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–+ servings
Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake

Decadent Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake That'll Steal the Show

This Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake is an indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate layers, sweet caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour substitutable with gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar can swap for brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Dutch-process for richer taste
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda ensure freshness
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder ensure freshness
  • 1 teaspoon Salt balances flavors
  • 1 cup Buttermilk substitutable with milk plus vinegar or yogurt
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil can replace with melted butter
  • 2 large Eggs room temperature for best results
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract pure vanilla preferred
For the Filling and Topping
  • 1 cup Caramel Sauce thick version, homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup Toasted Pecans toasting enhances flavor
  • 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips dark chocolate can be used
  • 2 cups Chocolate Buttercream or ganache
  • 1/2 cup Additional Caramel Drizzle

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Wire rack
  • serrated knife

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until just combined.
  4. Gradually stir in hot boiling water until well combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Level the tops of the cooled cakes if domed.
  8. Layer the cake by frosting one layer with buttercream, drizzling caramel, and sprinkling with pecans and chocolate chips.
  9. Repeat with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the assembled cake.
  10. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, and toast the pecans for enhanced nuttiness.

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