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Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe


  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1214 slices 1x

Description

A decadent Turtle Caramel Cake with moist chocolate layers, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate drizzles. Perfect for any occasion, this indulgent dessert is a showstopper!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Layer:

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Toppings:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted)
  • Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
    • In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    • Whisk eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
  2. Bake the Cake:
    • Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
    • Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  3. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
    • Combine caramel sauce and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
  4. Assemble the Cake:
    • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread caramel mixture on top, allowing some to drip down the sides.
    • Sprinkle half the pecans. Top with the second cake layer, repeating with caramel, pecans, and melted chocolate drizzles.
  5. Decorate the Cake:
    • Drizzle additional caramel and melted chocolate over the top. Sprinkle remaining pecans.

Notes

  • Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Customization: Add sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist or substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle Caramel Cake Chocolate caramel pecan cake Decadent chocolate dessert Homemade caramel chocolate cake Layered chocolate caramel cake