The Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, caramel, pecans, and butterscotch into a single, decadent treat. This cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress with a showstopping dessert. The layers of chocolate cake are interspersed with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and sweet butterscotch, all topped with a luscious chocolate fudge frosting.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix: Provides a rich chocolate base with a hint of cocoa, perfect for this indulgent dessert.
- ¾ cup melted unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the cake, enhancing the chocolate flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure.
- ⅓ cup canola oil: Helps keep the cake moist and tender.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 package (11 ounces) caramel bits: These bits melt down into a luscious caramel layer that adds sweetness and gooey texture.
- ½ cup evaporated milk: Used to melt the caramel bits into a smooth, pourable consistency.
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Adds an extra layer of chocolate in the middle of the cake, enhancing the overall chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor, complementing the caramel and chocolate.
- 11 ounces butterscotch chips: Melted and layered in the cake, adding a sweet and creamy butterscotch flavor.
For the Frosting:
- 1 container chocolate fudge frosting: The perfect finish to this rich cake, adding a final layer of chocolatey goodness.
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, melted unsalted butter, eggs, canola oil, and whole milk. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Bake the First Layer:
- Bake the first layer of the cake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it is just set but not fully baked.
4. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- While the first layer of cake is baking, melt the caramel bits with the evaporated milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Remove the partially baked cake from the oven. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the top of the cake layer.
- Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and butterscotch chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the filling.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Frost the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- For an extra touch, garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Slice and serve this indulgent cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter.
- Chocolate Lovers: If you want to enhance the chocolate experience, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert.
The Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich, gooey, and utterly indulgent dessert that combines the classic flavors of turtle candy—chocolate, caramel, and pecans—into a luxurious cake. This dessert is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. The combination of textures and flavors makes this cake a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
