Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate | Servings: 12

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake—a rich chocolate cake layered with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or when you crave a show-stopping treat!

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee (or boiling water)

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans, toasted

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

For the Whipped Cream Frosting (Optional):

• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream, chilled

• ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish:

• Extra caramel sauce

• Chopped pecans

• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Whisk dry ingredients—In a large bowl, sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients—In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

4. Add hot coffee—Slowly pour in hot coffee (or boiling water), stirring until the batter is thin but well combined.

5. Bake—Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling

1. Melt sugar—In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar, stirring occasionally until amber-colored (about 8-10 minutes).

2. Add butter—Carefully whisk in butter until melted.

3. Pour in cream—Slowly drizzle in heavy cream (mixture will bubble). Stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly.

4. Mix in pecans—Stir in toasted pecans. Set aside to thicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat cream—In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream until steaming (do not boil).

2. Melt chocolate—Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer cake—Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread caramel-pecan filling evenly.

2. Top with second layer—Add the second cake layer. Pour warm ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

3. Optional frosting—Whip chilled cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe around edges if desired.

4. Garnish—Drizzle with extra caramel, sprinkle pecans, and add chocolate shavings.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve at room temperature for best texture.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 620 kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 420mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 55g

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make ahead—Bake cake layers a day in advance and store wrapped at room temperature.
✅ Nut-free—Skip pecans or swap with toasted coconut.
✅ Extra decadence—Add a layer of chocolate mousse between cake layers.

Enjoy this Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake—a heavenly combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans that’s sure to impress!