Indulgent and irresistibly rich, this Turtle Cake is a masterpiece of chocolatey decadence, creamy dulce de leche, and crunchy pecans. Inspired by the classic turtle candies, every bite of this cake offers layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious cream cheese filling, and a smooth chocolate fudge frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate dessert for special occasions, gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
What sets this cake apart is its balance of textures and flavors. The crunch of pecans complements the smoothness of the dulce de leche and frosting, while the addition of chocolate morsels and instant coffee granules enhances the chocolate flavor. While it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make, thanks to a mix of convenient ingredients and a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Indulgent Layers: Perfectly moist chocolate cake with creamy filling and crunchy pecans.
• Elegant and Impressive: A beautiful centerpiece for celebrations that tastes as good as it looks.
• Turtle Candy Lovers Rejoice: All the flavors of turtle candies in a showstopping dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 (8-inch) round cake pans, greased and dusted with cocoa powder
• 1 package devil’s food cake mix (18.25 oz)
• 1 package chocolate instant pudding mix (3.9 oz)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• ¾ cup canola oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon chocolate extract
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• 6 oz semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Filling:
• 1 container cream cheese frosting (16 oz)
• ½ cup canned dulce de leche
• 2 packages turtle candies (7 oz each), diced for layering and halved for garnish
For the Frosting and Garnish:
• 1 can chocolate fudge frosting (16 oz)
• 1 jar dulce de leche ice cream topping (12 oz)
• ¼ cup pecan halves, toasted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, chocolate extract, and instant coffee granules. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Filling
1. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese frosting with the dulce de leche. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Slice the turtle candies in half for garnish and dice the rest for layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
1. Once the cakes are completely cool, slice each cake horizontally to create four thin layers.
2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the filling over the layer, then sprinkle with diced turtle candies.
3. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers, filling, and diced candies, finishing with the top cake layer.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
1. Frost the entire cake with the chocolate fudge frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
2. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
3. Drizzle the dulce de leche ice cream topping over the chilled cake, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
4. Garnish the top with toasted pecan halves and halved turtle candies.
Tips
• Boost Chocolate Flavor: Dissolve the coffee granules in a tablespoon of hot water before adding them to the batter for an even deeper chocolate taste.
• Chill Between Steps: Chilling the cake makes it easier to assemble and frost.
• Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day ahead to save time.
Storage Options
• Room Temperature: Store the cake in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
This Decadent Turtle Cake is the ultimate celebration of rich flavors and textures. Its stunning presentation and irresistible taste will make it the star of any dessert table. Whether you’re a turtle candy fan or a chocolate lover, this cake will leave you craving just one more slice!
