INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder dissolved in 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Turtle Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce, for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9 x 13 pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and granulated sugar.
3. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup butter, 1/3 cup cocoa powdered and 1 cup of espresso. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Pour into prepared dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until combined. Add eggs and the 1/2 cup buttermilk. Mix on medium speed until combined.
5. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Frosting: in a medium saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 4 tablespoons buttermilk and 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
7. Remove from heat and use a wire whisk to gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time. Pour warm frosting over warm cake. Sprinkle immediately with toasted pecans and chocolate chips. Drizzle with salted caramel.