Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

Texas Turtle Sheet Cake Recipe

by

This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a decadent and crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. It’s a large, moist sheet cake perfect for gatherings and celebrations. The cake is topped with a fudgy chocolate frosting and arranged with pecan halves, reminiscent of a turtle candy.  

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour  
  • 2 cups granulated sugar  
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened  
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk (or buttermilk)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (for decoration)

Instructions:

Cake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×18 inch baking sheet (or jelly roll pan).  
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the vegetable oil, cocoa powder, and water. Bring to a simmer, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the cooled cocoa mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
  5. Add Eggs, Buttermilk, and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Add to the batter and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
  7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Frosting:

  1. Melt Butter and Cocoa: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and milk (or buttermilk). Whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Frost Cake: Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
  4. Decorate: Arrange the pecan halves in rows or a pattern over the frosting, pressing them lightly to adhere.
  5. Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve.

Tips and Notes:

  • Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.  
  • Frosting Consistency: Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting for your desired consistency.
  • Pecan Variations: You can use chopped pecans instead of halves, or substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
  • Caramel Swirl: For an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting before adding the pecans.
  • Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this rich and decadent Texas Turtle Sheet Cake!Sources and related content

Leave a Comment