If you're looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that will impress everyone at your next gathering, look no further than this Turtle Caramel Cake! Combining the delicious flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, this cake is a treat for the senses. The moist chocolate cake layers are topped with a decadent caramel sauce, finished with a generous handful of toasted pecans, and drizzled with melted chocolate for the ultimate dessert experience.
This dessert is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and nutty – just like the classic Turtle candy. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake will undoubtedly be the star of the show!
Ingredients (Makes 1 Layer Cake)
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour – 240g (2 cups)
- Granulated sugar – 200g (1 cup)
- Cocoa powder – 50g (½ cup)
- Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Baking soda – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Eggs – 2 large
- Whole milk – 240ml (1 cup)
- Vegetable oil – 120ml (½ cup)
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Boiling water – 240ml (1 cup)
- Instant coffee (optional) – 1 teaspoon (helps enhance the chocolate flavor)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – 115g (½ cup)
- Brown sugar – 200g (1 cup, packed)
- Heavy cream – 240ml (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
For the Topping:
- Toasted pecans – 150g (1 ½ cups)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 100g (½ cup)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and flour a 9x9-inch square pan or a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the boiling water (and instant coffee, if using) to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding the caramel sauce and toppings.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Step 5: Toast the Pecans
- In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the caramel layer, pressing down gently so they stick.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake in a decorative pattern.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the cake to set for about 10-15 minutes for the toppings to firm up. Slice and serve!
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Slices)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Turtle Caramel Cake
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and airy.
✔ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – For a smoother batter, use room temperature eggs and milk.
✔ Make the Cake Ahead of Time – This cake can be made a day ahead; just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
✔ Caramel Sauce Tip – If the caramel sauce gets too thick, simply reheat it with a little more heavy cream to loosen it up.
✔ Toast the Pecans for Extra Flavor – Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, giving the cake an extra layer of nuttiness.
Variations & Add-Ins
🍫 Chocolate Ganache – If you love chocolate, replace the caramel sauce with a thick chocolate ganache or drizzle it on top for an extra chocolatey twist.
🍯 Salted Caramel – For a salted caramel twist, add an extra pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce and sprinkle some on top of the cake.
🍪 Mini Chocolate Chips – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for even more chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Pair with Coffee or Hot Cocoa – This cake is delicious with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate dessert experience.
🍦 Serve with Ice Cream – Top each slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
🍒 Garnish with Fresh Berries – Add a pop of color and freshness with a few fresh berries on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich & Indulgent – The perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite.
✅ Easy to Make – With simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready to serve in no time.
✅ Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or dinner party, this cake will impress your guests.
✅ Can Be Made Ahead – Make it in advance, and just drizzle the caramel and top the cake right before serving.
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