Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. This layered cake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Turtle Caramel Cake, including detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Additional Layers:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 container chocolate fudge frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
2. Initial Baking
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the top is set but not fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Caramel Filling
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk.
- Whisk frequently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
4. Layer the Cake
- Remove the partially baked cake from the oven.
- Evenly pour the warm caramel mixture over the baked layer.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
- Dollop the remaining cake batter over the filling in spoonfuls.
- Use a knife to gently spread the batter, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
5. Final Baking
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling and Frosting
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for about 2 hours.
- Once cooled, evenly spread the chocolate fudge frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans for garnish.
Tips for the Best Turtle Caramel Cake
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and fresh pecans to enhance the flavor.
- Cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before frosting prevents the frosting from melting.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Variations
- Add a drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
- Salted caramel twist: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Nut-free option: Substitute pecans with crushed graham crackers or omit them entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits? Yes, homemade caramel can be used if you prefer a more personalized touch.
Can I freeze Turtle Caramel Cake? Yes, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What can I serve with this cake? This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
PrintTurtle Caramel Cake Recipe: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love
Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. This layered cake is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Turtle Caramel Cake, including detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste.
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Additional Layers:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 container chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined (about 2 minutes).
2. Initial Baking
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the top is set but not fully cooked.
3. Prepare the Caramel Filling
- While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk.
- Whisk frequently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
4. Layer the Cake
- Remove the partially baked cake from the oven.
- Evenly pour the warm caramel mixture over the baked layer.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
- Dollop the remaining cake batter over the filling in spoonfuls.
- Use a knife to gently spread the batter, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
5. Final Baking
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cooling and Frosting
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely for about 2 hours.
- Once cooled, evenly spread the chocolate fudge frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans for garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes