This Turtles Cake recipe is a perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. Each bite of this indulgent cake will transport you to chocolate heaven. With a fudgy chocolate cake, gooey caramel filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache, this cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion. The crunchy pecans add a delightful texture and complement the sweetness of the cake. You don't need to be a pastry chef to make this show-stopping dessert, as this recipe provides step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- - 2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 2 cups granulated sugar
- - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- - 2 teaspoons baking powder
- - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1 cup milk
- - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- - 2 large eggs
- - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- - 1 cup boiling water
- For the Caramel Filling:
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup water
- - 2/3 cup heavy cream
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- - 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- - 3/4 cup heavy cream
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Toppings:
- - 1 cup pecans, chopped
- - Caramel drizzle
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the caramel filling. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove the pan from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Let the caramel cool for about 10 minutes, then spread it evenly on top of one of the cooled cakes.
- Place the second cake on top of the caramel layer.
- To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the ganache.
- Drizzle some additional caramel over the pecans for extra flavor and decoration.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the ganache to set.
- Serve and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Turtles Cake gets its name from the popular turtle-shaped chocolate candy, which usually consists of caramel, pecans, and chocolate.
Caramel has been used in desserts for centuries, and its rich, sweet flavor pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Pecans add a delicious crunch to this cake, and they are native to North America.
Chocolate ganache is a versatile and luscious glaze or filling made from chocolate and cream.
This Turtles Cake is a decadent and impressive dessert that will surely become a favorite among chocolate lovers.