Turtle Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turtle Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert inspired by the classic chocolate, caramel, and pecan turtle candies. With layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate frosting, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Ideal for celebrations or satisfying your deepest chocolate cravings, this cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chocolate cake mixunsalted butterevaporated milksweetened condensed milkcaramelschopped pecanssemisweet chocolate chipsvanilla extracteggsvegetable oilwater

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, using the eggs, water, and oil.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.

While the base layer bakes, melt the caramels with butter and evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Remove the partially baked cake from the oven and pour the caramel mixture evenly over the top.

Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips over the caramel layer.

Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the top to cover.

Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling with additional melted chocolate and a few pecans, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling and topping time: 30 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.

Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper cocoa flavor.

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.

Turn it into cupcakes by layering in muffin tins.

storage/reheating

Store Turtle Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

What makes it a “Turtle” Cake?

The cake mimics turtle candies, which are made of caramel, chocolate, and pecans.

Can I make this cake from scratch?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a mix for a richer flavor.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, though melting caramels with milk and butter provides a thicker, chewier texture.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s rich and sweet, but balanced by the chocolate cake and nuts.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes, it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I serve it warm?

Absolutely, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

What kind of pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan works best, but you can also use a springform for a layered look.

Can I add frosting?

A thin chocolate ganache or drizzle works well if you want extra decadence.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can use less caramel and opt for dark chocolate chips to reduce sweetness slightly.

Conclusion

Turtle Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and caramel lovers. With its gooey layers and crunchy pecans, every bite is a delicious experience. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Print