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Delicious Chocolate Turtle Cake with caramel and pecans on a decorative plate.

Chocolate Turtle Cake

Chocolate Turtle Cake blends rich chocolate, sticky caramel, and crunchy pecans for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (eggs, oil, water) Follow the instructions on the cake mix box for additional ingredients.
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter For the caramel topping.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted Toast in a dry pan for better flavor.
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate Use dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for topping Warm before pouring.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt
  • to taste Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to the temperature on the cake mix box, usually 350°F, and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Mix and bake the chocolate cake batter as instructed on the box. Pour into the pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. While the cake bakes, make the caramel pecan topping by melting the butter and brown sugar together in a small saucepan. Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thick. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecans.
  4. When the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over with the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer.
  5. Pour half of the warm caramel pecan sauce over the cake, allowing it to sink into the holes.
  6. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cake and spoon the remaining caramel sauce on top.
  7. Let the cake cool, then chill for at least 1 hour to set the caramel.

Notes

For serving, top with extra chopped pecans and whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Works well for many occasions.