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Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake

Decadent Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake for Sweet Celebrations

A delightful union of velvety chocolate ganache, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, the Chocolate Turtle Dream Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Layers
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar Adds sweetness
  • ¾ cup Cocoa powder Use high-quality for best results
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Leavening agent
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Provides additional lift
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor
  • 2 large Eggs Use room temperature
  • ½ cup Vegetable oil Can substitute with coconut oil
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk plus vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract Enhances flavor
  • 1 cup Hot water Creates a moist crumb
For the Filling and Topping
  • 1 cup Caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup Chopped pecans Reserve some for garnish
  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate ganache For topping

Equipment

  • 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour four 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and blend until smooth.
  4. Gradually mix in hot water until fully integrated, creating a thin batter.
  5. Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Allow cake layers to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  7. Assemble the cake by layering each cooled cake with caramel sauce and stacking them.
  8. Pour prepared semi-sweet chocolate ganache over the top layer and garnish with chopped pecans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and allow layers to cool completely before assembly.

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