The Turtle Caramel Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for special occasions or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is a showstopper. Follow the recipe below to create this indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 3 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Canola Oil
- 1 cup Whole Milk
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 bag (11 oz) Caramel Bits
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (divided use)
- 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Butterscotch Chips
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1 container (16 oz) Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, eggs, canola oil, and whole milk. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
- Bake First Layer: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer
- Melt Caramel Bits: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel bits and 1/2 cup of the evaporated milk. Stir continuously until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Butter: Add the melted unsalted butter to the caramel mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked cake layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
- Add Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining cake batter over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the caramel layer and toppings.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake, as the caramel layer will be very hot and can give a false reading.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Prepare Frosting: In a small saucepan, gently heat the chocolate fudge frosting over low heat until it is pourable, stirring constantly.
- Frost Cake: Pour the warmed frosting over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish: For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans or drizzle melted caramel over the top of the frosted cake.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecan in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Turtle Caramel Cake:
- Caramel Layer: Ensure the caramel mixture is spread evenly to prevent any overly thick areas, which can make the cake difficult to cut.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting sets properly and doesn’t melt off the cake.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans and replace them with additional chocolate or butterscotch chips.
- Extra Caramel: For caramel lovers, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the frosting just before serving.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
The Turtle Caramel Cake is a delightful blend of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, creating a treat that’s both rich and satisfying. With its multiple layers and textures, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to indulge in a sweet treat, this recipe is a must-try for all dessert lovers. Enjoy the decadent flavors and share the joy with friends and family!
