Description

This indulgent Turtle Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a luscious chocolate frosting. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating or just craving a little something sweet. The combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cake:
1 box chocolate cake mix (or 2 cups homemade chocolate cake batter)
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Layer:
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
For the Frosting:
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Add the Caramel Layer
Once the cake is completely cool, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it over the cake.
Step 4: Frost and Garnish the Cake
Once the frosting has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the top of the cake, covering the caramel and pecans.
Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for garnish.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate, caramel, and nuts in every bite!

Notes

Homemade caramel: If you’d like to make your own caramel, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/4 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Store leftovers: Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors intensify as it sits!
Make it extra rich: For an even more decadent cake, add a layer of whipped cream between the caramel and frosting.
Optional add-ins: You can mix mini chocolate chips or a handful of toffee bits into the batter for extra texture.

Nutrition

Calories: ~350
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg