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Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Scrumptious turtle caramel cake combines chocolate, pecans, and caramel in a delightful dessert. Rich layers blend classic flavors for an irresistible sweet experience you’ll savor with pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) caramel sauce or dulce de leche
  • 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (90 g / 3.2 oz) mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) container whipped topping (or 2 cups whipped cream)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) caramel sauce, for drizzling
  • ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) chocolate syrup, for drizzling
  • ¼ cup (30 g / 1 oz) chopped pecans, for garnish
  • Eggs (as specified on cake mix box)
  • Oil (as specified on cake mix box)
  • Water (as specified on cake mix box)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Cake Foundation: Craft the chocolate cake according to package instructions, allowing the cake to rest and stabilize for 10 minutes post-baking.
  3. Perforation Process: Pierce the warm cake’s surface comprehensively using a wooden spoon handle or straw, creating deep, evenly distributed cavities for optimal sauce penetration.
  4. Caramel Infusion: Lavishly stream caramel sauce across the warm cake, methodically guiding the liquid into each created hole, ensuring complete and thorough absorption.
  5. Textural Enhancement: Uniformly scatter chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips over the caramel-saturated surface, then allow the cake to equilibrate to room temperature.
  6. Creamy Topping: Once cooled, apply a smooth, consistent layer of whipped topping, fully enveloping the cake’s surface with delicate precision.
  7. Decorative Finale: Artfully drizzle additional caramel sauce and chocolate syrup in elegant, intersecting patterns across the whipped topping, then crown with remaining chopped pecans to create visual intrigue and textural contrast.
  8. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop before serving thoroughly chilled.

Notes

  • Puncture Precision: Create holes deep and evenly spaced for optimal caramel absorption, using a wooden spoon handle or straw with gentle, consistent pressure.
  • Caramel Coating Strategy: Pour caramel sauce while cake is warm to ensure maximum sauce penetration into cake’s inner layers, tilting pan to distribute evenly.
  • Temperature Control: Allow cake to cool completely at room temperature before adding whipped topping to prevent melting and preserve structural integrity.
  • Topping Technique: Drizzle chocolate and caramel sauces with a light hand, creating artistic patterns that enhance visual appeal without overwhelming the dessert’s delicate balance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg