Indulge in the luxurious taste of Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake, a decadent dessert perfect for any celebration. This cake features rich chocolate layers infused with a hint of coffee, filled with a creamy caramel pecan sauce, and enveloped in a velvety salted caramel buttercream. Each slice promises a symphony of textures and flavors that are sure to delight any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1½ tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ tbsp instant coffee granules (optional)
- 2¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature
Caramel Pecan Filling:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup salted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
Salted Caramel Buttercream:
- 3 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 12 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¾ cup salted caramel sauce, cooled
- 3-6 tbsp heavy cream or milk (as needed)
Ganache Drip:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Additional Garnish:
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- Whole pecans
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Sift and mix all dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, followed by sour cream and vanilla-coffee mix. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Pour into prepared pans and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make the Filling: Melt sugar over medium heat until amber in color. Carefully add butter, then gradually stir in cream. Mix in vanilla and salt, then pecans. Set aside to cool.
- Buttercream: Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cooled caramel sauce. Adjust consistency with cream as needed.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with buttercream and a layer of pecan filling. Repeat with remaining layers. Apply a final coat of buttercream on the outside and chill.
- Decorate: Apply ganache drips along the edges of the chilled cake. Add chopped and whole pecans as garnish.
Tips
- Make caramel sauce in advance for easier assembly.
- Keep cake chilled until ready to serve for best texture.
- Adding instant coffee enhances the chocolate flavor of the cake.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cake layers can be made up to two days in advance and stored wrapped in the fridge.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Substitute with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice left to stand for 5 minutes.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: Serves 12
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Conclusion
The Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the beloved flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a stunning presentation. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend treat, this cake will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with its gourmet appearance and taste. Enjoy the process of creating and devouring this sumptuous cake!
