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Turtle Caramel Cake

Turtle Caramel Cake

Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich, moist, and tender dessert combining buttery caramel, smooth chocolate, and toasted pecans for a decadent treat that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings, this cake offers a classic turtle candy flavor profile in an easy-to-make homemade cake.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup milk or buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings and Add-ins

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  2. Toast the Pecans: While the batter is resting, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
  3. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
  4. Assemble and Layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel sauce over it. Sprinkle half of the toasted pecans and some chocolate chips on top. Add the second layer of cake and repeat the caramel, pecans, and chocolate topping. Use the remaining caramel sauce to drizzle over the top for a glossy finish.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled Turtle Caramel Cake for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the caramel to set slightly, ensuring cleaner slices and a more indulgent eating experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to create a smooth batter and even texture.
  • Mix batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • Toast pecans gently and watch carefully to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Ensure cake layers are completely cooled before layering to prevent caramel from melting into the cake.
  • Adjust caramel sauce thickness by warming gently or allowing it to thicken for easier spreading.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with substitution)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Turtle Caramel Cake, caramel cake, pecan cake, chocolate cake, homemade dessert, turtle candy dessert, caramel chocolate dessert