Chocolate Turtle Cake

stunning triple-layer chocolate turtle cake featuring sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate ganache. This recipe transforms your kitchen into a dessert haven with easy-to-follow steps for making the cake layers, caramel pecan filling, and ganache topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Texture and Flavor: Experience moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel, toasted pecans, and velvety ganache in every bite.
  • Customizable: Adapt the recipe to your taste with different chocolate types or nut varieties.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or indulgent celebrations.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Total Time: 2 Hours 5 Minutes


Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup + 2 tbsp (90g) cocoa powder
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ⅔ cups (400ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Caramel Pecan Filling:

  • ¾ cup (170g) butter
  • ¾ cup (170g) packed brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup (170ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 12 oz (340g) chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 12 oz (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • ⅔ cup (170ml) heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
  3. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans, then remove.

2. Make the Caramel Pecan Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until combined.
  2. Add cream and vanilla, then mix in the pecans.

3. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the caramel pecan filling over the top. Repeat with the second layer and filling, then top with the final layer.

4. Prepare the Ganache:

  1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
  2. Pour the ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth with an offset spatula.

5. Chill and Serve:

  • Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set the ganache before slicing.

Tips for Success

  • Toast the Pecans: Toasting enhances their flavor.
  • Customize the Chocolate: Use milk, dark, or semisweet chocolate as desired.
  • Garnish Creatively: Top with extra pecans, chocolate shavings, or drizzled caramel.

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