The Turtle Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert that satisfies your cravings. Combining a moist cake, rich caramel layer, and nutty flavor of pecans creates a symphony of flavors ready to impress the ones with the most refined taste.
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With a generous layer of chocolate fudge frosting on top, it is a rich and creamy delight with extra crunchiness from the pecans. This is a slight twist from the classic recipe, switching the chocolate ganache with a store-bought frosting to save some time.
With the simple prep process, the turtle caramel cake is perfect for the ones that love to host. But you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a decadent, sweet treat; treat yourself with a piece after dinner and feel the joy of the little things in life. Head to the kitchen now, and your exquisite dessert will be ready in less than an hour.
What makes this recipe so unique?
The turtle caramel cake is a recipe that has been around for decades. It is perfect for the ones who love classic desserts with rich decadence. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans is a signature feature of this recipe. And the best thing? The whole process takes less than an hour, so you have an excuse not to make this delightful goodie.
Can I substitute the chocolate fudge frosting?
Absolutely! The store-bought frosting is here for extra flavor but also for convenience. The traditional turtle cake recipe includes homemade ganache, so this recipe simplifies the classic for you. But if you want to make it from scratch, make your homemade chocolate ganache with a more intense flavor.
Can I substitute the caramel?
Not all sweet-toothed individuals are keen on caramel. If you still want that rich milky note, you can substitute the caramel bits with toffee or butterscotch. On the other hand, you can stick with white or milk chocolate chips for the middle layer.
Ingredients:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pecans
- Unsalted sweet cream butter melted
- Evaporated milk
- Caramel bits
- German chocolate cake mix
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Canola oil
- Chocolate fudge frosting
How to make it:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2. Beat the cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk with a hand mixer until smooth.
Step 3. Add half of the batter to the greased baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 4. In the meantime, add the caramel bits, evaporated milk, and butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until melted.
Step 5. Pour the mixture over the baked cake once the caramel bits and butter melt. Add pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Step 6. Pour the remaining batter over the caramel sauce. Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 7. Let the chocolate fudge frosting soften so you can quickly spread it. The cake is entirely cool; top it with the frosting and sprinkle more chocolate chips and pecans.
Turtle Caramel Cake
This Turtle Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert that satisfies your cravings. Combining a moist cake, rich caramel layer, and nutty flavor of pecans creates a symphony of flavors ready to impress the ones with the most refined taste.
Ingredients
- 1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 C chopped pecans
- ¾ C unsalted sweet cream butter melted
- ½ C evaporated milk
- 1 – 11 oz caramel bits
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 C whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ C canola oil
- 1 container of chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Beat the cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add half of the batter to the greased baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes.
- In the meantime, add the caramel bits, evaporated milk, and butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir and cook until melted.
- Pour the mixture over the baked cake once the caramel bits and butter melt. Add pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the remaining batter over the caramel sauce. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Let the chocolate fudge frosting soften so you can quickly spread it. The cake is entirely cool; top it with the frosting and sprinkle more chocolate chips and pecans.
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Marie Rayner is a retired Chef, freelance writer, recipe developer, food blogger, and Cookbook author. She makes her home in Chester, UK, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their much beloved English Cocker, Mitzie. Her motto is “Life is far too short to eat bad food,” and her goal is to share delicious and easy recipes which anyone can enjoy and cook in the comfort of their own home.
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