TURTLE CARAMEL CAKE

Turtle Caramel Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans — much like the classic turtle candies. Here’s a full breakdown of how to make one from scratch, including chocolate cake, caramel filling, ganache, and toppings.

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🧁 Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

🍫 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans

• Extra caramel drizzle

• Chocolate drizzle (optional)

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth.

4. Slowly stir in hot water until fully combined (batter will be thin).

5. Divide batter evenly into the pans and bake for 28–32 minutes.

6. Cool completely before assembling.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.

2. Once melted and amber-colored, add butter carefully.

3. Slowly pour in heavy cream (it will bubble up).

4. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 3 minutes.

3. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread caramel sauce over the layer, sprinkle with pecans.

3. Add the second cake layer, repeat caramel + pecans.

4. Top with final cake layer and pour ganache over the top.

5. Let ganache drip slightly down the sides for effect.

6. Top with more pecans and drizzle extra caramel.

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🍽️ Serving Tips

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

• Pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Would you like a one-layer simplified version, a boxed cake mix shortcut, or a printable format?