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Decadent Turtle Cake with Caramel, Pecan Garnish, and Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

This indulgent Turtle Cake recipe combines moist chocolate layers with rich caramel and luscious chocolate ganache, topped with toasted pecans for a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The cake features a cocoa and coffee-infused chocolate batter, a smooth homemade caramel sauce, and a creamy chocolate ganache, making it an impressive dessert for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Caramel

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Ganache

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped, toasted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Liberally spray three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix eggs and sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  3. Combine cocoa, coffee, and hot water: In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, and hot water until smooth. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add this chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar mixture, mixing until combined.
  4. Sift and add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  5. Add buttermilk, oil, and vanilla: Pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
  6. Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 more minutes.
  8. Make the caramel sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the light brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Let caramel cool for about 25 minutes.
  9. Prepare the chocolate ganache: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave on low power in 15-second increments until most of the chocolate is melted. Whisk until smooth and let it set for about 5 minutes.
  10. Assemble the cake: On a serving platter, form a square using four strips of parchment paper with about an inch of overhang around the edges. Place the first cake layer in the center. Pour one-third of the ganache over the layer, spreading it to the edges and letting some drip down the sides. Drizzle one-third of the caramel over the ganache and sprinkle with toasted chopped pecans.
  11. Repeat layering: Repeat the pouring of ganache and caramel and pecan topping with the second and third cake layers.
  12. Set and serve: Allow the assembled cake to set for about 30 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment strips before serving. Enjoy this rich and decadent Turtle Cake!

Notes

  • Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling to prevent melting the ganache and caramel.
  • Use parchment strips around the cake to catch drips and keep the serving platter clean.
  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • The coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
  • The caramel sauce should not be overcooked to avoid burning or crystallizing.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/decadent-turtle-cake-with-caramel-pecan-garnish-and-rich-chocolate-ganache-recipe/