Box Mix Turtle Cake (Print Version)
Chocolate cake mix transformed with caramel, pecans, and ganache for a luscious dessert everyone loves.
# Ingredients:
→ Cake Base
01 -
1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
02 -
Eggs as required by cake mix package instructions
03 -
Vegetable oil as required by cake mix package instructions
04 -
Water as required by cake mix package instructions
05 -
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
06 -
1 cup chopped pecans
07 -
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
08 -
1 cup caramel sauce
→ Topping
09 -
1 1/2 cups caramel sauce
10 -
1 cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
11 -
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
12 -
Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to the temperature specified on cake mix box, typically 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment for easy removal. Prepare cake mix following package directions. Stir in chocolate chips and half of the chopped pecans to the batter. Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
02 -
Allow cake to cool for 5 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a thick straw, poke holes evenly across the cake, reaching deep into the crumb. Pour sweetened condensed milk gradually over warm cake, guiding it into holes with a spatula. If needed, briefly warm caramel sauce, then drizzle evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb. Cool cake completely before proceeding.
03 -
Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the entire cake. Spread gently using an offset spatula for even coverage. Top with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate, creating decorative lines or a smooth layer as preferred. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans evenly on top while chocolate is unset. Optionally, finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Chill to set toppings prior to slicing and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Lining the pan with parchment ensures clean removal and neat slices.
02 -
Gently warming caramel sauce makes it easier to drizzle and soak into the cake.