Caramel Turtle Fudge Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, indulgent caramel turtle fudge cake featuring moist chocolate layers, creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, perfect for celebrations or satisfying sweet cravings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 German chocolate cake mix
  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk
  • 1 (1 lb.) box powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • 1 bag caramels
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake mix, 1 stick of melted margarine, oil, water, eggs, and 1/2 can of Eagle Brand milk in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan and pour half of the batter into the pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  4. During baking, melt the caramels and the remaining half can of Eagle Brand milk in a top of a double boiler or microwave until completely melted.
  5. Add chopped pecans to the caramel mixture.
  6. When the cake is baked, pour the caramel mixture over the top.
  7. Cover with the remaining cake batter and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want a nuttier taste, try adding more chopped pecans or substituting walnuts. You can also use half-and-half instead of regular milk for a creamier texture in the frosting. To add a touch of spice, a pinch of cinnamon in the cake batter can enhance the overall taste. This cake pairs beautifully with My Mama'S Pecan Pie.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It also pairs well with a warm cup of coffee or a dessert wine. If you're planning a dinner party, consider serving it alongside Caramel Apple Crisp for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Caramel Turtle Fudge Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Caramel Turtle Fudge Cake contains roughly 759 calories, with 11g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

759 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11g 22% DV
Total Fat 40.8g 52% DV
Carbs 89.9g 33% DV
Fiber 17g 61% DV
Sugar 42.5g 85% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 286mg 12% DV
Potassium 1166.9mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 73.6mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.6mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 194.7mg 15% DV
Iron 7.5mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container. For best results, wait to add the caramel topping until you're ready to serve to maintain its gooey texture.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While the German chocolate cake mix gives a unique flavor, you can substitute it with a classic chocolate cake mix or even a vanilla cake mix for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

What can I do if I don’t have caramels?

If you don’t have caramels on hand, you can make a homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream. Alternatively, store-bought caramel sauce can work as a quick substitute, but make sure to heat it gently before pouring over the cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →