Turtle Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box packaged German Chocolate Cake mix
- 14 ounces package caramels
- 1 stick butter (8 oz.)
- 1 can condensed milk
- 4 packages chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow package directions - prepare and mix the German chocolate cake. Pour one half of mixture into a greased 12 x 9 pan. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- While the first layer bakes, melt the butter, condensed milk, and caramels together in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined.
- Remove the cake from the oven after 15 minutes. Pour the caramel mixture over the pre-baked portion of the cake, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the rest of the cake mix on top of the caramel layer and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly on top of that layer.
- Bake 20 minutes longer at 350°F until the top is set and cooked through. Cool before cutting and enjoy.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why is my caramel layer not spreading evenly?
A: Make sure the caramel mixture is fully melted and smooth before pouring. If it's too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk to thin it slightly. Pour it while it's still warm so it spreads more easily.
Q: Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
A: Yes, but you'll need to adjust the recipe. Use your favorite chocolate cake recipe and divide the batter in half. The key is having a batter that's thick enough to layer without the two halves mixing together when you pour.
Tips and Techniques
Don’t skip greasing the pan well—the caramel layer makes this cake sticky. Let it cool completely before cutting or the layers will be too gooey to serve neatly. For extra turtle candy flavor, add a cup of chopped pecans to the chocolate chip topping.
Ingredient Substitutions
- German chocolate cake mix: regular chocolate cake mix
- caramels: 1 cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
- chocolate chips: chopped pecans or a combination of chocolate chips and pecans
Equipment Needed
- 12 x 9 inch baking pan
- medium saucepan
- mixing bowl