Best 8 Southern Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the Southern delight of the Chocolate Turtle Cake, a masterpiece that harmonizes the richness of chocolate with the irresistible charm of caramel and pecans. This decadent cake captivates the senses with its moist chocolate layers, luscious caramel filling, and generous topping of chocolate ganache and toasted pecans. Embark on a culinary journey with our curated collection of recipes, guiding you through each step of creating this Southern classic. Discover the secrets of crafting the perfect chocolate cake layers, achieving a velvety smooth caramel filling, and mastering the art of ganache. Along the way, gather tips for selecting the finest ingredients and explore variations to customize your cake to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will equip you to recreate this iconic Southern dessert that promises to delight and impress.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE



Chocolate Turtle Cake image

This decadent poke cake is topped with whipped topping, salted caramel sauce, mini chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. It's so easy to make, and a huge hit at parties!

Provided by Averie Sunshine

Categories     Cakes & Cupcakes

Time 2h35m

Number Of Ingredients 7

one 15.25-ounce box devil's food chocolate cake mix*
one 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
one 12-ounce jar caramel sundae topping
one 8-ounce container whipped topping, thawed (I used fat-free)
1/2 cup Chopped Fisher Pecans
1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (full-size okay)
1/3 cup salted caramel sauce, or as desired (homemade or store-bought, or regular caramel sauce okay)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  • Make cake according to package directions (likely adding 3 eggs, water, and oil) and bake as directed (I find my cakes are done about 3 to 5 minutes faster than the box directions and if baked as long as indicated, I find the cake is too dry but bake as necessary).
  • While the cake bakes add the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping to a medium bowl and stir to combine; set aside.
  • Remove cake from the oven when it's done and using the blunt end of a wooden spoon, poke holes over the surface of the cake. I didn't count but I estimate I poked about 60 holes, evenly spaced over the surface.
  • Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel mixture over the holes, taking your time to evenly distribute it so that all the holes receive some.
  • Place cake in the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool slightly before adding the whipped topping so it doesn't melt.
  • Remove cake from the fridge, evenly spread the whipped topping over the surface, evenly sprinkle the pecans and chocolate chips, cover cake, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  • Evenly drizzle the salted caramel sauce before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Carbohydrate 36 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 15 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 12 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 4 grams protein, SaturatedFat 7 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 104 milligrams sodium, Sugar 28 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 5 grams unsaturated fat

CHOCOLATE TURTLE BUNDT CAKE



Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake image

Provided by Melissa Sperka

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h55m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 recipe Chocolate Buttermilk Cake made in a bundt pan
1 cup roughly chopped pecan pieces (toasted)
Caramel-pecan sauce:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick or 4 Tbsp)
2 Tbsp light corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Chocolate ganache:
1 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Prepare the chocolate buttermilk cake per the directions. Bake in a buttered and floured bundt pan for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack.
  • Spread the pecan pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan. Toast in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes Set aside to cool.
  • To make the caramel-pecan sauce: In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat melt together the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
  • Remove the caramel sauce from the heat then add the vanilla and toasted pecans. Stir until the pecans are coated. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • To make the ganache: in a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20 second increments stopping to stir each time. Repeat until completely smooth.
  • Place the bundt cake on a cake pedestal or platter. Drizzle with 1/3 of the chocolate ganache and 1/3 of the caramel pecan sauce. Repeat drizzling the cake on all sides until both of the sauces are used.
  • Store chilled bringing to room temperature for serving.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Carbohydrate 29 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Sodium 290 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 23 g, Calories 520 kcal, UnsaturatedFat 7 g

TURTLES® CAKE I



Turtles® Cake I image

Chocolate cake with melted caramels, nuts, and chocolate chips in the middle.

Provided by Debbie

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Cake Mix Cake Recipes

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (18.25 ounce) package German chocolate cake mix
14 ounces individually wrapped caramels
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
¾ cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9x13 inch pan.
  • Mix cake mix according to package directions. Pour a little less than half of the batter into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) remove from oven.
  • Melt caramels, margarine, and milk in the microwave on high (takes about 10 minutes), stirring a couple times. Or alternately melt in a sauce pan over medium low heat. Pour melted caramel mixture over cake, sprinkle with pecans, and chocolate chips, and pour remaining cake batter over the top.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.2 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 18.1 mg, Fat 14.1 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 246.3 mg, Sugar 25.7 g

CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE



Chocolate Turtle Cake image

No wonder this is a bake sale winner! Devil's food cake sandwiches caramel, pecans and, yes, more chocolate in the middle. Yum.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h50m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil's food cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1 bag (14 oz) caramels
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup chopped pecans
1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
Ice cream or Whipped cream, if desired
Caramel and chocolate toppings, if desired
Chopped pecans, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease or spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan.
  • Make cake batter as directed on box. Pour half of the batter into pan. Bake 22 minutes. Refrigerate remaining batter.
  • Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat caramels and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted. Stir in pecans. Pour caramel mixture over warm cake in pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread with remaining batter. Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cool at least 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream, drizzle with toppings and sprinkle with pecans. Store loosely covered.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310, Carbohydrate 40 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 250 mg, Sugar 24 g, TransFat 0 g

CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE



Chocolate Turtle Cake image

We created this decadent chocolate cake showcasing a creamy caramel layer and rich ganache. A small slice goes a long way to satisfy a sweet tooth.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 3h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 34

1 cup dark baking cocoa
1 cup boiling water
1 cup butter, softened
2-1/4 cups sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
CARAMEL LAYER:
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
6 tablespoons butter, cubed
GANACHE LAYER:
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dark chocolate chips
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
FROSTING:
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon dark baking cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
GARNISHES:
Chocolate curls or other decorations

Steps:

  • Dissolve cocoa in boiling water; cool. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For caramel layer: Line a 9-in. round pan with foil and grease the foil with butter. Sprinkle with pecans; set aside., In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, brown sugar, 1/2 cup cream, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until smooth and blended, about 5 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining cream. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 238° (soft-ball stage), about 10 minutes., Remove from the heat. Quickly pour into prepared pan (do not scrape saucepan). Cool., For ganache layer: Line a 9-in. round pan with foil and grease the foil with 1 teaspoon butter. Sprinkle with pecans; set aside. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Pour over pecans. Cool to room temperature; chill until set., For frosting: In a microwave, melt unsweetened chocolate and chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, butter, milk, cocoa and vanilla until smooth; beat in melted chocolate., To assemble cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate; remove foil from caramel and place on top. Top with another cake layer; remove foil from ganache and place on top. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1138 calories, Fat 59g fat (32g saturated fat), Cholesterol 153mg cholesterol, Sodium 483mg sodium, Carbohydrate 152g carbohydrate (118g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

SOUTHERN CHOCOLATE TORTE



Southern Chocolate Torte image

This towering torte takes guests' breath away every time! It's my most-requested cake recipe, has an unforgettable frosting and makes a grand showpiece for any holiday spread.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package Swiss chocolate or devil's food cake mix (regular size)
1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 large eggs
1-1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup canola oil
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup confectioners' sugar
10 milk chocolate candy bars with almonds (1.45 ounces each), divided
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, sift the cake and pudding mixes. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and oil. Add to dry ingredients; beat until well blended. , Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Finely chop eight candy bars; stir into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping. , Spread frosting on cake plate, between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Chop the remaining candy bars; sprinkle over top and along bottom edge of cake. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617 calories, Fat 29g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 531mg sodium, Carbohydrate 79g carbohydrate (56g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE LAYER CAKE



Chocolate Turtle Layer Cake image

Enjoy this cake made with Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ cake mix and frosting - a delicious chocolate dessert.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h25m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 15

Unsweetened baking cocoa
1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ devil's food cake mix
1 box (4-serving size) chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 cup canola oil
3 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules or crystals
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting
1/2 cup canned dulce de leche (caramelized sweetened condensed milk)
1 box (7 oz) turtle candies
1 jar (12 oz) caramel topping
1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with shortening or cooking spray; sprinkle with cocoa.
  • In large bowl, beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla and coffee granules with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Pour batter into pans.
  • Bake 30 to 32 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans to cooling racks; cool completely. Wrap cake layers; refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • In medium bowl, stir frosting and dulce de leche with whisk until well blended; set aside. Cut 6 of the turtle candies in half; set aside. Chop remaining candies.
  • Place 1 cake layer, top side up, on serving plate. Spread with half of the frosting mixture; sprinkle with chopped candies. Place second cake layer, top side up, on candies. Spread remaining frosting mixture on top of cake. Cover; refrigerate until serving time. Drizzle caramel topping over top of cake, allowing some to drip down side. Garnish with pecan halves and reserved turtle candies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 705, Carbohydrate 86 g, Fat 7, Fiber 3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 513 mg

SOUTHERN CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE



Southern Chocolate Turtle Cake image

*****NOT FOR DIETERS******* This happens to be one of the best cakes on earth!!!

Provided by Melanie Campbell

Categories     Chocolate

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 c chocolate chips
2 c pecans
3/4 c melted butter
1/2 c evaporated milk
1 (14 ounce) bags caramels
1 1/3 c water ( or as called for by your cake mix)
1/3 c oil ( or as called for by your cake mix)
3 eggs ( or as called for by your cake mix)
1 (18 ounce) boxes german chocolate cake mix

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare cake mix as directed. Pour 1/2 of the batter in a 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  • 2. In a double boiler, add caramels, milk and butter and stir constantly till melted. Pour melted caramel over cooling cake. Sprinkle on top 1 cup of pecans& chocolate chips. Pour remaining batter on top and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Tips:

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips or a combination of semisweet and dark chocolate chips.
  • If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute plain yogurt or buttermilk.
  • To make the frosting ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
  • For a more decadent cake, layer the frosting between the layers of cake before frosting the outside of the cake.
  • Garnish the cake with chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or caramel sauce before serving.

Conclusion:

This Southern Chocolate Turtle Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate cake is topped with a creamy caramel frosting and then sprinkled with chopped pecans. This cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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