Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe
Decadent and indulgent Chocolate Turtle Cake combines rich Devil’s Food cake with creamy caramel and condensed milk filling, topped with fluffy whipped topping, crunchy pecans, mini chocolate chips, and drizzled salted caramel sauce. Perfect for special occasions or satisfying any chocolate lover’s craving.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix
- Water, eggs, and oil as required by cake mix instructions
Filling and Toppings
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sundae topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box. Prepare the chocolate cake batter following the package instructions, typically combining the cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake according to package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes evenly all over the surface. The holes should be deep enough to allow the filling mixture to soak into the cake for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel: In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sundae topping until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for a rich, gooey texture.
- Chill the Cake: Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and the texture set for easier topping application.
- Top with Whipped Topping and Garnishes: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top for crunch and extra chocolate goodness. Drizzle salted caramel sauce artistically over the surface to add an extra layer of decadent flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve immediately. This sumptuous Chocolate Turtle Cake makes a wonderful dessert for celebrations or whenever you crave a luscious chocolate and caramel indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the holes poked into the cake are evenly spaced and deep enough for the filling to penetrate fully.
- Use chilled whipped topping for easier spreading.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator; it lasts up to 3 days.
- Allow cake to come to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chocolate Turtle Cake, caramel cake, pecan chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake recipe, decadent chocolate dessert