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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.