I absolutely adore Turtle Caramel Cake! It’s a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate cake layers with smooth caramel filling, topped with a generous amount of pecans and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Every bite is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating a truly indulgent experience.
The combination of textures from the moist cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans makes it a heavenly dessert that always leaves me craving for more. Trust me, once you try Turtle Caramel Cake, you’ll be hooked on its irresistible taste!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- ¾ cup unsalted sweet cream butter, melted
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 container of chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions for Making Turtle Caramel Cake
- Reparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepping a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- The Cake Base: Using a hand mixer, blend the cake mix with oil, eggs, and milk until you achieve a smooth batter. Pour half of this batter into your baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Creating the Caramel Layer: While the base is baking, combine caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Heat this mixture until everything is melted and smooth, then pour it over the baked cake base.
- Adding Texture and Flavor: Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the caramel layer for that signature turtle taste.
- The Final Layer: Pour the remaining batter over the caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes.
- Frosting and Finishing Touches: Once the cake is cooled, spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch of luxury, sprinkle more chocolate chips and pecans.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients can significantly affect the taste and texture of your Turtle Caramel Cake. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder for the best flavor. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cake, and fresh, full-fat milk and eggs will contribute to the richness and moistness of the cake.
Cake Mix Selection: While the recipe suggests using a German chocolate cake mix for convenience, don’t hesitate to choose your favorite brand or even make your cake batter from scratch for a more personalized touch. The key is to achieve a moist and flavorful base that complements the caramel and pecan toppings.
Melting Caramel: Melting caramel can be tricky as it can burn easily. Ensure to melt the caramel on medium heat and stir constantly for a smooth, even consistency. If the caramel starts to harden or becomes too thick, adding a little more evaporated milk can help thin it out.
Layering the Cake: For a well-defined layer of caramel and pecans, carefully spread the caramel over the baked first layer of cake before sprinkling the pecans and chocolate chips. When adding the final layer of cake batter, do so gently to avoid mixing the layers. This will create distinct layers in your cake, each with its unique flavor and texture.
Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense, rich cake. You can flavor the whipped cream with vanilla or bourbon for an extra kick.
Ice Cream: Serve your Turtle Caramel Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The cold ice cream melting into the warm cake creates a delightful texture and temperature contrast.
Warm Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, consider warming up some extra caramel sauce to drizzle over the cake. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of gooey sweetness.
Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional in turtle desserts, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee or espresso is the perfect beverage to accompany this rich dessert. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cake, making for a harmonious pairing.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating the Cake: Turtle Caramel Cake should be stored in the refrigerator due to its moist ingredients. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Properly stored, the cake can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the cake either whole or in slices. Wrap the cake or slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reviving the Cake: If the cake has been refrigerated and you prefer it at room temperature, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. This will help soften the caramel and chocolate, enhancing the flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Be mindful of cross-contamination if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.
Can I substitute the caramel bits? If you can’t find caramel bits, you can use regular soft caramels; just chop them into smaller pieces for easier melting. Alternatively, a homemade caramel sauce can be used for the middle layer.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk? If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream or a mixture of milk and butter. However, keep in mind that evaporated milk has a unique flavor and consistency that contributes to the cake’s moisture.
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer. A dark chocolate mix will yield a more intense chocolate flavor, while a milk chocolate mix will be milder.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry? To prevent the cake from drying out, avoid overbaking it. Keep a close eye on the cake during the final minutes of baking and perform the toothpick test to ensure it’s perfectly baked. Additionally, ensuring the cake is properly stored and covered will help retain its moisture.
Turtle Caramel Cake
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- ¾ cup unsalted sweet cream butter melted
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 11 oz package caramel bits
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 1 container of chocolate fudge frosting
INSTRUCTIONS
- Reparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepping a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- The Cake Base: Using a hand mixer, blend the cake mix with oil, eggs, and milk until you achieve a smooth batter. Pour half of this batter into your baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Creating the Caramel Layer: While the base is baking, combine caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Heat this mixture until everything is melted and smooth, then pour it over the baked cake base.
- Adding Texture and Flavor: Sprinkle a generous amount of chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the caramel layer for that signature turtle taste.
- The Final Layer: Pour the remaining batter over the caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes.
- Frosting and Finishing Touches: Once the cake is cooled, spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top. For an extra touch of luxury, sprinkle more chocolate chips and pecans.
