Turtle Caramel Cake: A Decadent Chocolate, Caramel, and Pecan Delight

Few desserts can match the rich, indulgent flavors of a Turtle Caramel Cake. Inspired by classic turtle candies, this cake is a delicious combination of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate ganache. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress your guests.

Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to make your very own Turtle Caramel Cake from scratch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water)

For the Caramel Layer:

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream (warm)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp salt

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

For Assembly & Garnish:

1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup chocolate sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Whole pecans (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
Slowly pour in the hot brewed coffee while stirring. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes).
Carefully add the warm heavy cream, whisking continuously (it will bubble up).
Stir in the butter and salt, then remove from heat. Let it cool to thicken.

Please Head On keep on Reading (>) for the FULL ARTICLE: