This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a decadent twist on the classic Texas Sheet Cake, packed with gooey caramel bits and topped with a rich, thin layer of chocolate icing that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging solo, this cake is loaded with flavor and texture—soft, moist cake, buttery icing, and sweet caramel surprises in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 20–25 minutes
Cooling Time
- 15 minutes
Total Time
- 50 minutes
Servings
- 12–16 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup black coffee (hot)
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
For the Chocolate Icing:
- 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a medium saucepan, combine the hot black coffee and cocoa powder. Stir until the cocoa dissolves completely. Add the butter and heat over medium-low heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until combined.
- Gradually pour the melted butter-cocoa-coffee mixture into the batter, stirring until smooth.
- Fold in the caramel bits (or chopped caramels) gently, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Icing
- While the cake is baking, make the icing. In a small saucepan, combine the buttermilk, cocoa powder, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Ice the Cake
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm icing over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread the icing evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
- Caramel Bits: If you can’t find caramel bits, chop soft caramels into small pieces instead. For an extra gooey touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake after icing.
- Coffee Substitute: If you’re not a fan of coffee, substitute it with hot water. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week . Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months . Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 16 servings)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 35g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich, fudgy flavors of a classic Texas Sheet Cake with the indulgent sweetness of caramel. The thin layer of chocolate icing perfectly complements the moist cake, while the gooey caramel bits add an extra layer of decadence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed hit.
Ready to bake this caramel-infused masterpiece? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure chocolatey bliss—it’s everything you love about Texas Sheet Cake, with a turtle-inspired twist!
