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Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake

Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake

Indulge in the exquisite Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake, a decadent dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate layers with luscious caramel buttercream and crunchy pecans. This impressive cake is an ideal centerpiece for any celebration, from birthdays to festive gatherings. With moist cake layers and delightful textures in every bite, you’ll find it hard to resist this sweet treat. The cake’s elegant presentation makes it not only a delicious choice but also a feast for the eyes.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 10 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup homemade caramel sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare caramel sauce by cooking sugar and water until dissolved, then adding butter and boiling until golden. Whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt; cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C). Grease three 8-inch pans and line with parchment paper.
  3. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients, then combine both mixtures until smooth. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–33 minutes.
  4. Beat room temperature butter for the frosting, gradually adding powdered sugar and cooled caramel sauce until smooth.
  5. Level cooled cake layers, frost between layers with caramel buttercream and assemble the cake.
  6. Prepare ganache by heating cream and pouring it over chocolate chips; whisk until smooth. Drizzle over assembled cake.
  • Author: Dahlia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Chill the assembled cake after applying crumb coat for easier frosting. Feel free to customize with other nuts or flavors as desired.