Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

 lot of surface area on a sheet cake and it needs frosting the will compliment it well. Pick a contrasting flavor like vanilla frosting for a chocolate cake or cream cheese for a red velvet sheet cake. Another aspect to think about is how you want the cake to look. If you want a rustic look, traditional American buttercream is perfect for glorious frosting swirls. If you want a smooth as silk appearance, try a ganache.

In my opinion, sheet cakes are best served right in the pan. Make sure your pan is clean and free from rust spots.

No matter how you make your sheet cake, you are guaranteed to be the most popular person at the party!

Ingredients

▢2 cups (400g) granulated sugar▢2 cups (256g) self-rising flour▢1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, room temperature▢1 cup (237g) coffee (can use hot water instead)▢⅓ cup (39g) unsweetened cocoa powder▢½ cup (120g) buttermilk* (see notes)▢2 eggs, room temperature

Chocolate Frosting

▢¼ cup (57g) butter▢¼ cup (60g) buttermilk▢3 tablespoons (22g) unsweetened cocoa▢2½ cups (312g) confectioners sugar

Turtle Topping

▢½ cup chopped pecans▢½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips▢½ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling over top

Instructions

Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 10in x 15in (or 9x13, but cake will be thicker and fudgier) with parchment paper and spray sides with non-stick spray if needed. 

In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour and granulated sugar and then set aside.

In a saucepan combine 1 cup butter, 1 cup coffee (or hot water), and 1/3 cup cocoa. Bring to a slow rolling boil, stirring constantly. 

Pour the warm butter mixture into the flour mixture. Using a hand-held mixer (or by hand) mix until ingredients are fully combined, about 30 seconds.

Add the buttermilk and eggs. Mix on medium speed for another 30 seconds, or until fully combined.

Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. When cake is done baking it should spring back if you touch it. An inserted toothpick should be removed mostly clean, a few crumbs are perfect. (Start checking at 17 minutes.)

Chocolate Frosting

In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a slow rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and use a wire whisk to gradually mix in powdered sugar, a ½ cup at a time.

Spread or pour the warm frosting over the cake. 

Turtle Topping

While the cake is still warm, sprinkle with chopped pecans and then the mini chocolate chips. Drizzle with caramel sauce.