Chocolate Turtle Cake
Imagine indulging in the ultimate dessert that marries rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans in every bite. Let me introduce you to the Chocolate Turtle Cake—a decadent creation inspired by the beloved caramel pecan chocolate ‘turtle’ candies. This cake is a symphony of flavors, combining my perfect chocolate cake recipe, homemade caramel sauce, and a luxurious milk chocolate buttercream. The caramel pecan filling offers a delightful combination of crunchy and creamy textures that make this cake truly magical!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Turtle Cake is a must-try for several reasons. The chocolate layers are incredibly moist and rich, thanks to the addition of chocolate chips and a hint of coffee. The homemade caramel sauce is an irresistible treat on its own, and when combined with pecans, it provides a luscious filling. Topped with a fluffy milk chocolate buttercream, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer
- 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
- Serrated knife
- Wire racks
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Cake plate
Ingredients
- Unsweetened cocoa
- 1 (18.25-oz.) package devil’s food cake mix
- 1 (3.9-oz.) package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3/4 cup canola oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon chocolate extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 1 (6-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (16-oz.) container ready-to-spread cream cheese frosting
- 1/2 cup canned dulce de leche
- 2 (7-oz.) packages turtle candies
- 1 (16-oz.) can ready-to-spread chocolate fudge frosting
- 1 (12-oz.) jar dulce de leche ice cream topping
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and dust with cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, chocolate extract, and coffee granules on low speed for 1 minute. Increase to medium speed and beat for 2 more minutes. Fold in the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes before transferring them to the racks to cool completely. Wrap and chill the cake layers for at least 1 hour.
- Combine the cream cheese frosting and canned dulce de leche in a small bowl, mixing until smooth. Set aside. Halve 6 turtle candies for garnish, and dice the remaining candies.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the cake layers in half horizontally to create four layers. Place the first layer, cut side up, on a cake plate. Spread with 1/2 cup of the cream cheese frosting mixture and sprinkle with a third of the diced turtle candies. Repeat this process twice more. Place the final cake layer on top, cut side down, and spread the chocolate fudge frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, drizzle the dulce de leche ice cream topping over the cake and garnish with the reserved halved turtle candies and toasted pecan halves. Store the cake in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Chilling the cake layers makes slicing them easier and helps the cake hold its shape during assembly.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a salted caramel effect. If you prefer, you can substitute the milk chocolate buttercream with a dark chocolate version for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: TBD
- Fat: TBD
- Carbohydrates: TBD
- Protein: TBD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance. Assemble the cake on the day of serving for best results.
What if I don’t have chocolate extract?
No worries! You can simply use an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
Conclusion
There you have it—a tantalizing Chocolate Turtle Cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends. I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy the delicious combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us—I’d love to hear how your cake turned out!