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Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake features rich chocolate cake layers layered with creamy caramel and pecans, topped with smooth chocolate ganache and a luscious cream cheese cocoa frosting. Its delightful combination of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy pecans makes it a perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

  • Extra chopped pecans
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Caramel sauce for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and fully blended.
  3. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cakes to cool completely.
  4. Make the Chocolate Ganache: While the cakes cool, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix until creamy and well combined.
  6. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Lightly spread a thin layer of the frosting over this layer. Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  7. Add Second Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese cocoa frosting.
  8. Decorate: Drizzle the prepared chocolate ganache and additional caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Garnish with extra chopped pecans for a final decorative touch.

Notes

  • Chill the cake slightly before slicing to get cleaner, cleaner cuts.
  • You can use either homemade or store-bought caramel sauce and chocolate ganache based on your preference or time constraints.
  • This cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors and for convenience.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/turtle-chocolate-layer-cake-recipe/