This decadent turtle sheet cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, combining rich chocolate cake with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate glaze. Perfect for gatherings or any special occasion, it’s sure to impress with its layers of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tbsp milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Extra pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and water. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the butter-cocoa mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the caramel layer.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the caramel-pecan layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes.
- Garnish (optional):
- Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this rich, gooey, and chocolatey turtle sheet cake!