If you’re a fan of gooey chocolate cake with caramel, pecans, and rich fudge icing, this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is calling your name!
This southern-style dessert takes everything we love about a classic Texas sheet cake — moist chocolate sponge, a warm cocoa-butter glaze, and tender crumb — and turns it up a notch with turtle toppings like toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and melted chocolate.
Loaded with simple ingredients like self-rising flour, strong black coffee, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and real butter, this sheet cake bakes beautifully in just minutes and comes together with almost no fuss. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or any chocolate emergency.
The best part? It’s made in a sheet pan — no stacking layers, no piping, no stress.
We’ve been making this cake for years, and it never fails to impress. It’s soft, fudgy, and finishes with a turtle candy twist that everyone loves.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Texas turtle cake, get expert tips for bakery-style results, and find answers to common baking questions — so let’s get started!
- And while you’re here, why not checking these as well:
- Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
- How To Make Cucumber Salad Recipe
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 butte, 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, a 1/2 cup at a time.
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Pro Tips for the Perfect Texas Turtle Sheet Cake
-
Use strong brewed coffee for deeper chocolate flavor.
Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, the bitterness brings out the richness of the cocoa without tasting like coffee. -
Don’t skip the buttermilk.
It reacts with the cocoa and helps give the cake its classic soft and springy texture. If you’re out of buttermilk, you can use milk with a splash of vinegar. -
Pour the warm frosting on a warm cake.
This creates that signature glazed look and helps it seep slightly into the sponge — ultra moist! -
Toast the pecans before adding.
Toasted nuts enhance their flavor and add a bit of crunch to contrast the soft cake. -
Let it cool before adding caramel drizzle.
Caramel will melt into the icing if added too early. Wait until the cake is room temp so it sits nicely on top. -
Cut into squares with a clean knife.
Wipe the knife between cuts for beautiful, bakery-style slices.
FAQ About Texas Turtle Sheet Cake:
What makes Texas Turtle Sheet Cake different from regular chocolate sheet cake?
- Texas Turtle Sheet Cake includes classic chocolate sheet cake elements but adds caramel, pecans, and extra chocolate for a turtle candy-inspired twist.
Can I make this cake without coffee?
- Yes! You can substitute the coffee with hot water, but coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
What size pan should I use for Texas sheet cake?
- Traditionally, it’s made in a 15×10 jelly roll pan or a 13×18 rimmed sheet pan. For thicker slices, you can use a 9×13 pan but adjust baking time.
Can I make Texas Turtle Cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely. This cake stays moist for several days. Store covered at room temperature or refrigerate, then bring to room temp before serving.
Can I use a cake mix instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, but for best flavor and texture, the homemade version with self-rising flour, buttermilk, and brewed coffee is worth the effort.
How do you print Texas turtle sheet cake. I don’t see a printer friendly icon.