Turtle Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turtle Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that brings together layers of chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and creamy chocolate ganache. Inspired by classic turtle candies, this indulgent treat is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or when you’re craving something extra special. Each bite delivers a luxurious combination of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

ingredients

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

all-purpose flourgranulated sugardark cocoa powderbaking soda and baking powdersaltbuttermilkvegetable oileggsvanilla extracthot waterchocolate chipspecanscaramel sauceunsalted butterheavy cream

directions

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

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Add in buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Gradually add hot water and mix until the batter is well combined.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Spread a layer of caramel sauce over the baked layer, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and chocolate chips.

Pour the remaining batter over the caramel-pecan layer and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely.

In a small saucepan, heat butter and heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Spread the ganache over the cooled cake.

Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce and extra pecans, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesInitial baking time: 15 minutesFinal baking time: 25 minutesCooling and ganache time: 45 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake and ganache for a cheesecake twist.

Use walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.

Add a splash of bourbon or espresso to the ganache for a deeper flavor profile.

Make turtle cupcakes by layering in individual muffin tins.

storage/reheating

Store Turtle Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.To serve warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

What makes a Turtle Cake a “turtle”?

The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans mirrors the ingredients of turtle candies, giving the cake its name.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought works perfectly, though homemade caramel will give a richer flavor.

Is this cake very sweet?

Yes, it’s quite rich and sweet—perfect for those who love indulgent desserts.

Can I make it in advance?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Can I use a cake mix?

Yes, a boxed chocolate cake mix can be used for convenience—just bake half, layer, and bake the rest as described.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

What kind of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide a balanced sweetness.

How can I prevent the cake from sticking?

Be sure to grease your pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Is this cake good for a crowd?

Yes, it’s great for gatherings and always gets rave reviews.

Can I use caramel candies instead of sauce?

You can melt caramel candies with a splash of cream to make a pourable sauce.

Conclusion

Turtle Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and caramel lovers. Its gooey layers and nutty crunch make it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, this cake delivers pure indulgence in every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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