Name: Chocolate Turtle Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 2 8-inch round cake pans (greased and dusted with cocoa); 1 package devil’s food cake mix (18.25 oz); 1 package chocolate instant pudding mix (3.9 oz); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/4 cups milk; 3/4 cup canola oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon chocolate extract; 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 6 oz semisweet chocolate morsels; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 container cream cheese frosting (16 oz, for filling); 1/2 cup canned dulce de leche (for filling); 2 packages turtle candies (7 oz each, diced and halved for garnish); 1 can chocolate fudge frosting (16 oz, for frosting); 1 jar dulce de leche ice cream topping (12 oz, for drizzling); 1/4 cup pecan halves (toasted, for garnish)

Combine moist chocolate layers, a luscious cream cheese and dulce de leche filling and the crunch of pecans with decadent caramel drizzles and you have the craziest Chocolate Turtle Cake. A sophisticated dessert that is ideal for celebrations, this is sure to impress and satiate those with a sweet tooth. It features layers of chocolate and caramel and the crunch of turtle candies in every bite.

Why You’ll Love It:

Zesty: Chocolate cake is embellished with dulce de leche and turtle candies for a sweet, rich flavor symphony.

Texture Heaven The moist cake: creamy filling and crunch from pecans makes every bite irresistible.

Great for Gilded Celebrations: Whether a birthday, holiday or dinner party, this cake will take center stage.

Key Ingredients:

Cake Mix: Beginning with devil’s food cake mix creates the base for a rich, moist cake. For a stronger chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder, or espresso granules instead of instant coffee.

Chocolate Morsels: For best melt and flavor, use good semisweet chocolate morsels.

Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, contributing a darker nuttiness to the cake.

Dulce de Leche: You can also use an easy canned version of this for this recipe. If you want a homemade touch, dulce de leche can be made by simmering sweetened condensed milk.

Cream Cheese Frosting: For a less sweet option, you could always mix your own with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

Turtle Candies: These candies provide that classic trio of caramel, chocolate, and pecan. Finely chop them, for a more balanced mouthful in the filling layers.

To view the full ingredient list with measurements and instructions, scroll down to the recipe card below

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Cake Layers

Preheat the Oven:

My Countless Cookies with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Preheat to 350F. Grease and lightly dust with unsweetened cocoa powder two 8-inch round cake pans. This also helps prevent sticking and adds a deep chocolate flavor.

Mix Ingredients:

Start in a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 box devil’s food cake mix, 1 box chocolate instant pudding mix, 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk, ½ cup canola oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp chocolate extract and 1 tbsp instant coffee granules.

With an electric mixer on low speed, mix for 1 minute; increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes longer, or until smooth.

Add Chocolate and Pecans:

Gently fold in 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels and ½ cup chopped pecans until well blended.

Bake:

Divide half the batter between the prepared pans, smooth the tops with a spatula.

Bake until a toothpick stuck in the center emerges clean, 30 to 32 minutes.

Cool:

Let the cakes cool in their pans on wire racks for 10 minutes, then gently unmold them and let them cool completely on the racks. To get the best flavor from your cakes, wrap and chill the layers, in the fridge, for 1 hour or longer before assembling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Mix Filling:

Whisk together 1 can of cream cheese frosting and 1 can of dulce de leche in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.

Prepare Candies:

Cut 6 turtle candies in half for garnish and chop the remainder to use between the layers.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Slice the Layers:

Slice each chilled cake in half horizontally to make 4 thinner layers.

Layer the Cake:

Put one cake layer, cut side up, on a serving platter. Spread ½ cup of the cream cheese-dulce de leche mixture in an even layer over the layer, then top with ⅓ of the diced turtle candies.

Repeat Layers:

Repeat with remaining layers, spreading with filling and sprinkling with candies, then top with last cake layer.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Frost the Cake:

Frost the top and sides of the cake with 1 tub of chocolate fudge frosting using an offset spatula, smoothing for a polished look.

Chill:

Chill the frosted cake until it is time for the final toppings and serving.

Step 5: Gravy and complete the feast

Add Topping:

Drizzle dulce de leche ice cream topping all over the top of the cake, and let it also drip down the sides — this creates a lovely effect.

Garnish:

For an elegant finish, decorate with the reserved halved turtle candies and toasted pecan halves.

Serve:

If you want clean slices, chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving. Indulge in the delicious, layered flavors of this turtle cake!

Serving Suggestions:

Just serve this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra luxury. A warm caramel or chocolate sauce on the side will make every bite that much more decadent.

Storage/Meal Prep Tips:

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Wrap each slice both tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Refrigerate overnight until ready to serve.

Make Ahead: The cake layers and filling can be made a day ahead of assembly.

Variations:

Nut Free: Replace the pecans with caramel chips or toffee bits for texture.

More Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top with the dulce de leche for even more chocolaty goodness.

Salted Caramel: Top it off with a flurry of sea salt to offset the sweetness with a touch a saltines.

And this chocolate turtle cake is not something to be missed if more than one layer and rich vibration are your desserts of choice. Happy making this luscious treat and sharing it with those you love!