Easy Texas Turtle Sheet Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Turtle Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or mini chips)

Instructions

1. Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch baking pan (or line with parchment).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking until smooth.
4. Pour hot cocoa mixture into the flour mixture and stir until blended.
5. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and combined.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2. Make the Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in cocoa powder and milk, bringing it just to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spread frosting over the warm cake (not hot, but still slightly warm so it spreads easily).

3. Add the Turtle Toppings

1. Immediately sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the frosted cake.
2. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
3. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top while the frosting is still soft, so they melt slightly into the surface.

Cooling & Serving

• Let the cake sit until frosting is set (about 30 minutes).
• Cut into squares or rectangles.
• Serve with an extra drizzle of caramel and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. This cake feeds a crowd (about 16–20 servings) and is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.