Name: Turtle Caramel Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 1 box German chocolate cake mix (or devil’s food cake mix); 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup canola oil; 1 package (11 oz caramel bits); 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided); 2 cups chopped pecans (divided); 1 container (16 oz chocolate fudge frosting)

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Indulge in the nostalgic bliss of Turtle Caramel Cake, a rich Turtle Cake that combines moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans for an irresistible treat. Ready in about an hour, this Chocolate Turtle masterpiece is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any gathering where you want to impress. With its velvety caramel filling and chocolate fudge frosting, this Turtle Poke Cake is surprisingly simple to make, yet looks and tastes like a bakery showstopper. Follow our easy recipe to create this decadent dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

This Turtle Caramel Cake is a crowd-pleasing Turtle Cake, blending rich flavors with straightforward preparation. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Decadent Flavors: Moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans create a heavenly combo.
Show-Stopping Look: Looks fancy but requires minimal effort for this Chocolate Turtle.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings with its generous servings.
Nostalgic Comfort: Evokes warm memories of classic desserts with every bite of this Turtle Poke Cake.

Ingredients for Turtle Caramel Cake

To prepare this decadent Turtle Caramel Cake (serves 12-16), gather these ingredients:

1 box German chocolate cake mix (or devil’s food cake mix)
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
1 package (11 oz) caramel bits
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 cups chopped pecans, divided
1 container (16 oz) chocolate fudge frosting

Ingredient Tips:

Cake Mix: German chocolate cake mix adds rich flavor; devil’s food or yellow cake mix are great substitutes.
Caramel Bits: Use caramel bits for easy melting; individually wrapped caramels can work if unwrapped.
Pecans: Toast pecans lightly for enhanced flavor; walnuts or almonds can substitute.
Frosting: Store-bought chocolate fudge frosting saves time, but homemade works too.

How to Make Turtle Caramel Cake

Follow these steps to create a show-stopping Turtle Caramel Cake:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine 1 box cake mix, 1 cup milk, 3 eggs, and 1/3 cup canola oil. Use a hand mixer to beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
Bake First Layer: Pour half the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 11 oz caramel bits, 3/4 cup melted butter, and 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Whisk frequently until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes.
Add Filling: Remove the partially baked cake from the oven. Pour the warm caramel filling evenly over the top. Sprinkle 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans over the caramel.
Top and Finish Baking: Dollop the remaining cake batter over the filling in spoonfuls, gently spreading to cover. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center has a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Frost: Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Spread 1 container chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup pecans.
Serve: Slice and serve as a decadent Turtle Cake, perfect with coffee or ice cream for a true Chocolate Turtle experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~2 hours 50 minutes
Calories: ~550 per serving (based on 16 servings)
Servings: 12-16

Macros per Serving: 65g carbs, 6g protein, 30g fat, 3g fiber

Tips for the Perfect Turtle Caramel Cake

Don’t Overbake: Check for moist crumbs on the toothpick to keep the Turtle Cake moist.
Melt Caramel Slowly: Whisk constantly over medium heat to avoid burning the caramel filling.
Cool Completely: Ensure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Spread Batter Gently: Use a knife to carefully cover the caramel layer without mixing it into the top batter.
Toast Pecans: Lightly toast pecans for deeper flavor in this Chocolate Turtle.

Creative Variations for Turtle Caramel Cake

Customize this Turtle Caramel Cake with these delicious twists:

Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or coffee liqueur to the caramel filling for an adult Turtle Poke Cake.
Nut Swap: Use toasted walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch.
Extra Decadence: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce or melted chocolate after frosting.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty Chocolate Turtle.
Mini Version: Bake in a muffin tin for individual turtle cupcakes; reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Turtle Caramel Cake is a versatile Turtle Cake that shines at any occasion. Try these serving ideas:

Serve on a decorative platter with extra caramel drizzle for a stunning Chocolate Turtle presentation.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Present with coffee, hot cocoa, or a dessert wine like port for a sophisticated contrast.
Cut into small squares for potlucks or parties, as this Turtle Poke Cake is rich and shareable.
Garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or edible gold dust for an elegant touch.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store for up to 2 hours after serving; avoid longer to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2-3 months; thaw at room temperature.
Prep Ahead: Bake and frost up to 2 days in advance; store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Refresh: Warm slices briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) to revive the gooey caramel texture.

FAQs About Turtle Caramel Cake

Can I use a different cake mix for this Turtle Cake?
Yes, devil’s food or yellow cake mix work well; avoid fruity flavors for the best Turtle Caramel Cake.

How do I store this Chocolate Turtle?
Refrigerate covered for up to 1 week or freeze slices for 2-3 months; thaw before enjoying your Turtle Poke Cake.

Can I make this Turtle Poke Cake in advance?
Yes, prepare 1-2 days ahead and store in the fridge for a fresh Turtle Caramel Cake.

What if I don’t have caramel bits for this Turtle Cake?
Use unwrapped soft caramels; melt with butter and evaporated milk for the Chocolate Turtle filling.

Can I make this Turtle Caramel Cake nut-free?
Omit pecans or replace with crushed pretzels or toffee bits for a nut-free Turtle Poke Cake.

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Conclusion

This Turtle Caramel Cake is a decadent, nostalgic Turtle Cake that brings chocolate, caramel, and pecans to your table in about an hour. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any sweet occasion, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today and savor a slice of gooey, crunchy Chocolate Turtle bliss that’s sure to become a family favorite!