Decadent Turtle Caramel Cake

🍫🍰 Turtle Caramel Cake

Rich chocolate cake layered with gooey caramel, toasted pecans, and silky chocolate ganache — inspired by classic “turtle” candies. This is a show-stopping dessert for birthdays and holidays.

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🛒 Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

Caramel Layer

• 1½ cups soft caramel candies (or homemade caramel)

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of sea salt

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Topping

• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

• Extra caramel for drizzle

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.

2. Whisk dry ingredients together.

3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin).

5. Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.

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2️⃣ Make Caramel

Melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add a pinch of salt. Cool slightly so it thickens but remains pourable.

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3️⃣ Make Ganache

Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth.

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4️⃣ Assemble

1. Place first cake layer on serving plate.

2. Spread a thick layer of caramel and sprinkle with pecans.

3. Add second cake layer.

4. Pour ganache over top, letting it drip down the sides.

5. Drizzle with extra caramel and top with more pecans.

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🍽️ Tips for Ultimate Decadence

• Chill cake 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

• Add a thin chocolate buttercream layer under the caramel for extra richness.

• Use dark chocolate ganache for a less-sweet balance.

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for contrast.

This cake is rich, gooey, chocolatey, and nutty — the perfect indulgent dessert.

If you’d like, I can also give a shortcut version using a cake mix that still tastes bakery-quality.