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Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Turtle Caramel Cake is a deliciously rich dessert that combines a moist German chocolate cake base with a luscious caramel filling, topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. Finished with creamy chocolate fudge frosting, this cake is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup canola oil

Caramel Filling

  • 1 package (11 oz) caramel bits
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Toppings & Frosting

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 container chocolate fudge frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to beat until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
  3. Bake Half the Batter: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the layer is set.
  4. Prepare Caramel Filling: While the cake is baking, combine the caramel bits, melted unsalted butter, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
  5. Assemble Caramel Layer: Remove the partially baked cake from the oven and pour the warm caramel filling evenly over the cake layer.
  6. Add Chocolate and Pecans: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer to add texture and flavor.
  7. Top with Remaining Batter: Spoon the remaining half of the cake batter gently over the caramel, chocolate, and pecans. Use a knife or spatula to spread it evenly without mixing the layers.
  8. Final Baking: Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, indicating it is cooked through.
  9. Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, frost the top generously with chocolate fudge frosting. Optionally, add extra chocolate chips and pecans for garnish.

Notes

  • Ensure the caramel mixture is warm but not boiling when pouring over the cake to prevent melting the cake layer completely.
  • Use a toothpick to check doneness, but some moist crumbs on the toothpick with no wet batter are acceptable due to the caramel filling.
  • To make ahead: you can bake the cake layers and assemble the caramel filling a day in advance; refrigerate the cake and bring it to room temperature before frosting.
  • Substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turtle Caramel Cake, German chocolate cake, caramel cake, chocolate pecan cake, homemade cake recipe, chocolate fudge frosting cake

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/turtle-caramel-cake-recipe/