Chocolate Turtle Cake

This Chocolate Turtle Cake is a rich, decadent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate ganache. It’s the perfect treat for any chocolate and caramel lover!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup (320g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

For Garnish:

• Extra chopped pecans
• Drizzle of caramel sauce
• Drizzle of melted chocolate

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Slowly pour in the hot coffee or water, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
5. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (but not boiling).
2. Pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread ½ cup of caramel sauce evenly over the cake, then sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans on top.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with more chopped pecans.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Let the cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing so the ganache sets.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

This Chocolate Turtle Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, gooey, and packed with chocolate and caramel flavor!