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Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake

Irresistible Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake for Any Celebration

The Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake is a stunning layered dessert featuring rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for any celebration!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder Use high-quality cocoa for richer flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature eggs.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Coconut oil can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water
For the Filling and Topping
  • 1 cup caramel sauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 cup chopped pecans Reserve some for garnish.
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate ganache

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the wet ingredients—eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla—to the bowl of dry ingredients. Blend until smooth.
  4. Stir in the hot water gently and allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
  6. After cooling, stack the layers, spreading caramel sauce and pecans between each. Top with chocolate ganache.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 40gCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Ensure eggs are room temperature for better mixing. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting ganache.

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