Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Name: Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)

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By: Maria
Posted: 11/17/2024

TEXAS TURTLE SHEET CAKE takes a classic chocolate sheet cake and elevates it with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious chocolate glaze. What are some of the best desserts to make for a crowd? What is the ultimate treat for chocolate and caramel lovers alike?

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour. 2 cups all-purpose flour. 2
2 cups granulated sugar. 2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter. 1 cup unsalted butter.
1 cup water
3 tbsp cocoa powder
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1

For the Caramel Layer:

1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup chopped pecans. 1 cup chopped pecans.

For the Chocolate Glaze: For the Chocolate Glaze: For the Chocolate

12 cup unsalted butter. 12 cup unsal
3 tbsp cocoa powder
6 tbsp milk
312 cups powdered sugar. 312 cups powdere
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
How do you make a cake batter?In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add the Caramel Layer.: While the cake is still warm, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, pressing them lightly into the caramel.
How do you prepare chocolate glaze?In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually add the sugar, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake: Pour chocolate glaze over the caramel layer, spreading evenly with a spatula. Let the cake cool to allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pecan SubstitutionsIf you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
Shortcut Tip: Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or make your own for a richer flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Double It: This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd by using a bigger sheet pan.

What are some of the best recipes for Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake?

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make Texas Turtle Sheet Cake ahead of time?

Can you bake a cake a day in advance? You can also prepare the caramel layer and the chocolate glaze separately. Assemble the cake by adding the caramel and pecans, and then the glaze, just before serving for the best texture and flavor. The assembled cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What are some substitutes for pecans in this recipe?

If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts make an excellent substitute, providing a similar crunch and flavor profile. You can use the same amount, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, as specified for the pecans. If you prefer a different nut, try chopped almonds. The flavor will be slightly different.

How do you know if a Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is perfectly baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the batter is fully cooked. The cake should have pulled away slightly from the sides of the pan and the top should be springy to the touch. Also, the cake will have a pleasant aroma of baked chocolate and vanilla. How do I check for doneness with a toothpick?

How do I make a Texas Turtle Sheet Cake?

Can I double this recipe? The baking time may need to be slightly adjusted, so start checking for doneness around the original baking time. You may need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Ensure the oven is preheated properly and that the cake is evenly spread in the pan for uniform baking.

Does this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake have any nutritional benefits?

While this is a dessert, the cake does contain some ingredients with nutritional value. The eggs provide protein and essential nutrients, while the buttermilk adds calcium. The pecans contribute healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The cocoa powder offers antioxidants, and the milk provides calcium and vitamin D. This dessert is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.