When I need a chocolate fix, I have to admit I prefer mine with a hint of caramel. This Texas turtle sheet cake recipe is a one of a kind recipe that gives you everything you crave all in one bite. Soft chocolate cake, hints of caramel, the bite of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and just enough crunch from pecans to add texture to each bite. If you are looking for decadence in every mouthful, then this recipe is the one to showcase.
Decadent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe
You know those stories people complain about us bloggers adding to recipes? Well, I am going to share one with you anyway. When I was 16 years old, I made this decadent triple layer chocolate cake that was a study in intricate details, iced layers, and well, honor in the kitchen. It was the most difficult pastry challenge I had encountered and I absolutely fell in love with making cakes because of that recipe.
Why is this so important to share? Well, it's about what happened after I made the cake. I took it to a church event, and many people enjoyed the cake. There were just a few pieces left at the end of the night, and I covered the cake and went to carry it to the car excited to share the leftovers with my parents. That is when the dreaded happened. I forgot to latch the bottom of the cake carrier and ended up dropping the rest of the cake all over the yard. To say I was sad is an understatement. From that day forward, I determined that cakes would be sheet cakes any time I planned to take them to an event. This one is a favorite and I am excited to share it with you!
What is Turtle Flavor?
Turtle is the name attributed to the many candy recipes that include a pecan and caramel confection that is dipped in chocolate. In this instance, we have layered the top of the sheet cake with caramel sauce, pecan pieces, and chocolate chips to duplicate the flavor of the classic candy.
If you like chocolate and caramel but want to skip the pecans, you might like this recipe for no bake chocolate caramel pie. Another tasty option is this fabulous recipe for brownie batter dip! This is always a hit in our house.
Why is it Called a Texas Sheet Cake?
There are two common thoughts behind why this is called a "Texas" sheet cake. The first is that it is larger than most. As in, "everything is bigger in Texas". The second thought is that it is because the cake is just so rich - which is common to the ranchers of Texas.
What Size is a Sheet Cake?
A sheet cake is typically an 18"x13" cake often made in a sheet pan or jelly roll pan to create a thin cake that cooks quickly. Deep jelly roll pans are common in most kitchens and easy to find, so a simple choice for making a large cake.
Do I Need to Refrigerate a Sheet Cake?
Most cakes do not need to be refrigerated. This sheet cake is one that isn't required to be in a refrigerator unless you prefer to store that way. It is fine to store on the countertop when covered for up to 5 days. If you plan to save it for longer, you may want to wrap and refrigerate for up to 10 days.
What Does Coffee Do in a Chocolate Cake?
You will notice that coffee is an added ingredient in this cake recipe. While it may seem unusual, it is actually very important for enhancing the chocolate flavor. This is really nice when you are just using cocoa powder in a recipe. It gives a stronger flavor that you will love.
If for some reason you don't want to use coffee, you can substitute for water. You can also use espresso or instant coffee powders and simply add in place of the coffee.
Do I Have to Use Buttermilk?
The reason I add buttermilk to this cake is that it works with the gluten to tenderize the cake and give you that sought after the soft cake you desire. It is also often used in recipes to add a bit of a tangy flavor. In this recipe, it's important because of the softening and not necessarily the flavor addition.
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can place 1 tablespoon vinegar in a 1 cup measuring cup and fill it to the 1 cup line with milk. Let this sit for 10 minutes and then add to the recipe. This homemade buttermilk recipe is ideal for any recipe, not just this cake.
Ingredients for Cake
- Self-Rising flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Strong black coffee
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Chocolate chips
Ingredients for Icing
- Unsalted butter
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Buttermilk
- Powdered sugar
Toppings
- Pecans
- Semi-Sweet chocolate chips
- Caramel sauce
How to Make a Texas Turtle Sheet Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Oil the parchment paper then set it aside.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar then set aside.
Over medium heat, to a saucepan, add the butter, cocoa, and coffee. Mix this together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the flour and sugar mixture and use a mixer to combine beating until smooth.
Add in the eggs and buttermilk and blend until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
How to Make Chocolate Frosting
In a medium saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and buttermilk then bring it to a boil.
Remove from heat then whisk in powdered sugar until all combined.
Spread the frosting over the top of the cake.
Then sprinkle on pecans, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Serve alone or with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Chef's Tip
Kick this up a notch by adding a good quality salted caramel sauce on top instead of just your basic jar of caramel sauce. I recently found Black Tie Caramels on Etsy and am absolutely in love with their artisan caramel flavors.
More Decadent Chocolate Recipes
If you are like most people I know and love a good chocolate dessert, then you will love this cake recipe. But, sometimes, you want a little something different. Don't worry! I have more great chocolate focused ideas below that you can easily add to your menu!
- Super Easy Boston Cream Pancakes
- The Best Ever Chocolate Milkshake Recipe
- Healthy Easy Chocolate Truffles Recipe
- Homemade Chocolate Glazed Donuts Recipe
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes Recipe
- Double Chocolate Cookie Recipe
📖 Recipe
Decadent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe
This decadent Texas turtle sheet cake recipe is going to become a family favorite! Filled with chocolate, caramel, and pecans, it hits the spot when a chocolate craving hits!
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup strong black coffee, brewed
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoon buttermilk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Cake Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
How to Make a Texas Turtle Sheet Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Oil the parchment paper then set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar then set aside.
- Over medium heat, to a saucepan, add the butter, cocoa, and coffee. Mix this together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the flour and sugar mixture and use a mixer to combine beating until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and buttermilk and blend until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
How to Make Chocolate Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, cocoa powder, and buttermilk then bring it to a boil.
- Remove from heat then whisk in powdered sugar until all combined.
- Spread the frosting over the top of the cake, then sprinkle on pecans, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve alone or with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, peanuts, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 665Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 347mgCarbohydrates: 94gFiber: 3gSugar: 74gProtein: 6g
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