Description
Indulgent Caramel Turtle Poke Cake brings chocolate, caramel, and pecan magic together in one irresistible dessert. Rich layers of moist cake invite sweet exploration, promising pure delight with each decadent bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Caramel and Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (16 oz / 454 g) caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Frosting:
- 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and well-blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake.
- Gradually pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and cover the surface.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips evenly across the cake, pressing them gently into the caramel.
- Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the caramel to set and flavors to meld.
- Before serving, spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup and additional caramel sauce in a decorative pattern.
- Garnish the top with remaining chopped pecans.
- Chill for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Prevent Dry Cake by ensuring you don’t overmix the batter, which can lead to a tough texture.
- Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and checking all ingredient labels carefully.
- Enhance Flavor Depth by using dark brown sugar in the caramel sauce for a more complex, rich caramel taste.
- Make Ahead Strategy involves preparing the cake a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and making the dessert even more delicious when chilled overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg