Description
The Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake is a show-stopping dessert that explodes with flavor and decadence, featuring rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (use high-quality for deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature for better blending)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: gluten-free flour for a gluten-sensitive version, or coconut oil for a unique flavor.
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Secure your four 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with butter or non-stick spray, followed by a dusting of flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, granulated sugar, high-quality cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Using a whisk, blend together these components until homogeneous.
- Introduce the wet ingredients by adding in the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Using a mixer or a whisk, combine until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Carefully pour the hot water into the batter, stirring gently to avoid splashes.
- Evenly divide the batter among the four prepared cake pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Take the first cake layer and set it on a serving plate, generously spread a layer of caramel sauce atop. Repeat with the second and third layers.
- Crown with the fourth layer of cake, pour warm semi-sweet chocolate ganache over the top, and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 8 g