Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s layered with moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a smooth chocolate ganache.

It’s not overly sweet but delivers the perfect balance of flavors. I think it’s a perfect dessert for any celebration, and if you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them. It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both luxurious and satisfying, you’ve come to the right place. When you combine layers of tender chocolate cake with luscious caramel and a decadent chocolate ganache, you get the perfect cake. The addition of pecans just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for something indulgent, and this dreamy cake reminds me of special occasions. Not a fan of pecans? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without them.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box devil’s food cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
   2. In a mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until well blended.
   3. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Caramel Layer:
   1. While the first layer of cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   2. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
   3. Continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
   4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Cake:
   1. Once the first layer of cake is baked, pour the caramel mixture evenly over the top.
   2. Sprinkle the chopped pecans (if using) over the caramel layer.
   3. Pour the remaining cake batter over the caramel and pecans.
   4. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
   1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
   2. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
5. Finish the Cake:
   1. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
   2. Once cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   3. Let the ganache set before serving.

Prep Time

• 20 minutes

Cook Time

• 45 minutes

Total Time

• 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 5g

Enjoy this Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake, perfect for any celebration and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that's layered with moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, all topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. It’s not overly sweet but delivers the perfect balance of flavors.

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Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls 
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• For the Cake:
• 1 box devil's food cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• For the Caramel Layer:
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans optional
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Cake:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until well blended.
• Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes.
• Make the Caramel Layer:
• While the first layer of cake is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
• Continue to boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Assemble the Cake:
• Once the first layer of cake is baked, pour the caramel mixture evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans (if using) over the caramel layer.
• Pour the remaining cake batter over the caramel and pecans.
• Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
• Finish the Cake:
• Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
• Once cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Let the ganache set before serving.