If you’re looking for a dessert that checks all the boxes — rich, chocolaty, moist, and indulgently sweet — this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is exactly what you need. Combining the deep flavor of cocoa with a hint of coffee, buttery caramel bits, and a luscious chocolate icing poured straight onto the warm cake, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress a crowd.
Preparation and Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later on. This cake comes together quickly, so having everything ready at the outset will help streamline the process.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of hot black coffee with 1/3 cup of cocoa powder. Stir this mixture until the cocoa has fully dissolved. Then, add 1 cup of unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. This blend will form the rich base of your cake batter, offering depth of flavor thanks to the coffee and cocoa.
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 cups of granulated sugar. In a separate smaller bowl, beat together 2 eggs and 1/2 cup of buttermilk until combined. Pour the egg-buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until incorporated. Now, gradually add the warm cocoa-coffee-butter mixture to the batter, stirring until everything is smooth and well blended.
At this point, fold in 1 cup of caramel bits or chopped soft caramels. These bits will melt into gooey pockets of sweetness as the cake bakes, adding a signature “turtle” element to this dessert.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it toward the end — you want it baked through but still moist.
Making the Chocolate Icing
While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of buttermilk, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in 3 cups of powdered sugar, stirring until the icing is glossy and lump-free. The icing should be pourable and smooth, ready to soak slightly into the hot cake for that classic sheet cake texture.
Icing and Serving the Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm chocolate icing directly over the hot cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, making sure every inch is covered. The heat from the cake will help the icing seep in slightly, locking in moisture and flavor.
Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. The icing will firm up slightly as it cools, creating a delicious soft shell over the moist interior.
Pro Tips
Caramel Bits: Can’t find them? No problem. Chop up soft caramel candies into small pieces instead. For added indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the cake once it’s iced and cooled.
No Coffee? If you’re not a fan of coffee, simply substitute hot water in the batter. The coffee helps intensify the chocolate flavor, but it won’t make the cake taste like coffee.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 16 servings)
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love It
This cake takes all the best parts of a Texas sheet cake — the tender crumb, the glossy icing, the effortless prep — and turns it up a notch with the addition of gooey caramel. Whether you serve it at a potluck, bring it to a birthday party, or bake it just because, this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is guaranteed to be the dessert everyone asks for again.