Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe

Decadent, gooey, and loaded with chocolate, caramel, and pecans, Chocolate Turtle Cake is an absolute showstopper that’s easier to make than it looks. Each forkful combines moist devil’s food cake, ribbons of molten caramel, and pockets of melty chocolate chips, all topped off with crunchy pecans. Whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply treat yourself, this classic dessert has a magical appeal that always leaves people reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into the secrets behind making your own unforgettable Chocolate Turtle Cake!

Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love the simplicity of these ingredients, each of which plays a starring role in creating that signature ooey-gooey, chocolate-caramel-pecan harmony. Here’s what you’ll need for your own tempting Chocolate Turtle Cake:

  • Devil’s food cake mix: The ultimate shortcut for super-moist, deeply chocolatey layers—you’ll need eggs, oil, and water as listed on the box.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and irresistible tenderness to the gooey caramel layer.
  • Evaporated milk: Gives the caramel a silky, creamy texture—you’ll notice the difference.
  • Caramels (unwrapped): Store-bought candies melt into a dreamy, golden layer between the cake.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra pockets of melted chocolate in every bite—don’t skimp here.
  • Chopped pecans: Their nutty crunch is classic Turtle flavor; toast them for even more depth.
  • Cooking spray: Essential for making sure every gooey layer lifts out of the pan perfectly.

How to Make Chocolate Turtle Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking pan a generous coating with cooking spray—this helps every delicious layer release with ease when serving. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients to make assembling this cake a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Devil’s Food Cake Batter

Follow the instructions on the boxed devil’s food cake mix, combining it with the specified eggs, oil, and water in a large bowl. Mix just until smooth; over-mixing is the enemy of a tender crumb! Set the batter aside—you’ll be using it in two luscious layers.

Step 3: Melt the Caramel Mixture

In a medium saucepan set over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels, butter, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly—this mixture needs some love and attention as it slowly comes together into a thick, golden caramel sauce. Once everything is melted into a smooth, dreamy consistency, remove from heat.

Step 4: Begin Layering the Cake

Pour half of your prepared chocolate cake batter into the bottom of the greased pan and spread evenly. Bake this layer for 15 minutes—think of it as a foundation for all that gooey goodness to come. The partial bake keeps your finished Chocolate Turtle Cake from getting unstable and ensures neat slices.

Step 5: Add Caramel, Chips, and Pecans

Carefully (the pan is hot!) pour your warm caramel sauce all over the baked cake layer, spreading it edge to edge. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly on top. The heat from the cake and caramel will make the chocolate start to melt instantly—this is where magic happens!

Step 6: Top with Remaining Batter and Bake

Gently spoon the remaining cake batter over the pecan-caramel layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to cover everything as evenly as possible; don’t worry if some caramel peeks through. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little fudgy is fine—it’s a gooey cake!).

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow your Chocolate Turtle Cake to cool in the pan before slicing. This patience pays off—cooling helps those swirling layers of caramel and chocolate set up so you get beautiful, distinct squares with every cut. Serve slightly warm for ultimate gooeyness, or room temperature for cleaner slices!

How to Serve Chocolate Turtle Cake

Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Turtle Cake even more irresistible, top each slice with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or a few more pecans and chocolate chips for crunch and flair. A sprinkle of sea salt on top will really amplify the caramel flavors!

Side Dishes

The richness of this cake pairs wonderfully with something cool and refreshing. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling fancy, a berry compote or fresh strawberries on the side can add a fun pop of acidity to balance all the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, cut the Chocolate Turtle Cake into bite-sized squares and skewer each with a decorative toothpick. Alternatively, serve warm in mini mason jars with layers of cake, caramel, and ice cream for a playfully rustic dessert. However you slice it, this cake looks gorgeous on any dessert platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chocolate Turtle Cake keeps really well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the pan tightly with foil or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The caramel helps preserve the moisture, so your leftovers taste just as dreamy tomorrow as they do today.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of Chocolate Turtle Cake for longer storage! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When the cravings hit, just thaw slices in the fridge overnight—easy dessert win!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked gooeyness, microwave a slice of Chocolate Turtle Cake on medium power for 15–20 seconds. The caramel will soften and the chocolate will turn melty once again. Just be careful: the caramel gets hot fast, so a quick zap is all you need to bring your cake back to its glorious gooey best.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?

Absolutely! If you enjoy making caramel from scratch, you can substitute your favorite homemade version for the melted caramels. Just be sure it’s a bit on the thick side so it creates distinct layers and doesn’t completely mix into the cake.

What kind of nuts can I use if I don’t like pecans?

Pecans are classic, but you can easily swap them for walnuts or even toasted almonds. Allergic to nuts? Simply omit them and the Chocolate Turtle Cake will still be just as gooey and delicious.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-containing additives. The results: a flourless, decadent treat everyone can enjoy.

Why do I bake the cake in two steps?

Baking the first layer before adding the caramel keeps everything from sinking to the bottom and ensures those stunning, separate layers. This step is the secret behind the beautiful cross-section and ooey-gooey center of every piece of Chocolate Turtle Cake.

How do I make the cake extra gooey?

For extra indulgence, drizzle a little more warm caramel and chocolate sauce on top right before serving. Warming individual slices briefly in the microwave can take the goo factor to the next level! This is one dessert where a little extra goo is always welcomed.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Turtle Cake truly has it all: intense chocolate flavor, chewy caramel, buttery pecans, and layers that make every bite a celebration. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and “just one more slice” requests every time. Trust me, once you see how easy it is to make, this will become a firm favorite in your baking rotation. Give it a try and watch it vanish—piece by gooey piece!

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Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe

Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 13 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Turtle Cake. Layers of devil’s food cake, gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans create a luscious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 box devil’s food cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box: eggs, oil, water)

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 (14 oz) bag caramels (unwrapped)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • cooking spray for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Prepare devil’s food cake batter as per package directions.
  2. Melt Butter and Caramels: In a saucepan, melt butter and caramels with evaporated milk over low heat until smooth.
  3. Layer and Bake: Pour half of the cake batter in the pan, bake for 15 minutes. Pour caramel mixture over the baked layer, sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans, then spread remaining batter over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
  4. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Notes

  • For added indulgence, top with whipped cream or warm chocolate/caramel sauce.
  • Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 39g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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