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Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 47 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This decadent Chocolate Turtle Cake combines rich Devil’s Food chocolate cake with layers of sweetened condensed milk, caramel, whipped topping, pecans, and chocolate chips. With a moist texture enhanced by caramel drizzles and crunchy nuts, it’s a perfect dessert for celebrations or any sweet craving.


Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) Devil’s Food chocolate cake mix

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 (Fisher)
  • ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready when your batter is prepared.
  2. Mix Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the box instructions, usually involving water, eggs, and oil, and mix thoroughly until smooth.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool Slightly: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes so it’s warm but not hot.
  5. Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke several holes across the surface of the cake to allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in.
  6. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes, enhancing moisture and sweetness. Let the cake cool completely.
  7. Apply Caramel Topping: Drizzle the caramel sundae topping evenly over the cooled cake to create a rich, gooey layer.
  8. Spread Whipped Topping: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the caramel layer, providing a creamy and light texture contrast.
  9. Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini semi-sweet chocolate chips over the whipped topping to add crunch and more chocolate flavor.
  10. Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra burst of caramel flavor that balances sweet and salty notes.
  11. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow all flavors to meld and the toppings to set properly.
  12. Serve: Slice the chilled cake into 12 servings and enjoy this luscious dessert.

Notes

  • Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for best results.
  • Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before spreading for smooth texture.
  • For deeper caramel flavor, use high-quality caramel sauces.
  • Can be stored covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent melting or sliding.