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Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich layers of caramel-infused turtle cake promise a delightful chocolate and pecan journey for dessert enthusiasts. Indulgent slices reveal creamy textures and deep flavors that invite pure sweet satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fluid ounces) caramel sauce or dulce de leche
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 ounces) mini chocolate chips (optional)

Additional Cake Mix Ingredients:

  • Eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
  • Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
  • Water (as specified on cake mix box)

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) container whipped topping (or 2 cups whipped cream)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) chocolate syrup, for drizzling
  • ¼ cup (30 g / 1 ounce) chopped pecans, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and ready a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Mix and bake the chocolate cake according to package directions, allowing the cake to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
  3. While the cake is still warm, create multiple punctures across the entire surface using a wooden spoon handle or straw, ensuring deep and evenly distributed holes.
  4. Generously cascade caramel sauce over the warm cake, gently guiding the liquid into each created cavity with a spatula to guarantee complete sauce absorption.
  5. Distribute chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips uniformly across the caramel-drenched surface, then permit the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
  6. Once cooled, carefully spread whipped topping in a smooth, consistent layer covering the entire cake surface.
  7. Artfully drizzle additional caramel sauce and chocolate syrup in elegant patterns across the whipped topping.
  8. Elegantly garnish the cake’s top with the remaining chopped pecans, creating visual texture and crunch.
  9. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle before serving chilled.

Notes

  • Maintain an even cake temperature by rotating the pan halfway through baking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent uneven browning.
  • Select high-quality caramel sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the dessert.
  • Customize the cake by toasting pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg