I have made this recipe for years. My children always chose it for their birthday cake over any other cake
Turtle Caramel Cake is the ultimate dessert indulgence, layering the decadent flavors of German chocolate cake with buttery caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips. Each slice delivers a rich, gooey, and satisfying experience—ideal for special gatherings or when you just need a sweet escape.
Turtle Caramel Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup (plus extra for topping) |
| Chopped pecans | 2 cups (plus more for garnish) |
| Unsalted sweet cream butter, melted | ¾ cup |
| Evaporated milk | ½ cup |
| Caramel bits | 1 (11 oz) bag |
| German chocolate cake mix | 1 box |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Canola oil | ⅓ cup |
| Chocolate fudge frosting | 1 container |
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare Pan:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. - Mix the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cake mix, canola oil, eggs, and milk. Beat until smooth and fully mixed. - Bake the First Layer:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. - Make the Caramel Filling:
While the first layer bakes, melt the caramel bits in a saucepan with the melted butter and evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined. - Layer the Caramel & Toppings:
Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the baked cake layer. Then sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and 2 cups of chopped pecans across the top. - Add Remaining Batter & Bake Again:
Carefully spread the rest of the cake batter over the caramel and nut layer. Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until fully set. - Cool Completely:
Let the cake cool on a wire rack until it’s completely at room temperature—this step ensures your frosting won’t melt or slide off. - Frost & Decorate:
If needed, slightly warm the chocolate fudge frosting in the microwave for easier spreading. Smooth the frosting over the cooled cake, then finish by garnishing with extra chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
