Name: Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe – A Gooey, Chocolatey, Nutty Delight for Every Sweet Tooth
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 3 large eggs; 1 box German chocolate cake mix; 1 container chocolate fudge frosting; 1 11 oz package caramel bits; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/3 cup canola oil; 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup whole milk; 2 cups chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra crunch)

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💬 Introduction

Indulge in the luscious decadence of a true Southern classic: the Turtle Caramel Cake. This irresistible dessert is the perfect storm of flavor, combining rich German chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate — all in one slice. 🎂✨

It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t just satisfy cravings, it turns them into obsession. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday dinner, this easy layered cake will steal the show.

🛒 Ingredients

🥚 Fresh:

3 large eggs

🥫 Pantry Essentials:

1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 container chocolate fudge frosting
1 (11 oz) package caramel bits
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

🧴 Oils & Vinegars:

1/3 cup canola oil

🧈 Dairy:

3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup whole milk

🥜 Nuts & Seeds:

2 cups chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra crunch)

👨‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan (or two round cake pans for layers).

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine:
- German chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup canola oil
Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until batter is smooth and well combined (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Bake the Bottom Layer

Pour half the cake batter into your pan.
Bake for 15 minutes (just until set). Remove from oven.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling

In a saucepan over low heat, melt together:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- Caramel bits
Stir constantly until smooth and creamy (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Sprinkle 1 cup of pecans and 1 cup chocolate chips over the baked cake base.
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
Carefully spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer.
Bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool & Frost

Let the cake cool completely.
Spread the chocolate fudge frosting evenly over the top.
Sprinkle remaining pecans for garnish.

⏱️ Servings & Time

Servings: 12–16
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream 🍨
Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate syrup for ultimate decadence
Pair with a strong cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk

🔄 Variations

Salted Turtle Cake: Add flaky sea salt to the caramel layer
Double Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips and cocoa fudge frosting
Cupcake Version: Use lined muffin tins and layer accordingly — bake 15–18 mins
Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel mixture
Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with pretzels for crunch

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing:

Wrap slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating:

Microwave individual servings for 10–15 seconds to soften frosting and re-melt caramel

❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.

2. Do I have to use German chocolate cake mix?

Not at all — any chocolate cake mix works, but German chocolate gives it that rich flavor base.

3. How do I toast pecans?

Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. Can I make this into a layer cake?

Absolutely! Use two 9-inch pans and assemble like a sandwich with caramel filling in between.

5. What’s the best frosting for this?

Chocolate fudge or ganache frosting pairs best with the caramel and nuts.

6. Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen.

7. What’s the texture like?

Moist, slightly gooey in the middle with a soft, dense crumb and crunchy topping.

8. What other nuts can I use?

Walnuts or chopped almonds work too, but pecans are classic.

9. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can use a lower-sugar cake mix and reduce chocolate chips, but the caramel layer is essential for the gooey texture.

10. Is this kid-friendly?

Very! Just skip the optional bourbon if adding for adults.

💡 Pro Tips

Don’t overbake — you want it slightly gooey in the center
Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring to control spread
Use a serrated knife to cut clean slices through the gooey layers
Warm knife technique: run knife under hot water for easy slicing
Add crunch: sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top just before serving

🏁 Conclusion

The Turtle Caramel Cake is the definition of comfort-meets-crazy-delicious. It’s everything a dessert should be: rich, sweet, crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey to the core. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, this is the cake that wins hearts and vanishes fast.

One bite and you’ll know — it’s not just dessert. It’s Turtle time. 🐢🍫✨

Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe – A Gooey, Chocolatey, Nutty Delight for Every Sweet Tooth

Adam

Indulge in the luscious decadence of a true Southern classic: the Turtle Caramel Cake. This irresistible dessert is the perfect storm of flavor, combining rich German chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate — all in one slice. 🎂✨It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t just satisfy cravings, it turns them into obsession. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday dinner, this easy layered cake will steal the show.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cooling & Bake Time 1 25

Total Time 1 45

Servings 16 servings