Description

Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Turtle Cake featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, gooey pecan caramel filling, and silky chocolate buttercream frosting. The blend of deep cocoa, toasted pecans, and homemade caramel creates a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a show-stopping treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

1¾ cups sugar
¾ cup dark cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup strongly brewed coffee

For the Pecan Caramel Filling:

1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1 recipe homemade caramel sauce (see notes)

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2–4 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon espresso powder

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Instructions

Chocolate Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, vanilla, eggs, buttermilk, and coffee until combined.
Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Pecan Caramel Filling:

Prepare homemade caramel sauce (see notes). Mix chopped toasted pecans into the caramel once slightly cooled.

Chocolate Buttercream:

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.
Add milk, salt, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Assembly:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of pecan caramel filling.
Top with second cake layer. Frost top and sides with chocolate buttercream.
Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce and sprinkle pecans on top for garnish.

Notes

Homemade Caramel: Melt 1 cup sugar over medium heat until amber, add 6 tbsp butter, then stir in ½ cup heavy cream until smooth. Cool before using.

Strong coffee enhances chocolate flavor but can be replaced with hot water.

Store cake refrigerated; bring to room temp before serving.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American