Turtle Caramel Cake

Turtle Caramel Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, making it a popular dessert choice. It’s easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients like cake mix and eggs. This cake not only tastes great, but it also has a fascinating history tied to the classic Turtle candies. If you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious treat, stick around to discover the recipe and more about its origins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, you’ll love this Turtle Caramel Cake. The recipe uses simple ingredients like German chocolate cake mix, milk, eggs, and canola oil, making it accessible for anyone.

With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can quickly mix the cake, bake it, and prepare a gooey caramel filling. The combination of moist chocolate cake, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans creates a decadent treat you’ll want to share. Plus, you can customize it with different toppings or fillings to suit your taste. This cake is perfect for any occasion, and you can store leftovers easily for another day.

With a store-bought cake mix, this dessert is not only simple but also provides a show-stopping presentation. Enjoy your baking!

History

Turtle desserts have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century, when DeMet’s Candy Company first introduced “Turtles,” a delightful candy made of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.

These original candies, shaped like turtles, quickly gained popularity for their sweet and nutty flavor. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts inspired many dessert creations that followed.

By the mid-20th century, bakers began incorporating these flavors into cakes, leading to the emergence of the Turtle Caramel Cake. This dessert became a staple at special occasions, reflecting a trend of transforming beloved candies into more complex desserts. The Turtle Caramel Cake is particularly popular for special occasions, showcasing a delicious blend of textures and flavors that many cherish.

Today, the Turtle Caramel Cake remains a nostalgic favorite, showcasing a delicious blend of textures and flavors that many cherish.

Recipe

Ingredients
– German chocolate cake mix
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– ⅓ cup canola oil
– 11 oz package of caramel bits
– Butter
– Evaporated milk
– Semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, and canola oil. Using a hand mixer, mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This will serve as the base layer for your cake.
While the cake base is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel bits, a couple of tablespoons of butter, and about 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and creamy.
Once the base layer has baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the caramel layer, ensuring even distribution.
Pour the remaining half of the cake batter over the chocolate and pecans, carefully covering them.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving. If desired, top with chocolate fudge frosting for an extra indulgence.

Extra Tips

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a smoother batter. Additionally, this cake features a super moist texture that enhances the overall enjoyment.

If you want to experiment, consider substituting the caramel with butterscotch or peanut butter sauce for a unique twist.

Don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of additional chocolate chips or nuts on top after baking for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your Turtle Caramel Cake!

Final Thoughts

As you explore the delightful world of Turtle Caramel Cake, you’ll find it to be not just a dessert, but a celebration of rich flavors and textures.

This cake, with its origins linked to the beloved Turtle candies, brings together chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a way that’s truly special. It’s perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, evoking nostalgia and happiness. Additionally, the cake can be enhanced with a scoop of caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

The versatility of the cake allows you to customize it with different nuts or flavors, making it a creative outlet for bakers. While it’s indulgent, enjoying it in moderation can fit into a balanced diet.

FAQ

What should you know before you plunge into making Turtle Caramel Cake? First, preheat your oven to 350°F, and grab a 9×13 baking dish. Grease it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

You’ll need a hand mixer to blend the German chocolate cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk. Start by pouring half the batter into the dish, and bake it for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt caramel bits, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan for the filling. After the initial baking, layer the caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, then cover with the remaining batter and bake for another 20 minutes.

One of the reasons this cake is so beloved is its nostalgic comfort, which brings back heartwarming memories for many bakers. Finally, let it cool completely before frosting with chocolate fudge for the best results!