Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe: A Sweet Spiral

Rich layers of decadent chocolate envelop a luxurious caramel turtle cake roll that promises pure indulgence.

Nutty pecans dance between silky chocolate and smooth caramel, creating a sensational dessert experience.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, hinting at the delightful treat ahead.

Crumbly cake meets creamy filling in a magical combination that feels like a celebration.

Skilled bakers and passionate dessert enthusiasts can craft this stunning confection with simple ingredients and careful technique.

Delicate swirls of chocolate and caramel intertwine, beckoning you to slice into this irresistible masterpiece.

Each bite guarantees a moment of pure bliss that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Bliss

• Indulge in Decadence: A rich, chocolate lover's dream cake that combines gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and smooth ganache for an ultimate dessert experience.
• Master Baking Skills: Perfect for intermediate bakers wanting to challenge themselves with a stunning rolled cake technique that looks impressive but isn't overly complicated.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow friends and family with its beautiful presentation and layers of delicious flavors that blend chocolate, caramel, and nutty goodness.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Excellent for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or potlucks where you want a show-stopping dessert that feels extra special.

Ingredients For Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• All-Purpose Flour: A light and fine ingredient that provides structure to the cake roll.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Brewed Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake.
• Milk: Contributes to the cake's moisture and softness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.

• Caramel Sauce: Creates a gooey, sweet layer inside the cake roll.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and rich base for the ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: Provides the primary chocolate flavor and glossy finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, shiny ganache.

How To Make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab a jelly roll pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud. Pour in brewed coffee, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold in the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until everything just comes together.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Base

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cake rest and cool slightly.

Step 5: Create the Initial Roll

While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up with the parchment paper still attached. This creates the signature cake roll shape. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Step 6: Add Caramel Luxury

• Caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans

Spread these delightful ingredients across the cake surface.

Step 7: Final Rolling Technique

Gently re-roll the cake into a beautiful log shape, this time without the parchment paper.

Step 8: Craft Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it reaches a gentle boil. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until silky smooth. Blend in butter until the ganache becomes glossy and irresistible.

Step 9: Finish with Chocolate Drizzle

Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, ensuring an even, luxurious coating. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving this magnificent dessert.

Pro Tips For Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• Prevent Cake Cracking: Roll the cake while it's still warm to keep it flexible and prevent splitting during the rolling process.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use freshly brewed espresso instead of regular coffee to intensify the chocolate's rich taste and add complexity.
• Achieve Smooth Ganache: Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring to ensure a glossy, even coating without running off the cake.
• Toasting Technique: Lightly toast pecans before chopping to release their natural oils and boost their nutty flavor profile.
• Storage Secret: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and texture.

Variations For Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the rich chocolate flavor and caramel swirl.
• Vegan Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap heavy cream for coconut cream, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version that's equally decadent.
• Reduced Sugar Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, select sugar-free caramel sauce, and incorporate dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage to create a lower-carb alternative for health-conscious bakers.

Pairings For Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• Pair Rich Chocolate with Bold Coffee: Serve a strong espresso or dark roast coffee alongside the cake roll, enhancing the deep chocolate and caramel flavors with its robust intensity.
• Create Complementary Wine Experience: Select a port wine or sweet dessert wine like Madeira, which mirrors the cake's rich caramel and chocolate notes while providing a luxurious drinking companion.
• Elevate with Nutty Liqueur Accent: Drizzle amaretto or hazelnut liqueur around the cake plate, adding depth to the pecan and chocolate profile and creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.
• Balance with Creamy Vanilla Element: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream on the side, cutting through the cake's richness and providing a cool, smooth contrast.

Storage Tips For Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• Store the cake roll in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap the entire cake roll in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.
• For best texture and flavor, enjoy the cake roll within 2 days of making. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft, gooey consistency.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll FAQ

• Is the cake difficult to roll?

No, rolling the cake while it’s still warm helps prevent cracking. Use the parchment paper as a guide to help you roll smoothly and gently.

• Can I substitute ingredients?

Replace brewed coffee with hot water if needed. For pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

• How do I know the cake is baked correctly?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges start to pull away from the pan sides. The baking time is typically 12-15 minutes.

• Why add coffee to a chocolate cake?

Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more intense without adding a coffee taste. It’s a secret baker’s trick to boost chocolate’s natural depth.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe

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• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate caramel turtle cake roll delivers pure indulgence with layers of rich chocolate sponge, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent bite of this irresistible dessert masterpiece that promises pure bliss.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, vigorously beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and increases in volume, creating a light, airy texture.
4. Incorporate brewed coffee, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing and maintain the batter’s delicate consistency.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, carefully roll the warm cake with the parchment paper still attached, creating a cylindrical shape to prevent cracking.
9. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely, which helps set its shape and prevent potential structural issues.
10. Unroll the cooled cake and generously spread caramel sauce across the entire surface.
11. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer, ensuring consistent distribution for balanced flavor and texture.
12. Gently re-roll the cake, this time without the parchment paper, creating a smooth, filled log.
13. For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle boil, then pour over chocolate chips in a separate bowl.
14. Let the cream and chocolate sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until achieving a silky, uniform chocolate mixture.
15. Incorporate butter into the ganache, stirring until it becomes glossy and perfectly smooth.
16. Carefully pour the ganache over the rolled cake, using a spatula to ensure even coverage and an elegant finish.
17. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature before slicing and serving the decadent chocolate caramel turtle cake roll.

Notes

• Warm cake rolls easier when freshly baked, preventing cracking and ensuring smooth rolling technique.
• Dust parchment paper with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and add extra chocolate flavor during cake rolling.
• Chill the cake roll before pouring ganache for cleaner, more precise chocolate coating and better presentation.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create smoother batter and ensure even cake texture and consistent baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 229 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg