Turtle caramel cake is a decadent dessert made with layers of chocolate cake, caramel sauce, and pecan-studded buttercream frosting. This indulgent cake is perfect for special occasions or any time you want to treat yourself to something sweet and satisfying.
Indulgence takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the turtle caramel cake. This dessert is a favorite for those with a sweet tooth, and it’s perfect for special occasions. Layers of chocolate cake are slathered with decadent caramel sauce and pecan-studded buttercream frosting. The result is an unforgettable taste experience that you are sure to love. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to satisfy your sweet cravings, turtle caramel cake is always a great choice. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness of this heavenly cake.
Credit: www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com
Understanding The Turtle Caramel Cake
Turtle caramel cake is a delectable dessert that involves layers of flavors and textures. This cake is inspired by the iconic candy ‘turtles,’ which comprises chocolate, caramel, and pecans. When you combine these flavors with cake, you get the indulgent and delicious turtle caramel cake.
In this article, we will be delving into the history of this dessert, how the flavors come together, and some tips for achieving the perfect texture. Let’s start with a brief history of turtle caramel cake.
A Brief History Of Turtle Caramel Cake
- Turtle candies, the inspiration behind the cake, were first introduced in 1918 by johnson’s candy company in milwaukee, wisconsin.
- The name “turtle” refers to its shape, consisting of a pecan-covered ball of caramel with a chocolate top.
- The turtle caramel cake became popular in the 1970s when it was first introduced by a bakery in st. Louis, missouri.
- Today, turtle caramel cake remains a beloved dessert, with many variations and recipes available online.
How The Flavors Come Together
The turtle caramel cake is a decadent blend of flavors that includes chocolate, caramel, and pecans. Let’s break down each of these elements and how they come together to form the perfect cake.
- Chocolate: the cake layers are made with cocoa powder or melted chocolate, giving it a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Caramel: the layers are filled with a luscious caramel sauce, which complements the chocolate perfectly and adds a gooey, sweet texture to the cake.
- Pecans: finally, the cake is topped with a layer of chopped pecans, which add a nutty crunch to the cake and complement the caramel flavor.
Tips For Achieving The Perfect Texture
To achieve the perfect turtle caramel cake, consider these tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, including real butter and good-quality chocolate. The better the ingredients, the better the taste of the cake.
- Make sure the caramel sauce is smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
- Use the right proportion of ingredients while making the cake batter, and follow the recipe instructions precisely.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan or adding frosting.
- Garnish the cake with additional pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
Turtle caramel cake is a classic dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans to create a mouth-watering treat. By following the tips mentioned above, you can create a perfect turtle caramel cake that will impress your friends and family.
Gathering Ingredients And Supplies
A List Of All The Ingredients You’Ll Need
Turtle caramel cake is a scrumptious dessert that requires a few essential ingredients to make.
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Recommended Brands For The Best Results
It’s essential to choose the right ingredients when making this cake.
- Flour: king arthur flour or bob’s red mill
- Cocoa powder: hershey’s or ghirardelli
- Salted caramel sauce: stonewall kitchen or torani
- Pecans: diamond or fisher
Tools And Supplies You Need
Besides the ingredients, you’ll also need to have some tools and supplies handy to make the turtle caramel cake:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Cake decorating tools (optional)
By gathering all the ingredients, recommended brands, and tools and supplies mentioned above, you’ll be ready to make this decadent turtle caramel cake. The next step is to mix the batter, bake the cake, and layer with caramel sauce and pecans.
Follow the instructions in the recipe carefully for perfect results.
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Preparing The Cake Batter
Turtle caramel cake is a delightful dessert that will entice your taste buds with its rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavour. Preparing the cake batter is the first crucial step in baking this cake. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make the perfect cake batter.
Mixing The Wet Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, gather all the ingredients in one place.
- In a large mixing bowl, take softened butter and sugar. Cream them together with an electric mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
- Next, add in eggs one at a time, mixing it well after each addition.
- Measure and pour in buttermilk, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix well until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.
Adding The Dry Ingredients
Now that the wet mix is well-prepared, it’s time to add the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Start adding the dry ingredients to the wet mix in small batches. While adding dry ingredients, be cautious while mixing with an electric mixer to avoid over-mixing.
- Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, turn off the mixer and switch to folding the mixture with a rubber spatula. This folding technique will prevent over-mixing and protect the consistency of the batter.
Incorporating The Caramel Sauce
Lastly, we’re going to incorporate the caramel sauce into our batter. The caramel sauce layer will add extra flavour to the cake.
- Pour the homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the batter. Carefully fold the caramel sauce into the batter with a spatula until it is incorporated evenly.
- Remember, don’t use too much or too little caramel at this stage. Just use the correct amount, and don’t mix the sauce excessively.
Preparing the cake batter is the first step in baking a rich and delicious turtle caramel cake. By mixing the wet ingredients, adding the dry ingredients, and incorporating the caramel sauce, we can create a perfect cake batter. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to bake the perfect turtle caramel cake!
Assembling The Cake Layers
Baking The Cake
Before assembling the turtle caramel cake layers, it’s essential to bake them to perfection.
- Preheat the oven to 350°f (180°c).
- Grease and line three eight-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients, including all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, until light and fluffy.
- Crack in four eggs, one at a time, and beat until the mixture is pale yellow and fluffy.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients and the buttermilk alternatively in three batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix in vanilla to add flavor to the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling The Layers
After baking, let the cake layers rest for a few minutes in the pans before flipping them to cool completely.
- Remove the cake pans from the oven, and let them rest for five minutes.
- Use a knife to loosen the edges of the layers from the pan. Place a wire rack over the cake pan, then invert the pan to remove the cake layer, letting it cool on the wire rack.
- Repeat the process for the remaining cake layers.
The cake layers must be entirely cool before assembling. Otherwise, they may slide and cause the cake to lean or collapse.
Splitting And Filling The Layers With Caramel
Now that the cake layers have cooled, it’s time to split and fill them with caramel.
- Use a long serrated knife to slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating six even layers.
- Place the bottom layer onto the cake board. Pipe a ring of thick buttercream frosting on the edge of the first cake layer. This ring will act as a dam, keeping the caramel from leaking out.
- Spoon a generous amount of homemade caramel inside the ring. Smooth the caramel with an offset spatula.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the caramel and repeat the process until all the layers are assembled.
After the layers are assembled, it’s time to frost the cake with a generous layer of buttercream frosting to seal the layers. Enjoy your delicious and decadent turtle caramel cake!
Decorating Your Turtle Caramel Cake
Turtle caramel cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, caramel and the crunchiness of pecans. If you’ve just baked it, you’re probably itching to decorate it. In this section, we’re going to guide you through how to decorate your cake with frosting, pecans, and chocolate.
So grab all the ingredients you need and let’s get started!
Applying The Frosting
The frosting is what adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess to your turtle caramel cake and also enhances its appearance.
- First, allow your cake to cool entirely before starting to frost. This helps the frosting to hold its shape and not melt or run.
- Start by placing the first layer of cake on a cake stand or plate.
- Take a spatula and spread frosting evenly on top of the first layer. Be careful not to put too much pressure, as you risk smudging your cake.
- Repeat the same process for the second and third layers.
- Once the last layer is spread with frosting, use the remaining frosting to cover the cake’s sides.
- Finally, use your spatula to smooth the frosting uniformly all over the cake.
Decorating With Pecans And Chocolate
The primary ingredients in turtle caramel cake are pecans and chocolate, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be used as decorations.
- Pecans – arrange a handful of pecans on top of the frosted cake in a circular pattern. You can also sprinkle some nuts on the cake’s sides for extra crunchiness and texture.
- Chocolate – melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using a double boiler or in the microwave, then transfer it to a piping bag and drizzle the chocolate ribbons over the pecans and cake. Alternatively, you can use a knife to spread melted chocolate all over the cake.
Final Touches
The cake should now be looking delicious and aesthetically pleasing. However, decoration is never quite complete without those final touches that make all the difference.
- Add a few caramel drizzles on top of the cake or around the cake’s sides, using either a whisk or a piping bag.
- Use a few pecan pieces or chocolate shavings to create additional decorations on top of the cake.
- Finally, clean up any mess or stray frosting using a clean damp cloth.
Take some photos of your beautiful creation, then slice and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions Of Turtle Caramel Cake
What Are The Ingredients Needed To Make A Turtle Caramel Cake?
To make a turtle caramel cake, you will need ingredients such as self-rising flour, unsalted butter, sugar, baking soda, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, chopped pecans, and caramel sauce.
How Long Does It Take To Bake A Turtle Caramel Cake?
Bake a turtle caramel cake for 45 to 50 minutes at a 350-degree fahrenheit oven.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut Besides Pecans For The Turtle Topping?
Yes, you can use a different type of nut for the turtle topping besides pecans. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts are popular options that make for delicious turtle toppings. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Is It Possible To Make A Gluten-Free Version Of This Cake?
Yes, it is possible to make a gluten-free version of this cake! Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour, and make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers Of The Turtle Caramel Cake To Ensure It Stays Fresh?
To store your leftovers of turtle caramel cake, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help keep the cake fresh for up to three days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftover cake for up to a month, using the same wrapping and container guidelines.
Conclusion
The turtle caramel cake is a delicious dessert that is highly recommended for any occasion. The chocolatey sponge cake layered with caramel and topped with chopped pecans and a drizzle of chocolate sauce is a real treat for your taste buds.
With only a few ingredients, this cake is simple to make, yet it is sure to impress. The possibility of variations is endless, and you can customize the frosting and topping according to your taste. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is a must-try! By following the recipe and tips mentioned in this blog post, you can create a spectacular dessert that your family and friends will love.
Give it a go and let the deliciousness speak for itself!
