This indulgent Turtle Cake combines layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy dulce de leche filling, and crunchy pecans, topped with a luscious chocolate fudge frosting. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to impress, this cake is a showstopper packed with rich flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Irresistible Layers: Chocolate cake meets creamy filling and crunchy pecans in every bite.
• Easy yet Elegant: Uses convenient ingredients like cake mix but delivers bakery-quality results.
• Perfect for Turtle Candy Fans: Incorporates the beloved flavors of turtle candies throughout.
Ingredients
• 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
• 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
• 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 and dust two 8-inch round cake pans with cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, milk, oil, vanilla extract, chocolate extract, and instant coffee granules. Beat until smooth.
4. Fold in the chocolate morsels and chopped pecans.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
2. Bake for 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool completely before slicing and assembling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese frosting with ½ cup of dulce de leche until smooth.
2. Slice turtle candies in half for garnish and dice the remaining candies for layering.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
1. Slice each cake horizontally to create four thin layers.
2. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the filling.
3. Sprinkle diced turtle candies over the filling.
4. Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake layers, filling, and candies.
Step 5: Frost and Garnish
1. Frost the entire cake with chocolate fudge frosting. Smooth the sides and top.
2. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set.
3. Drizzle the dulce de leche ice cream topping over the chilled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
4. Garnish with toasted pecan halves and halved turtle candies on top.
Tips
• Enhanced Chocolate Flavor: Dissolving coffee granules enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.
• Chilling for Stability: Chill the cake between steps to make layering and frosting easier.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cake layers a day in advance for convenience.
Storage Options
• Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
This Turtle Cake is a decadent dessert that will steal the show at any gathering!
