If you’re a fan of rich, gooey, and decadent desserts, then this Turtle Caramel Cake is for you! This delightful cake combines the classic flavors of German chocolate, caramel, and pecans, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Servings: 1 Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 container chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Bake the First Layer: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake this first layer for 15 minutes. This will serve as the base for the gooey caramel filling.
- Make the Caramel Filling: While the first layer is baking, prepare the caramel filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently until the caramel bits are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This rich caramel filling will add a luscious layer of sweetness to your cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the first layer is partially baked, remove it from the oven. Immediately pour the warm caramel filling evenly over the cake layer.Next, sprinkle 3/4 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
Dollop the remaining cake batter over the caramel filling in spoonfuls. Use a knife or spatula to gently spread the batter, covering the caramel and pecan layer completely.
- Finish Baking: Return the assembled cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Frost: Once the cake is fully baked, place it on a wire rack and allow it to cool completely, which should take about 2 hours.After the cake has cooled, spread the container of chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans on top of the frosting.
Serving Suggestions:
This Turtle Caramel Cake is perfect as it is, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. The combination of the soft, moist cake with the gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate frosting is truly divine.
Conclusion:
This Turtle Caramel Cake is a dessert lover’s dream, bringing together the best of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in one indulgent package. It’s easy to make, yet the results are impressive enough for any occasion. Enjoy this rich and delicious cake with family and friends, or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it!