Turtle cake is a delicious, indulgent dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, all in one moist and buttery cake. Inspired by the popular “turtle” candy, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The layers of fluffy cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans create a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this turtle cake is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your cravings.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Servings | 8-10 servings |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 350 calories per serving |
Equipment Needed
To make a turtle cake, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Cake Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans to bake the cake layers.
- Mixing Bowls: To mix your dry and wet ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: To blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of flour, sugar, and other ingredients.
- Spatula: For spreading the frosting and caramel sauce evenly on the cake.
- Oven: Preheated to the required temperature.
- Cooling Rack: To cool down the cake layers before assembling.
Make sure you have all these tools ready before you start baking!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup hot water
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth. Add the hot water and stir until fully combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before spreading it over the first cake layer.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of caramel filling on top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with a rich layer of frosting made by mixing butter, powdered sugar, milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Finish off the cake by drizzling it with the remaining caramel sauce and topping it with additional chopped pecans.
Essential Note:
Ensure that your caramel is not too hot when spreading it over the cake to avoid melting the frosting or making the cake soggy. Always let the cake layers cool completely before frosting and assembling.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 slice (1/8th of the cake) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 38g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 8% |
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep Your Cake Moist: To make the cake extra moist, add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure your cake rises perfectly.
- Let the Cake Cool Properly: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too runny.
- Perfect Caramel Sauce: Stir constantly while making the caramel sauce to avoid burning it. If it hardens too much, warm it up slightly before using it on the cake.
- Pecan Perfection: Toast your pecans slightly before adding them to the cake for extra flavor and crunch.
Conclusion
Turtle cake is a delightful treat that combines everything we love about desserts: rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this turtle cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Don’t forget to share it with family and friends—they’ll be asking for the recipe!
