoy responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer.

Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Conclusion

There you have it – a deliciously indulgent Texas turtle sheet cake that’s sure to win hearts and taste buds alike. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear about your baking adventures in the comments below.