A rich and decadent sheet cake with a fudgy chocolate base, gooey caramel swirls, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Jar (12 ounces) caramel sauce.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter in the water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
- Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping:
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and corn syrup.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, pecans, and chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the warm topping evenly over the slightly cooled cake.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the topping for a salted caramel twist.
- Substitute walnuts or other nuts for the pecans.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, use a high quality caramel sauce.
- If you want to make the cake even more decadent, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache under the caramel and pecan topping.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.