Texas Turtle Sheet Cake 🐢🍫

This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert combining moist chocolate cake, decadent frosting, and irresistible turtle toppings like pecans, chocolate chips, and caramel drizzle. Perfect for any special occasion or when you’re craving a luxurious treat!

📝 Ingredients:

For the 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 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Chocolate Frosting:

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

For the Turtle Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)

🔔 Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan (preferably a 9×13-inch sheet pan) or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Mixture:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup coffee, and 1/3 cup cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat once it begins to boil.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend on medium speed until well combined. Add the eggs and buttermilk, then mix for an additional minute until the batter is smooth.

5. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

6. Prepare the Frosting:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 4 tablespoons buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth.

7. Frost the Cake:

While the cake is still warm, pour or spread the warm frosting evenly over the top.

8. Add the Turtle Toppings:

Sprinkle the frosting with chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce for that signature turtle flavor.

9. Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Strong Coffee: The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but doesn’t leave a noticeable coffee taste. If you prefer, you can substitute with hot water.
• Caramel Sauce: Use a high-quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel for the best results.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or just indulging your sweet tooth! 😍