Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, this Turtle Cake is for you! This irresistible cake features layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious chocolate ganache. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this indulgent dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Boiling water
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate boiling water: Gradually add the boiling water, stirring until smooth.
- Bake the cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add caramel and pecans: Remove from the oven, drizzle caramel sauce, and sprinkle chopped pecans over the cake.
- Layer with remaining batter: Pour the rest of the cake batter over the caramel-pecan layer and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
- Finish the cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle more pecans before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Extra Gooey: Add a layer of chocolate chips over the caramel before adding the top cake layer.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel version.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans for a nut-free cake.
- Cupcake Version: Make turtle cupcakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins and adjusting the bake time.
- Espresso Boost: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
What’s the best way to drizzle caramel?
Use a spoon or a piping bag for a more controlled drizzle.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works perfectly, or you can make your own.
How do I prevent the caramel from sinking?
Let the first cake layer cool slightly before adding caramel.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well in place of pecans.
What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate provides the best balance of richness and sweetness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How do I make the cake extra moist?
Use high-quality buttermilk and do not overbake.
Can I skip the ganache?
Yes, but the ganache adds extra richness and enhances the turtle cake flavor.
What pairs well with Turtle Cake?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee complements it perfectly.
Conclusion
Turtle Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a slice of indulgence!
PrintTurtle Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turtle Cake is a decadent chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel, toasted pecans, and melted chocolate. Every bite is rich, fudgy, and full of gooey goodness. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you’re craving something indulgent!
Ingredients
- :
- For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce (or 1 cup homemade caramel)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- :
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
- Bake the first layer: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 15 minutes, until slightly set.
- Add the caramel layer: While the first layer is baking, mix the melted butter with the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the toasted pecans.
- Assemble the layers: Pour the caramel mixture over the partially baked cake. Sprinkle with ¾ cup of chocolate chips. Then, pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading it evenly.
- Bake again: Return to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and top: Let the cake cool slightly. Drizzle with extra caramel, sprinkle with pecans, and drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
- Serve & enjoy: Slice and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Notes
- :
- Make it from scratch by using a homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a boxed mix.
- For extra gooeyness, poke small holes in the cake before pouring the caramel layer.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days—warm slices in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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