Name: Chocolate Turtle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box); 14 oz bag of caramels, unwrapped; ½ cup evaporated milk, divided; ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans

A rich, indulgent dessert that combines everything I love about sweet treats—moist chocolate cake, silky caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips. This Chocolate Turtle Cake is layered to perfection and baked until gooey and delicious. It’s the kind of dessert that steals the show at gatherings or satisfies my chocolate cravings in the best way possible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)

14 oz bag of caramels, unwrapped

½ cup evaporated milk, divided

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

I prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions and set it aside.

In a saucepan over low heat, I combine the caramels and ¼ cup of evaporated milk, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted.

I pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

I bake this base layer for 15 minutes until it’s slightly set.

After removing the pan from the oven, I drizzle the caramel mixture over the partially baked cake.

I sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly across the caramel layer.

I gently spread the remaining cake batter over the top to cover everything.

Then I bake it again for another 20–25 minutes, until the cake is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.

I let the cake cool before slicing and serving it warm or at room temperature. Optional toppings like extra caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or whipped cream take it to the next level.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per slice

Variations

I sometimes use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or swap in white chocolate chips for contrast. If I’m feeling adventurous, I mix in a little sea salt with the caramel for a sweet-salty combo. For a nut-free version, I leave out the pecans and just use chocolate chips or add crushed pretzels instead. This recipe also works great with a homemade chocolate cake if I want to go fully from scratch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds—just enough to get the caramel gooey again. I avoid reheating the whole cake at once to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

What kind of caramels should I use?

I use soft, chewy caramels (like Kraft) that melt down easily. I avoid hard caramels since they don’t give the same smooth texture.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, I’ve swapped in homemade caramel sauce and it works beautifully. I just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t soak completely into the cake layers.

Can I freeze this cake?

I can freeze it, but I prefer freezing it in individual portions. I wrap each slice tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

What can I use instead of pecans?

I’ve used walnuts as a substitute and they work great. For a nut-free version, I leave them out or add something crunchy like pretzel bits.

Why is it called a turtle cake?

It’s named after turtle candies, which are made of chocolate, caramel, and pecans—just like this cake. The combination of those three classic ingredients is what gives it the “turtle” name.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Turtle Cake is one of my go-to desserts when I want something rich, chocolatey, and memorable. The layers of caramel and pecans tucked inside the moist chocolate cake make every slice feel like something truly special. Whether it’s for a celebration or a quiet night in, I always find it hits the spot.

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