Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake

Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake

Introduction

Celebrate the New Year with a show-stopping dessert! This Turtle Chocolate Layer Cake combines rich, moist chocolate layers with decadent caramel pecan filling and a luscious salted caramel buttercream. Topped with chocolate ganache, caramel drizzle, and crunchy pecans, it’s a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Perfect for festive gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion, this cake will delight both chocolate and caramel lovers alike.

Ingredients

Caramel Pecan Filling:

• • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 g)
• • 1 cup pecan halves (120 g)
• • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
• • ¾ cup salted butter, cubed (170 g)
• • 1 cup heavy cream, room temperature (240 ml)
• • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (optional, 10 ml)
• • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt (10 g)

Salted Caramel Sauce:

• • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• • 6 tablespoons salted butter, cubed (85 g)
• • ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature (120 ml)
• • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, 5 ml)
• • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (5 g)

Chocolate Cake Layers:

• • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (280 g)
• • 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder (150 g)
• • 1½ teaspoons salt (7.5 g)
• • 2¼ teaspoons baking soda (11 g)
• • 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 g)
• • 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (340 g)
• • 2¼ cups granulated sugar (450 g)
• • 4 large eggs, room temperature
• • ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature (180 ml)
• • 1½ tablespoons pure vanilla extract (22 ml)
• • 1½ tablespoons instant coffee granules (11 g)
• • 2¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature (540 ml)

Salted Caramel Buttercream:

• • 3 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (680 g)
• • 12 cups powdered sugar, sifted (1.5 kg)
• • ¾ cup Salted Caramel Sauce, cooled completely
• • 3–6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (45–90 ml), as needed

Ganache Drip:

• • 1 cup dark chocolate chips (175 g)
• • ½ cup heavy whipping cream (120 ml)

Additional Garnish:

• • 2 cups chopped pecans (240 g)
• • Whole pecans for decoration

Directions