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Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort: A Deep Dive into the Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort: A Deep Dive into the Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.

  2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk, eggs, and oil using a hand mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes.

  3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.

2. Make the Caramel Filling:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk.

  2. Whisk frequently until completely melted and smooth.

3. Layer the Cake:

  1. Remove the partially baked cake from the oven. Pour the warm caramel filling evenly over the cake.

  2. Sprinkle 3/4 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup chopped pecans over the caramel.

  3. 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.

Notes

  • 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.