Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Turtle Caramel Cake is a decadent treat combining rich German chocolate cake with gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luscious homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1 package (11 oz) caramel bits
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 container chocolate fudge frosting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil with a hand mixer until the batter is smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the cake bakes, melt the caramel bits, melted butter, and evaporated milk together in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked cake layer.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer.
7. Step 7: Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the top, then bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely for about two hours, then frost with the chocolate fudge frosting before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra gooeyness, add more caramel bits in the filling or drizzle caramel sauce on top before frosting.
• Substitute toasted walnuts for pecans if desired.
• Use cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate fudge for a tangy contrast.
• Make sure to let the caramel filling cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cake crust too much.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the caramel before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade German chocolate cake instead of the mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade German chocolate cake recipe in place of the mix. Just prepare the batter as usual and follow the layering steps as indicated.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?

You can substitute caramel sauce or soft caramel candies melted gently with the butter and evaporated milk to create the filling.

Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

This indulgent Turtle Caramel Cake combines the rich flavors of German chocolate cake with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate fudge frosting, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion or chocolate lover’s treat.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup canola oil

Caramel Filling

• 1 package (11 oz) caramel bits
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 container chocolate fudge frosting

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to blend until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
3. Bake first layer: Pour half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, until partially set.
4. Make caramel filling: While the first layer is baking, melt the caramel bits, unsalted butter, and evaporated milk together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
5. Add caramel layer: Pour the warm caramel filling over the baked cake layer in the pan, spreading evenly.
6. Add chocolate chips and pecans: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer to create the signature turtle cake flavor and texture.
7. Top with remaining batter and bake: Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the caramel, chocolate, and nut layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Cool and frost: Allow the cake to cool completely for about two hours. Once cooled, spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the caramel mixture is warm before pouring to allow it to spread smoothly over the cake layer.
• For extra gooeyness, you can add a bit more evaporated milk to the caramel as it melts if it seems too thick.
• Chilling the cake slightly before frosting can make spreading the frosting easier and neater.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Toast the pecans lightly before using to enhance their flavor if desired.

Keywords: Turtle Caramel Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Caramel Cake, Nutty Dessert, Chocolate Fudge Frosting