Naomi Chambliss' Turtle Cake
A rich and indulgent chocolate cake layered with caramel, pecans, and optional coconut, perfect for celebrations or satisfying a sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cake mix as directed on the box.
- Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch sheet cake pan.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- While the cake bakes, melt the Kraft caramels with milk and margarine until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked cake layer.
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
- Add a small amount of coconut on top, if desired.
- Pour the remaining batter over the toppings.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you're short on time, you can substitute the homemade caramel with store-bought caramel sauce. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before serving. Remember to check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it's fully baked before cooling.
Serving Suggestions
This Turtle Cake is decadent on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. Serve it at gatherings or as a special treat for family. For a delightful contrast, consider serving with fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warm, to enjoy it soft and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Naomi Chambliss' Turtle Cake contains roughly 1412 calories, with 9g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1039mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
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 ensure it's completely cooled before covering it with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Alternatively, you could omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
Can I freeze the Turtle Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
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).