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#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. **Preheat your oven** to **350°F (175°C)** and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **sugar**, **baking soda**, **salt**, and **cocoa powder**. Stir to combine.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the **butter** and **water** together. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the butter and water are boiling, pour the hot mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Add the **sour cream**, **eggs**, **vanilla extract**, and **buttermilk** to the mixture. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the cake for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly.
#### Step 2: Make the Caramel Topping
8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the **butter**. Add the **brown sugar** and stir until it dissolves, about 1 minute.
9. Stir in the **heavy cream** and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens slightly.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the **vanilla extract**.
11. Gradually whisk in the **powdered sugar**, a little at a time, until the caramel becomes smooth and glossy.
### Why Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser
– **Deliciously Indulgent**: Texas Turtle Sheet Cake strikes the perfect balance between chocolate, caramel, and nuts. It’s the ideal treat for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering deep, rich flavors in every bite.
– **Feed a Crowd**: With its large size (made in a 9×13-inch pan), this cake is perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s a dessert that’s easy to share and guaranteed to be a hit.
– **Versatile**: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just want to treat yourself, this cake works for any occasion. It’s simple enough to make on a weeknight, but impressive enough to serve at special events.
– **Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter**: To keep the cake light and airy, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
– **Toast the Pecans**: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch. Be sure to keep an eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
– **Make Ahead**: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors improve overnight, and the cake stays moist.
Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the best parts of a chocolate cake and the beloved turtle candy. With its rich chocolate base, gooey caramel topping, and toasted pecans, this cake is a showstopper that will leave everyone at the table craving more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake will make you feel like a dessert hero. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
