Homemade Turtle Cake is a rich, ultra-moist chocolate cake layered with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate. Inspired by classic turtle candies, this easy version uses simple ingredients and delivers bakery-style results — perfect for family desserts, potlucks, or a high-traffic recipe post.
⏱️ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 35–40 minutes
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Cool & assemble: 30 minutes
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Total: about 1 hour 30 minutes
🧰 Equipment Needed
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9×13 baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or whisk
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Saucepan (for caramel melt)
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Spatula
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Cooling rack
🥄 Ingredients
Cake Base
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1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
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Ingredients required on cake box (usually eggs, oil, water)
Turtle Filling Layer
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1 cup caramel candies (or thick caramel sauce)
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½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
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1 cup chopped pecans
Chocolate Topping
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
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Extra caramel sauce for drizzle
📝 Ingredient Notes
✅ Use good-quality caramel for best flavor
✅ Toast pecans lightly for stronger nutty taste
✅ Semi-sweet chocolate balances the sweetness
✅ Thick caramel sauce works better than thin syrup
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare Oven
Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Grease your baking pan.
Step 2 — Mix Cake Batter
Prepare chocolate cake batter according to package instructions.
Pour half of the batter into the pan.
Bake for 15 minutes only (partial bake).
Step 3 — Make Caramel Layer
In a saucepan, melt:
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caramel candies
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evaporated milk
Stir on low heat until smooth.
Step 4 — Add Turtle Filling
Remove partially baked cake from oven.
Pour melted caramel evenly over cake.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over caramel layer.
Step 5 — Final Bake
Return to oven and bake 20–25 minutes more
until center is set.
Cool completely before topping.
Step 6 — Make Chocolate Ganache
Heat heavy cream until hot (not boiling).
Pour over chocolate chips.
Let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth.
Spread ganache over cooled cake.
Step 7 — Finish Turtle Style
Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle more pecans.
Let set 20 minutes before slicing.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Approx per slice)
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Calories: 480
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Carbs: 58g
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Fat: 24g
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Protein: 6g
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Sugar: 40g
⭐ Pro Tips (For Bakery-Quality Turtle Cake)
✔ Don’t overbake — caramel layer should stay soft
✔ Chill cake 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers
✔ Add a pinch of sea salt for trendy salted-caramel flavor
✔ Warm slice slightly before serving for gooey center
