Chocolate Turtle Layer Cake

Gear up to hit those sweet spots with a bomb dessert – the unmatched Turtle Chocolate Cake! Picture this: lush layers of rich chocolate cake, all cozied up with caramel and chocolate ganache, then showered in toasty pecans. Yup, it’s every bit as dreamy as it seems! This bad boy wraps up all the yum of traditional turtle candy into a cake so tempting, it’s gonna be the star of any party!

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If you’ve never tasted turtle candy, my heart goes out to you, really! It’s like missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures. They are delightful treats shaped like cute little turtles – hence the name! They’re made with a combination of pecans for the legs, a body made of caramel sauce, and a shell crafted from chocolate. Now, here’s the exciting part – we’re going to take all that deliciousness and turn it into a turtle-ly irresistible Turtle Chocolate Cake! I’ve made turtle brownies, cookies, and even a pumpkin spice variation of the turtle candle – who knows, next, it might be an ice cream! So, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Turtle Cake Recipe

• Chocolatey Layers: Get ready for not one, not two, but three layers of pure cake perfection! Each one is chocolatey and oh-so-moist.
• Turtle Candy, Upgraded: If you’re a fan of those iconic turtle candies, you’re in for a treat. This cake takes all the delightful flavors of pecans, caramel, and chocolate and turns them into a cake that’s even more delicious.
• Elegant and Impressive: Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your dessert cravings, this turtle cake with pecans is a showstopper! It looks as fancy as it is tasty!
• Balance of Textures: Every forkful is a symphony of textures, y’all! Thanks to the toasted pecans that add that perfect crunch to balance out the velvety cake and creamy caramel.
• Easy Bake: This cake might look fancy, but don’t worry – it’s a piece of cake to make! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this recipe is a breeze to whip up!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Large Eggs: Eggs add moisture and structure to the cake. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best baking results.
• Granulated Sugar: For that just-right level of sweetness, regular white sugar works like a charm.
• Cocoa Powder: The superstar behind that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Go for unsweetened cocoa powder to let the chocolatey notes shine through.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Wait, coffee in this turtle chocolate cake? Yep, it enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth. Use your favorite brand. Just be sure it’s instant coffee.
• Hot Water: This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial for blooming the cocoa and coffee flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour gives structure without being too heavy.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Don’t forget to add them to the mix! They ensure the cake is beautifully fluffy and not overly dense.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all those flavors.
• Vegetable Oil: It keeps the cake tender and moist without using extra butter.
• Buttermilk: The secret to a rich, moist homemade turtle chocolate cake! Buttermilk adds a hint of tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: The flavor booster! A little bit of this liquid goes a long way in enhancing all the other delicious ingredients.

For the Caramel:

• Unsalted Butter: It’s the base of the caramel sauce, lending richness and that perfect velvety texture.
• Packed Light Brown Sugar: Sweet with a hint of molasses, brown sugar adds depth and flavor to the caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream also gives the caramel its heavenly texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A tiny bit of this extract goes a long way in bringing out the caramel’s flavors.
• Fine Sea Salt: Sea salt + caramel is a match made in heaven! And in this cake, is a must.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate: If you want to level up the chocolate flavors of the ganache, use high-quality chocolate.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that glossy, luxurious ganache that’ll have you craving for more!

For the Topping:

• Pecans: These nuts bring the crunch and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.

How To Make Turtle Chocolate Cake

Instructions for the Cake

1. Add eggs and sugar to bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle.
2. Combine cocoa powder, instant coffee, and hot water in small bowl and mix until smooth. Decrease speed to medium and add chocolate mixture to eggs and sugar. 
3. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in small bowl. Decrease speed to low and add to stand mixer. 
4. Add in buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla and beat until just combined. Batter will be thin; this is normal. 
5. Evenly add cake batter to prepared pans and bake until toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 22-25 minutes. 
6. Remove cakes from oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then gently remove cakes from the pans and place on a wire rack and allow to cool fully, an additional 20 minutes.

7. Remove cakes from oven and cool in pans.
8. Then gently remove the cakes from the pans place them on a wire rack, and allow them to cool fully, for an additional 20 minutes. 

For the Caramel

1. Melt butter in heavy-bottomed add brown sugar and heavy cream.
2. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3-4 minutes.

For the Ganache

1. In a medium microwave safe bowl, add chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave in increments on low power until most of the chocolate has melted. 
2. Whisk together until completely smooth. Let set.

To Assemble the turtle cake

1. Place the first layer of cake on the strips of parchment.
2. Pour ganache over the first layer, spreading to the edges and allowing to pour over the sides. Then, drizzle with caramel. Sprinkle a layer of pecans over top. Repeat with the remaining layers. 

Tips For Making The Best Turtle Cake With Pecans

1. Let it Cool: Patience pays off! After baking, let your cake layers cool completely before diving into the decorating process. This ensures your caramel and ganache set beautifully, creating that irresistible layered effect.
2. Use Parchment for Spills: Avoid sticky messes! Before you pour on the caramel and ganache, place parchment strips around the base of the cake. This nifty trick catches any drips, keeping your cake picture-perfect.
3. Whisk with Care: When melting the chocolate for your ganache, go easy on the microwave power. Use low power settings in short increments to avoid scorching. A smooth ganache means a silky finish for your cake.
4. Drizzle, Don’t Drown: When adding your caramel and ganache layers, less is often more. Drizzle them generously but with a gentle hand. This way, each layer shines without overwhelming the turtle chocolate cake’s balance of flavors.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Turtle Candy: Elevate the turtle theme in this caramel turtle cake recipe by using actual turtle candies as a charming and delicious topping!
• Nuts: Swap pecans for your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to bring a unique twist to the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: If you’re a dark chocolate lover, swap semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor profile in both the cake and the ganache.
• Brewed Espresso: For coffee enthusiasts, infuse a stronger coffee flavor by using brewed espresso instead of instant coffee granules. The cake will have an extra jolt of coffee goodness while still keeping the rich and strong chocolate flavor.

What To Serve With Homemade Turtle Chocolate Cake

• Why settle for just chocolate when you can have a double dose of cocoa bliss? Enjoy your Turtle Chocolate Cake with a generous scoop of Mocha Fudge Swirl Ice Cream!
• If you want a caffeine kick but don’t want a double dose of cocoa bliss, you can also pair it with a simple Coffee Ice Cream. The rich chocolate and caramel notes of the cake beautifully complement the deep flavors of the ice cream.
• Sometimes, simplicity is the key to perfection. A dollop of homemade Whipped Cream is the ideal partner for this turtle cake!
• Of course, let’s not forget that this turtle cake with pecans is a star on its own! While these pairings are fantastic options, this cake is so incredibly delicious that it can be savored all by itself.

How To Store & Reheat Turtle Chocolate Cake

To keep your homemade turtle chocolate cake fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use a cake carrier if you have one. You can also place the cake in the fridge to ensure it stays moist and retains its flavors for a bit longer.

As for reheating, if you have individual slices, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Alternatively, you can reheat the whole cake in the oven at a low temperature (about 250°F) for 5-10 minutes.

How Long Will Turtle Chocolate Cake Last In The Fridge?

This cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just remember that the caramel and ganache might firm up a bit in the cold, but don’t panic – they’ll still be delicious!

Can I Freeze Turtle Cake With Pecans?

Yes, you can freeze your Turtle Chocolate Cake to enjoy later! Before freezing, it’s a good idea to cut your cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a stand mixer. Can I use a hand mixer instead?

Of course! A hand mixer works just as well for beating everything together. Simply follow the same mixing instructions but use your trusty hand mixer instead of the stand mixer.

Can I skip the instant coffee?

You can certainly omit the instant coffee if you’re not a coffee fan. However, the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without giving the cake a distinct coffee taste.

Can I freeze leftover caramel sauce and ganache?

Absolutely! Both caramel sauce and ganache freeze well. Store them in airtight containers, and when you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator and gently reheat as needed.

Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Turtle Chocolate Cake has you covered! With its layers of deliciousness, drizzles of caramel, and velvety ganache, every bite is truly addictive! Especially if you’re a chocolate lover like me. Oh, and don’t forget to get creative with serving options – maybe some coffee ice cream, mocha fudge swirl, or a dollop of whipped cream? The choice is yours!

More Chocolate Cake Recipes

• Chocolate Raspberry Cake
• Flourless Chocolate Cake
• Mint Chocolate Cake
• Devil’s Food Cake
• Best Chocolate Cake Recipe With Blackberry Buttercream

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