Easy Turtle Caramel Cake – This Easy Turtle Caramel Cake. Is a decadent and irresistible dessert. Perfect for any chocolate lover. Rich German chocolate cake. Meets gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and sweet chocolate chips. All topped with creamy chocolate fudge frosting. It’s indulgence in every bite. And surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a few ingredients.
I first made this cake. When my husband was craving. Something chocolaty and caramel-filled. But didn’t want a store-bought treat. I decided to surprise him. With this homemade version of his favorite turtle candy. In cake form. The moment he took his first bite. His eyes lit up. And he couldn’t stop raving. About how delicious it was. Even my child. Who usually avoids desserts. Couldn’t resist sneaking. A second slice! Now, it’s a family favorite. That I make for birthdays. And special occasions.
What makes this Easy Turtle Caramel Cake truly special?
This cake has everything you could want. In a dessert: it’s easy to make. Packed with layers of flavor. And combines all the best elements—soft chocolate cake, luscious caramel, crunchy pecans. And rich chocolate frosting. Plus, it’s versatile! You can use store-bought caramel. Or your homemade favorite. And you can top it off. With any nuts you love. It’s a showstopper at any gathering. And will disappear. In no time!
What You Need To Make This Easy Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe?
German chocolate cake mix: The base for this cake. Provides a rich, chocolaty flavor. Without too much fuss. If you want to go homemade. You can substitute your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
Caramel bits: These make melting caramel so simple! If you can’t find caramel bits. You can use caramel squares. Just unwrap. And melt them with the butter and milk.
Pecans: They add a lovely crunch. That pairs perfectly. With the gooey caramel. Feel free to toast them lightly. For extra depth of flavor.
Chocolate fudge frosting: Use store-bought frosting for convenience. Or make your own. For a more homemade touch!
Steps To Make Easy Turtle Caramel Cake:
Step 1: Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven. To 350°F. And greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. With non-stick spray. In a large bowl. Mix together the cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Until you have a smooth batter. Pour half of the batter. Into your prepared baking dish. Smoothing it out evenly. Pop it in the oven. And bake for 15 minutes. While you get started. On the caramel layer.
Step 2: Make caramel filling: While the cake base bakes. Melt the caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk. In a saucepan. Over medium heat. Stir frequently. And soon you’ll have a smooth, golden caramel sauce. That smells heavenly.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Layer the cake: When your cake. Has had its first 15-minute bake. Take it out. And pour the warm caramel filling. Over the top. Letting it coat every inch. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. And 1 cup of chopped pecans. Over the caramel layer. For extra indulgence.
Step 4: Add final layer: Spoon the remaining cake batter. Over the caramel layer in dollops. And gently spread it. To cover the filling. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—this cake is all about rustic charm! Pop it back into the oven. For another 20 minutes. Or until a toothpick comes out. With just a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Cool and frost: Once baked. Place the cake on a wire rack. To cool completely. This part takes about 2 hours. But trust me. It’s worth the wait. Once cooled. Spread the chocolate fudge frosting. Evenly over the cake. Finish it off. By sprinkling the remaining chocolate chips. And pecans on top. Now, all you need is a fork!
Tip:
For an even richer flavor. Try lightly toasting the pecans. Before adding them to the cake. This simple step. Brings out their natural oils. And intensifies the nutty flavor. Creating a delicious contrast. With the gooey caramel. And chocolate. Toasting only takes a few minutes—just spread the pecans. In a single layer. On a baking sheet. And bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Stirring halfway through. Let them cool slightly. Before adding to the cake!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes. You can substitute homemade caramel. For a richer taste. Just make sure it has a good consistency. For layering.
How do I store the leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake. In an airtight container. At room temperature for up to 3 days. Or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work just as well. In place of pecans.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Easy Turtle Caramel Cake
Ingredients
- 1 package German chocolate cake mix
- 1 c full-fat milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 c vegetable oil like canola
- 11 ounces caramel bits
- 3/4 c melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 c evaporated milk
- 1 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 c chopped pecans
- 1 container of chocolate fudge icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. And grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. With non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl. Beat together the cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil. Using a hand mixer. Blending for about 2 minutes. Until the batter is smooth.
- Pour half of the batter. Into the greased baking dish. And bake for 15 minutes.
- While the first layer bakes. Prepare the caramel filling. In a saucepan. Over medium heat. Combine the caramel bits. With melted butter, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly. Until the mixture. Is fully melted. And smooth.
- Take the cake out of the oven. And pour the warm caramel mixture evenly. Over the top.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. And 1 cup of chopped pecans. Over the caramel layer.
- Spoon the remaining batter in dollops. Over the filling. Then gently spread it. With a knife. To cover the layer beneath.
- Place the cake back. In the oven. And bake for another 20 minutes. Or until a toothpick inserted in the center. Comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely. On a wire rack. Which should take about 2 hours.
- Once cooled. Spread the chocolate fudge frosting. Evenly over the top. With a spatula. Then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. And 1 cup of chopped pecans. Over the frosting.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
