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Turtle Caramel Cake

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  • 4.38 from 53 votes

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This is one of those desserts that most would save for really special occasions. I, however, love Turtle anything! You would find this in my kitchen at least one time a month. This cake is truly rich and decadent, filled with flavor.

When you combine caramel, chocolate, and pecans it is what I imagine Heaven would taste like.

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turtle caramel cake, caramel turtle cake, poke cake recipe

A rich treat like this is not difficult to make either. It is simply a matter of a little effort. The cake is made by using a store-bought mix, you melt caramel and then make a chocolate ganache.

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It is a few steps, but it is more than worth it when you see the delight in everyone’s eyes.

turtle caramel cake, caramel turtle cake, poke cake recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that your guests will love, be sure to give this turtle caramel cake recipe a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it! 🙂

turtle caramel cake, caramel turtle cake, poke cake recipe

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Is there a specific cake mix I should get?

Not at all! You can use the brand you prefer. There are some of you I am sure, that would prefer to make the cake from scratch. This is perfectly alright to do so also.

Is it a ganache for the topping or frosting?

You could use either one, depending on your preference. I have used both at separate times, and they both taste amazing.

Can I use something other than Evaporated milk?

It is best to use Evaporated milk. It is thicker than regular milk and helps the cake maintain moisture. If you have remaining milk left it can be used in other desserts or included in when making sauces, gravies, or use it for your daily coffee.

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Ingredients for Turtle Caramel Cake:

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Chopped pecans
  • Unsalted sweet cream butter
  • Evaporated milk
  • Caramel bits
  • German chocolate cake mix
  • Whole milk
  • Eggs
  • Canola oil
  • Chocolate fudge frosting
Turtle Caramel Cake Ingredients

How to make Turtle Caramel Cake:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking dish with pam baking spray

Step 2. Using a hand mixer, beat the cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk together until combined and smooth

Using a hand mixer, beat the cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk together until combined and smooth

Step 3. Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish.

Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish.

Step 4. Bake for 15 minutes.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Step 5. Remove from oven once baked.

Step 6. Using a saucepan, combine the caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk and bring to medium heat.

Using a saucepan, combine the caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk and bring to medium heat.

Step 7. Mix caramel mixture until melted and smooth.

Mix caramel mixture until melted and smooth.

Step 8. Pour over the baked cake.

Pour over the baked cake.

Step 9. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans over the caramel topping and cake.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans over the caramel topping and cake.

Step 10. Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the caramel mixture and place it back into the oven to bake for 20 minutes.

Pour the remaining cake batter on top of the caramel mixture and place it back into the oven to bake for 20 minutes.

Step 11. Allow cooling completely.

Allow cooling completely.

Step 12. Once cooled, soften up the chocolate fudge frosting and spread it evenly.

Step 13. Sprinkle with more chocolate chips and pecans.

Sprinkle with more chocolate chips and pecans.

Ready to enjoy!

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Turtle Caramel Cake

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 1 9×13 cake
This turtle caramel cake recipe is definitely a decadent dessert choice, but it's well worth the indulgence! The combination of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and nutty pecans is an amazing treat for any occasion.
4.38 from 53 votes

Ingredients 

  • 1 C semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 C chopped pecans
  • ¾ C unsalted sweet cream butter, melted
  • ½ C evaporated milk
  • 1 – 11 oz caramel bits
  • 1 Box german chocolate cake mix
  • 1 C whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • C canola oil
  • 1 container of chocolate fudge frosting

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking dish with pam baking spray
  • Using a hand mixer, beat the cake mix, oil, eggs and milk together until combined and smooth
  • Pour half of the cake batter into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes
  • Remove from oven once baked
  • Using a saucepan, combine the caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk and bring to a medium heat
  • Mix caramel mixture until melted and smooth
  • Pour over the baked cake
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips and pecans over the caramel topping and cake
  • Pour remaining cake batter on top of the caramel mixture and place back into the oven to bake for 20 minutes
  • Allow to cool completely
  • Once cooled, soften up the chocolate fudge frosting and spread evenly
  • Sprinkle with more chocolate chips and pecans

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 131mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g
Author: Marta

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How should I store this Turtle Caramel Cake?

The cake can be placed into an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap or Aluminum foil. The cake should then be placed in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The cake will remain at its freshest for the first 2 days.  You could also leave it on the counter for up to 3 or 4 days.

Can I freeze this Turtle Caramel Cake?

Yes, you can place it in an airtight and freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

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More Caramel Recipes: 

Buttery Caramels – Try baking these scrumptious Creamy Buttery Caramels that are melt in your mouth good.

Creamy Buttery Caramels

Easy Caramel Cake – This cake will make any occasion memorable, super moist, fluffy, and full of caramel flavor.

Deliciously Easy Caramel Lover's Cake

Caramel Sauce – This homemade caramel sauce is very good and way more better than store-bought!

Amazing Caramel Sauce

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