Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Submitted by Karen E.

"This cake is super moist, almost fudge-like in texture. I guarantee you’ll go… Mmmmmmm… after taking that first bite. Probably after the second and third bite too!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 1 sheet cake
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 1⁄3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1⁄2 cup buttermilk

• chocolate frosting

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
• 2 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar

• turtle topping

• 1⁄2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel sauce, to drizzle

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour and granulated sugar. Set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup coffee, and 1/3 cup cocoa. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour into the prepared dry ingredients. Using a hand-held mixer, mix on medium speed until wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add eggs and the 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Mix on medium speed for another minute or so, until well combined.
3. Pour into baking pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. When cake is done baking, a toothpick or fork inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean.
4. Prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 4 tablespoons buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and use a wire whisk to gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time.
6. Spread or pour the warm frosting over the cake. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle with chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
7. Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries. Mix 1/2 cup milk with 2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit a few minutes, before you add it to the other ingredients.