Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the water and cocoa powder, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl, and mix until smooth. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the batter, and beat until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, and spread it out evenly.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare the frosting: While the cake is baking, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until well combined.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.
- Pour the warm frosting over the still-warm cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add the topping: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the frosted cake, followed by the chocolate chips. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the top for garnish.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. This Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this Texas Turtle Sheet Cake is sure to delight with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a taste of Southern sweetness that's guaranteed to please
