Chocolate Turtle Cake
Indulge in a Chocolate Turtle Cake, a rich, gooey dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with caramel, pecans, and whipped topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, this easy poke cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser among Summer Desserts. With its irresistible layers and no-fuss prep, it’s a standout in Turtle Cake Ideas. Make this turtle cake for a sweet, decadent treat that's sure to impress, especially at your next Independence Day party.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 15.25 oz box Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as per package)
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12 oz jar caramel sundae topping
For the Topping:
- 1 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line with foil for easy removal. Prepare the 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix according to package instructions (typically adding eggs, oil, and water). Bake as directed, checking 3-5 minutes early for doneness (about 25 minutes).
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk and 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sundae topping. Stir until well blended.
- Poke and Fill: Remove the baked cake from the oven and let cool slightly (5 minutes). Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke about 60 evenly spaced holes across the cake. Slowly pour the caramel-condensed milk mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for 10 minutes to set the filling. Spread 1 (8 oz) container of thawed whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans and ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, for the best flavor and texture in this Summer Dessert.
- Serve: Just before serving, drizzle with ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing Chocolate Turtle Cake.
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: Pour the caramel mixture slowly to avoid a soggy Turtle Cake.
- Chill Thoroughly: Overnight refrigeration enhances flavor and texture in this Summer Dessert.
- Even Holes: Space poke holes evenly for consistent filling distribution in Turtle Cake Ideas.
- Toast Pecans: Lightly toasting pecans adds deeper flavor to this Chocolate Turtle Cake.
- Check Cake Doneness: Bake until a toothpick comes out clean to avoid an undercooked base.