Texas Turtle Sheet Cake, featuring a luscious chocolate base adorned with rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and a delightful chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel-Pecan Layer:
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Chocolate Glaze:
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
– 3 tablespoons milk
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish:
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Additional chopped pecans (optional)
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium, stirring until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda. Incorporate the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
Gradually add the cooled cocoa mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Add the Caramel-Pecan Layer:
Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk until the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
Drizzle the chocolate glaze over the caramel layer.
4. Add Garnishes:
Top with chocolate chips and additional pecans for extra texture and flavor.
5. Set and Serve:
Allow the cake to set at room temperature or chill it slightly in the refrigerator before cutting into
