Last Updated on June 15, 2021
Rich and decadent, this delicious turtle cake recipe from scratch is a must-have. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans makes for an irresistible dessert. It is the perfect cake for serving at any special event.
This recipe is straightforward and though there are a lot of steps, it is a relatively simple cake to make. You will absolutely love the end results, as this cake looks elegant and taste amazing. It will be a hit at any party or event you are hosting, as people will love it.
What You Need to Follow These Instructions
Ingredients For The Cake
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot coffee
For The Frosting
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup caramel
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted
Equipment
- 3 9-inch cake pans
- Cooking spray
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Medium-sauce pan
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick 3-Piece Round Cake Pan Bakeware Set, Black
Step by Step Instructions
Step One: Preheat the Oven and Grease the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray. Cover the bottom of the pans with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Step Two: Mix the Egg, Buttermilk and Vegetable Oil
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
Step Three: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step Four: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, combining until well mixed. Add the hot coffee and stir until just combined.
Step Five: Bake the Cakes
Evenly pour the cake batter into the three prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto the wire rack to fully cool.
Step Six: Make the Frosting
In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. With the heat at medium-high, bring the mixture to a boil and then add the butter while stirring frequently.
Remove the frosting mixture from the heat and add in the chocolate chips. Mix the frosting together with a whisk until smooth.
Step Seven: Decorate the Turtles Chocolate Cake
Cover the first layer of cake with frosting, 1/2 cup of pecans, and drizzle it with 1/4 cup of caramel. Repeat this process for each layer. Cover the top and sides of the cake with frosting and garnish with pecans and caramel.
Servings and Preparation Time
Tips and Tricks To Make Turtle Cake Recipe From Scratch
You can store this cake at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container. In addition, you can also store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
Be sure to keep this cake out of direct sunlight or heat. The chocolate frosting will begin to melt if exposed to hot temperatures. It is best to keep in a cool area and if your kitchen gets hot, place it in the fridge.
This cake can also be frozen for up to six months. Let it chill in the freezer for one hour in order to let the frosting set. Then wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap and place it in a box or wrap it in aluminum foil.
Once ready to serve, allow the cake to thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter at room temperature for two hours. Any leftovers can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for 5-7 days, in an airtight container. It is best to not refreeze your cake after it has already been frozen.
Delicious Turtle Cake Recipe From Scratch
Equipment
- 3 9-inch cake pans
- Cooking spray
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium-sauce pan
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 1 egg room temperature
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup hot coffee
For The Frosting
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup caramel
- 1 1/2 cups pecans toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Grease the Cake Pans - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray. Cover the bottom of the pans with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Mix the Egg, Buttermilk and Vegetable Oil - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients - Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, combining until well mixed. Add the hot coffee and stir until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes - Evenly pour the cake batter into the three prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before turning them out onto the wire rack to fully cool.
- Make the Frosting - In a saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. With the heat at medium-high, bring the mixture to a boil and then add the butter while stirring frequently.
- Remove the frosting mixture from the heat and add in the chocolate chips. Mix the frosting together with a whisk until smooth.
- Decorate the Turtles Chocolate Cake - Cover the first layer of cake with frosting, 1/2 cup of pecans, and drizzle it with 1/4 cup of caramel. Repeat this process for each layer. Cover the top and sides of the cake with frosting and garnish with pecans and caramel.
Notes
Irresistible Chocolate Turtle Cake
This turtle cake is truly delicious and perfect for any part. The layers of chocolate cake, chocolate frosting, caramel, and pecans are irresistible. Your friends and family will be asking you for the recipe.
This cake is relatively simple to make, so you don’t need to have any baking experience. It is wonderful for birthdays, anniversaries, dinner parties, and potlucks. It is sure to be a favorite among your guests.
Did you enjoy this turtle cake recipe from scratch? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments down below and share this post with your friends and family.
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.
