Description
Indulgent Turtle Caramel Cake brings southern charm to dessert tables with rich chocolate, caramel, and pecans dancing in delightful harmony. Chocolate layers complement gooey caramel drizzles, promising sweet moments of pure bliss you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups (470 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) buttermilk
Topping and Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) caramel sauce
- 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray.
- Sift the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – into a mixing bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until pale and airy, incorporating eggs individually, then blend in vanilla extract.
- Alternate folding dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, ensuring smooth and consistent batter.
- Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, creating uniform layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks.
- Once completely cooled, drape first cake layer with caramel sauce, generously sprinkle chopped pecans across surface.
- Position second cake layer on top, creating a decadent sandwich.
- Gently melt chocolate chips and artfully drizzle over entire cake surface.
- Slice into wedges and serve immediately for maximum flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Customize cake flour for a lighter, softer texture by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch per cup.
- Ensure ingredients are room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises perfectly.
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the caramel layer.
- Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 399 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg