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Indulge in Decadence: The Ultimate Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe from Southern Living

Prepare to be swept away by a dessert so irresistibly rich and utterly divine, it will redefine your definition of chocolate indulgence. Today, we’re unveiling a true masterpiece: a Chocolate Turtle Cake that is a symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to become an instant favorite in your baking repertoire. Imagine layers of moist, dark chocolate cake, generously studded with premium chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, each bite a revelation. These opulent layers are then lavishly swirled with a velvety dulce de leche-infused frosting, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and creamy. The entire creation is crowned with luscious caramel drizzles, creating an inviting cascade down its sides, before being adorned with chopped turtle candies and perfectly toasted pecan halves. If your sweet tooth isn’t tingling already, just wait until you lay your eyes on this magnificent creation. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience, a celebration of flavor that promises to elevate any occasion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

This show-stopping recipe comes straight from the pages of the eagerly anticipated new release, The Southern Cake Book, by the esteemed Southern Living. Renowned for their timeless recipes and celebration of Southern culinary traditions, Southern Living has curated an exquisite collection that truly captures the heart and soul of baking. This delightful compendium boasts an impressive 150 recipes, covering an astonishing array of cakes to suit every taste and occasion. From towering, majestic layer cakes that command attention to comforting, classic sheet cakes perfect for family gatherings, and from ingeniously crafted cupcakes to adorable mini cakes and exquisitely decadent cheesecakes, this book is a treasure trove for any baker. Each page is a visual feast, adorned with stunning photography that not only guides but also inspires you to embark on your own baking adventures, transforming humble ingredients into edible art.

Discover the Art of Southern Baking

The Southern Cake Book is more than just a recipe collection; it’s a homage to the rich heritage and unparalleled charm of Southern baking. Southern desserts are celebrated worldwide for their comforting flavors, generous portions, and often ingenious combinations of ingredients. This book brilliantly encapsulates that spirit, offering everything from time-honored family recipes passed down through generations to innovative interpretations that bring new life to classic flavors. Whether you’re seeking to master Southern Living’s most-requested recipe of all time, the iconic Hummingbird Cake with its unique blend of banana, pineapple, and pecans, or craving something utterly fabulous like their Ambrosia Cake, adorned with toasted coconut shavings that evoke tropical bliss (just imagine the image – truly breathtaking!), or simply desire a perfect traditional birthday cake complete with rich chocolate frosting and colorful sprinkles, this book has it all. It seamlessly blends everyday cakes that bring joy to routine moments with elaborate party cakes designed to impress, offering both from-scratch masterpieces for the purists and clever short-cut cakes for those busy days when time is of the essence. No matter your skill level or time commitment, you’ll find the perfect recipe to satisfy your craving and inspire your creativity. Each meticulously tested recipe is paired with a gorgeous, high-quality image, serving as both a visual guide and a powerful source of inspiration, propelling you towards baking greatness. And believe us, the Chocolate Turtle Cake we’re sharing today is just one of many calling your name from within these pages!

So, pour yourself a tall glass of cold milk, because we’re about to dive deep into the irresistible world of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. This isn’t just baking; it’s an act of love, a journey into flavor, and a guaranteed path to dessert nirvana. Let’s get started on creating your very own magnificent Chocolate Turtle Cake!

Chocolate Turtle Cake: A Decadent Recipe

a recipe from The Southern Cake Book by Southern Living
(makes 16 servings)

Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Total Time (including cooling and chilling): 4 hours, 25 minutes

Ingredients:

Shortening (for greasing pans)

Unsweetened cocoa (for dusting pans)

1 (18.25-oz.) package devil’s food cake mix

1 (3.9-oz.) package chocolate instant pudding mix

3 large eggs

1¼ cups milk

1 cup canola oil

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. instant coffee granules

1 (6-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels

1 cup chopped pecans

1 (16-oz.) container ready-to-spread cream cheese frosting

½ cup canned dulce de leche

2 (7-oz.) packages turtle candies

1 (12-oz.) jar caramel ice-cream topping

¼ cup pecan halves, toasted

Instructions for Baking and Assembling Your Chocolate Turtle Cake:

Prepare Your Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two 9-inch round cake pans and generously grease them with shortening. This step is crucial for preventing sticking. Once greased, lightly sprinkle the insides with unsweetened cocoa powder, rotating the pans to ensure an even coating, then tap out any excess. This cocoa dusting not only helps with release but also adds to the rich chocolate flavor of the crust.
Craft the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, chocolate instant pudding mix, eggs, milk, canola oil, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together at low speed for precisely 1 minute, allowing them to just combine. Increase the speed to medium and continue beating for another 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well-aerated. Carefully fold in the semisweet chocolate morsels and the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the luscious batter. Divide the rich chocolate batter equally between your two meticulously prepared cake pans.
Bake and Cool to Perfection: Gently place the filled cake pans into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the very center of each cake comes out completely clean. This indicates they are perfectly baked through. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. This initial cooling helps them firm up. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cakes onto the wire racks to cool completely, which typically takes about 1 hour. It’s essential they are fully cooled before proceeding. For best results, wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour. This makes them much easier to handle and frost.
Prepare Frosting and Turtle Garnish: While the cakes are chilling, prepare your decadent frosting. In a medium bowl, combine the ready-to-spread cream cheese frosting with the creamy dulce de leche. Using a whisk, stir these two ingredients together until they are perfectly blended and smooth, creating a luxurious, caramel-infused frosting. Set this aside. Next, take one of the 7-oz. packages of turtle candies. Carefully cut 6 of these turtle candies in half; these will be reserved later for an elegant garnish on top of the finished cake. Chop the remaining turtle candies into smaller pieces; these will be sprinkled between the cake layers.
Assemble Your Showstopper Cake: To begin assembling, place one of the chilled cake layers, top side up, onto your chosen serving plate or cake stand. Spread exactly half of the delectable dulce de leche frosting mixture evenly over this first layer, extending it almost to the edges. Generously sprinkle the chopped turtle candies over the frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer, also top side up, directly on top of the candies. Now, take the remaining frosting mixture and spread it gracefully over the top of the entire cake, creating a smooth, inviting surface. Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. Just before serving, drizzle the caramel ice-cream topping lavishly over the top of the cake, allowing some of it to artfully drip down the sides, creating a beautiful visual effect. Finally, adorn the top of the cake with the toasted pecan halves and the reserved halved turtle candies, creating a truly irresistible and stunning presentation.

Serving Secret: This Chocolate Turtle Cake is inherently a showstopper, with its tantalizing exposed chocolate layers, generous swirls of frosting, and delightful array of turtle candies and pecans gracing its top. For the most aesthetically pleasing presentation, consider holding back a little on the initial caramel drizzle on the cake itself. Instead, serve extra caramel topping warmly on the side, allowing your guests to add more to their individual slices to their heart’s content. This ensures the cake’s original beauty shines through while still offering that extra touch of rich caramel indulgence. A slice of this cake paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream creates an even more luxurious dessert experience.

Elevate Your Baking with The Southern Cake Book

This exquisite Chocolate Turtle Cake is just one tantalizing glimpse into the culinary wonders that await within The Southern Cake Book. Authored by the experts at Southern Living, this book is an essential guide for anyone passionate about baking, especially those who appreciate the rich, comforting traditions of Southern cuisine. Each recipe is a testament to quality, flavor, and the joy of sharing homemade treats. Whether you are an experienced baker looking for new inspiration or a novice eager to embark on your first cake-making journey, this book provides clear instructions, helpful tips, and endless motivation. It’s more than a cookbook; it’s a celebration of heritage, a source of cherished memories, and a gateway to creating unforgettable desserts that will delight family and friends alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this invaluable resource to your kitchen library and unlock a world of delicious possibilities.