TEXAS TURTLE SHEET CAKE

### **Instructions for Making Texas Turtle Sheet Cake**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.

#### **Step 2: Mix the Cake Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, warm water, melted butter, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal.

#### **Step 3: Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

#### **Step 4: Make the Caramel Topping**
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the caramel topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously.

Once the caramel has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the pecans. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.

#### **Step 5: Top the Cake**
Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the caramel and pecan mixture over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to help cover the entire surface of the cake with the sticky caramel topping.

#### **Step 6: Optional Garnishes**
For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake or sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top.

#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing it into squares or rectangles. The cake is best served at room temperature, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

### **Tips for Perfect Texas Turtle Sheet Cake**

– **Customize the Nuts**: While pecans are traditional for a turtle dessert, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a slightly different flavor.
– **Make it Gluten-Free**: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
– **Chocolate Drizzle**: For an extra chocolatey touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the caramel before serving.
– **Add Ice Cream**: Serve this rich cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious dessert experience.

### **Conclusion**

Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a dessert that’s sure to impress with its irresistible combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cake is the perfect treat for all occasions. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of customization options, this dessert is bound to become a family favorite. Try it today and let the deliciousness speak for itself!