If you love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, this Turtle Caramel Cake is pure nostalgia on a plate. Rich, gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and crunchy pecans layered over a moist German chocolate cake—this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or a special treat anytime.
For the Cake:
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/3 cup canola oil
For the Caramel Filling:
1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup evaporated milk
Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
2 cups chopped pecans (divided)
1 container chocolate fudge frosting
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil using a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Caramel Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk.
Whisk frequently until completely melted and smooth.
3. Layer the Cake:
Remove the partially baked cake from the oven. Pour the warm caramel filling evenly over the cake.
Sprinkle 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans over the caramel.
Dollop the remaining cake batter over the filling in spoonfuls, and gently spread with a knife to cover the filling.
4. Bake Again:
Return the cake to the oven and bake 20 more minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the cake completely on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
5. Frost and Finish:
Spread chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans on top.
Partial Bake First: Baking half the batter first ensures the caramel filling stays in the middle and doesn’t sink.
Smooth Caramel: Stir frequently while melting the caramel to prevent burning.
Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before spreading frosting to prevent it from melting.
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.