Description
This Turtle Caramel Cake combines the rich flavors of German chocolate cake with a luscious caramel filling, topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. Featuring a moist cake layered with gooey caramel and finished with creamy chocolate fudge frosting, this dessert is an indulgent treat perfect for any celebration or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Frosting
- 1 container chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, whole milk, eggs, and canola oil. Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake Half the Batter: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until it starts to set but is not fully cooked.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: While the cake partially bakes, melt the caramel bits along with the melted butter and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Caramel Layer: Remove the partially baked cake from the oven and immediately pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the surface.
- Top with Chocolate and Pecans: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer for a crunchy, chocolaty topping.
- Add Remaining Batter: Dollop the remaining cake batter over the caramel and toppings. Spread gently with a spatula to cover the caramel layer without mixing it completely.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to set the layers before spreading the chocolate fudge frosting evenly on top.
Notes
- Make sure the caramel filling is warm when poured, so it spreads easily over the cake layer.
- Use fresh chopped pecans to maximize crunch and flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cake.
