Description
Chocolate Turtle Cake is a decadent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate ganache. It’s an indulgent treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and nutty flavors — a true showstopper for holidays or celebrations.
Ingredients
-
- For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup evaporated milk, divided
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (14 oz) bag caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
- For the Ganache Topping (optional but recommended):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Extra caramel drizzle and chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box, substituting water with 1/2 cup of evaporated milk for extra richness.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and remaining 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Add caramel candies and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked cake. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the top.
- Bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before adding the ganache topping.
- To make the ganache: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla extract.
- Spread ganache evenly over the cooled cake. Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with additional pecans for garnish.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
Notes
- For a scratch version, use your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of boxed mix.
- To make it extra gooey, swirl additional caramel into the top layer before baking.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Delicious served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American