Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake combines rich chocolate with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans for a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert, it’s both simple to make and delightfully decadent.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter (for topping)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
• 6 tbsp whole milk
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and whisk until smooth. Stir in the water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Pour the hot cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack.
5. Step 5: While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate topping. Melt ½ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add ¼ cup cocoa powder, and whisk until smooth. Stir in milk and bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract.
7. Step 7: Pour the warm topping over the cooled cake, spreading evenly to the edges with a spatula.
8. Step 8: Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, then scatter chocolate chips so they slightly melt into the warm frosting.
9. Step 9: Let the cake set for 15–20 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve as is or with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly ground pecans for a more intense nutty flavor and crunch.
• If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the powdered sugar gradually and taste as you go.
• Swap caramel sauce for dulce de leche for a richer caramel flavor.
• For a quicker version, use store-bought chocolate frosting instead of preparing the topping from scratch.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving to soften the frosting. Leftover cake can be reheated gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the gooey texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Add the topping and turtle toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze Texas Turtle Sheet Cake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cake without the frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare and add the topping before serving.

Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake combines rich chocolate flavors with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips for a decadent treat. Perfect for gatherings, this moist and fudgy sheet cake is topped with a luscious chocolate frosting and classic turtle candy toppings for an irresistible dessert experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp whole milk
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Turtle Toppings

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 18×13-inch sheet pan. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, then whisk in ¼ cup cocoa powder until smooth. Add the water and bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Pour this hot mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool completely in the pan.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: While the cake cools, melt ½ cup unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup cocoa powder until smooth, then stir in 6 tablespoons of whole milk and bring it to a simmer. Remove from heat, and gradually whisk in 3½ cups powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to finish the topping.
4. Frost the Cake: Pour the warm chocolate frosting over the cooled cake and spread it evenly to the edges with a spatula, covering the entire surface smoothly.
5. Add the Turtle Toppings: Evenly drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the chocolate frosting. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans on top, then scatter ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips across the surface so they begin to melt slightly into the warm frosting.
6. Serve: Allow the cake to set for 15 to 20 minutes to let the toppings firm up. Slice into squares and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
• Make sure to cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
• For a homemade caramel sauce, simmer sugar and cream slowly until golden brown, then cool slightly before drizzling.
• You can substitute pecans with walnuts or skip nuts if preferred.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
• For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy butter and milk substitutes, and check caramel sauce ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Texas sheet cake, turtle cake, chocolate caramel cake, easy sheet cake, pecan cake, chocolate frosting, caramel sauce dessert