Chocolate Turtle Sauce Recipes

HOMEMADE TURTLES

Steps:

• Line two baking sheets or large platters with parchment paper. It's helpful if they will fit in either fridge or freezer.
• Make small piles of pecans, using 5 to 6 pieces per pile. Overlap the pecans some to reduce gaps so the caramel doesn't seep through.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels, half of the cream (reserve the remainder), and heat on high power to melt. It will probably take about 3 to 4 minutes total, but you must stop and stir the mixture every 30 seconds so you don't burn it. Alternatively, you can melt caramels on the stove over low heat, using caution and stirring frequently. **(see notes below on melting the caramels)
• Add about 1 tablespoon caramel to the top of each pecan pile; set aside.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add 8 ounces chocolate and heat to melt, about 1 minute on high power. Heat in 15-second increments until chocolate can be stirred smooth. I prefer working in smaller batches with chocolate and recommend doing the same and not heating all 16 ounces at once; melt additional chocolate as necessary.
• Add about 2 tablespoons chocolate to the top of each pecan cluster by dolloping it on top and letting it fall down the sides.
• Optionally add a pinch of sea salt to each Turtle.
• Allow Turtles to firm up at room temp (will take many hours) or in the fridge or freezer (about 15 minutes) before serving.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease or spray bottom of 13x9-inch pan.
• Make cake batter as directed on box. Pour half of the batter into pan. Bake 22 minutes. Refrigerate remaining batter.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat caramels and evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramels are melted. Stir in pecans. Pour caramel mixture over warm cake in pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread with remaining batter. Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Run knife around sides of pan to loosen cake. Cool at least 30 minutes. Serve with ice cream, drizzle with toppings and sprinkle with pecans. Store loosely covered.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray; set aside.
• Make cake according to package directions (likely adding 3 eggs, water, and oil) and bake as directed (I find my cakes are done about 3 to 5 minutes faster than the box directions and if baked as long as indicated, I find the cake is too dry but bake as necessary).
• While the cake bakes add the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping to a medium bowl and stir to combine; set aside.
• Remove cake from the oven when it's done and using the blunt end of a wooden spoon, poke holes over the surface of the cake. I didn't count but I estimate I poked about 60 holes, evenly spaced over the surface.
• Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel mixture over the holes, taking your time to evenly distribute it so that all the holes receive some.
• Place cake in the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool slightly before adding the whipped topping so it doesn't melt.
• Remove cake from the fridge, evenly spread the whipped topping over the surface, evenly sprinkle the pecans and chocolate chips, cover cake, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
• Evenly drizzle the salted caramel sauce before slicing and serving.

TURTLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For the Toasted Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat.
• In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Drizzle the melted butter onto the pecans and toss together to coat pecans.
• Spread pecans onto prepared baking sheet and bake in oven for 5-6 minutes until toasted and fragrant.
• Remove the pecans from the oven and roughly chop. Set aside.
• For the Caramel Sauce: Add the sugar to a large heavy-bottomed non-stick saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly using a heat resistant rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until the sugar is melted and turns a medium amber caramel colour. Don't worry if the sugar clumps up, just keep stirring and it will melt smoothly. Keep a close eye on the pot as the sugar can easily burn, and you would have to start over again.
• As soon as the caramel turns a deep amber, add the butter cubes, whisking constantly until butter is melted and fully combined.
• Once butter is combined, slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking vigorously, be careful as it will begin to bubble up furiously. The caramel may begin to clump together if your cream is too cold. If so, just continue stirring until caramel melts back down.
• Allow caramel to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla (optional) and salt. You can leave out the salt if you don't want the caramel to be salted.
• Add the chopped toasted pecans to the caramel sauce and stir until combined.
• Let caramel cool to room temperature before pouring into a jar or an airtight container. Set aside or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Repeat the above steps 5-8 to make another smaller batch of salted caramel sauce. Set aside to cool completely or store in a jar or an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans with parchment rounds, and grease the sides. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk to combine, set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 4-6 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Lower the speed to medium-low and add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down he sides and bottom of the bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and instant coffee granules. Add the sour cream to the batter along with the vanilla coffee mixture and beat on medium speed until combined.
• Alternately add dry ingredients in thirds and buttermilk in 2 additions to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until combined. Divide batter equally between the cake pans, a little over 2 cups per pan.
• Bake two layers at a time for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
• Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting. Or at this point, you can wrap all the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze or refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until super pale and fluffy, about 5-6 minutes.
• Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.Add half of the powdered sugar, one cup at a time and beat on low speed after each cup until combined.
• Once combined add cooled salted caramel sauce and continue to beat until combined and smooth.
• Add remaining powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until it's all combined. If the frosting is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Increase speed to medium-high and beat for about 5-7 minutes, or until frosting is light and fluffy.
• Put the chocolate chips into a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil.
• Remove hot cream from heat then pour it over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
• Remove cover and stir ganache until smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Use an offset spatula to place a dollop of frosting onto a cake board or serving platter that's on a turntable. Place one cake layer on top and spread about 1 cup of the salted caramel buttercream on top of the first layer.
• Scoop some frosting into a disposable piping bag and snip off the end. Pipe a rim around the edges of the cake and pour on a cup of the pecan caramel sauce and spread into an even layer. Repeat with all layers, placing the final layer upside down.
• Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of salted caramel buttercream. Chill the cake for 30 minutes.
• Remove cake from refrigerator and frost the entire cake with a thick layer of frosting. Chill cake in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10-20 minutes.
• Remove and spread a thin layer of frosting onto the bottom of the cake. Press the chopped pecans up the bottom so it can stick onto the fresh frosting.
• Pour ganache and remaining caramel sauce into separate disposable piping bags or a ziploc bag and snip off the tip. Drip the ganache off the edge of the cake and fill the center. Use an offset spatula to to spread the ganache over the top. Repeat these steps with the caramel sauce, pouring it on top of the ganache.
• Line some pecan halves around the top to create a border and sprinkle more chopped pecans in the centre. Slice and serve!

TURTLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• To make the caramel sauce:
• Combine the granulated sugar and water in a medium to large saucier pan. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt
• 2. Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Stop whisking and don't whisk at all during this part to help avoid crystallization. Allow to boil until the mixture turns a deep golden copper color, about 15-20 minutes, maybe longer depending on your stove. Keep an eye on it, but do not stir. If needed, you can occasionally tip the pan from side to side to help things cook evenly.
• . Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add in the heavy whipping cream in a slow, steady stream. The caramel will bubbly up quite a bit, so be careful with this step. Whisk quickly and well as you add the cream, whisking until well combined.
• . Add the vanilla extract and half a teaspoon of salt and whisk to combine. Add additional salt to your desired saltiness.
• . Set the caramel sauce in the fridge to cool. It will be fairly thin, but will thicken as it cools. You can make this caramel sauce up to a week or so head, if you like. To make the chocolate cake layers:
• p id="instruction-step-7″>6. Prepare three 8 inch cake pans with parchment paper circles in the bottom, and grease the sides. Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C). 7.
• Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together. 8.
• Add eggs, milk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well. 9.
• Add boiling water and vanilla extract and mix well. 10
• Divide batter evenly between cakes pans and bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs. 11
• Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely. To make the caramel buttercream:
• id="instruction-step-13″>12. Make the buttercream while cakes cool. Add the butter to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth. 13
• Slowly add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth. 14
• Add about 1/2 a cup of caramel sauce and mix until well combined and smooth. 15
• Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until well combined and smooth. 16
• Add additional caramel sauce to achieve the right flavor and consistency of frosting. You don't want to thin out the frosting too much or it won't hold your cake together well. 17
• Add salt to taste. To build the cake:
• id="instruction-step-19″>18. Once the cakes are cool and the frosting is ready, remove the cake domes from the tops of the cakes with a large serrated knife. See my tips on how to level a cake and how to stack a cake. 19
• Place first layer of cake on cake plate. Spread about 2/3 cup of frosting on top in an even layer. 20
• Pipe a dam around the edge of the cake, on top of the frosting. This is help hold your caramel sauce in place (and is why you don't want your frosting to be too thin - you want it to hold in place well). 21
• Add about 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and gently spread into an even layer. The caramel sauce is easiest to work with when at room temperature, but should be workable when cold as well. 22
• Spread about 1/4 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the caramel sauce and level out the frosting dam, if needed, so that everything is level. 23
• Add the second layer of cake and add another layer of frosting, caramel and chopped pecans. 24
• Add the final layer of cake on top and then add a thin crumb coat to the cake. 25
• Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to an hour so that everything firms up a bit, which will help keep everything in place while you frost the cake. 26
• Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining caramel frosting. Feel free to use my tutorial for frosting a smooth cake. To decorate the cake:
• id="instruction-step-28″>22. To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate chips to a medium sized bowl (see my tips on making chocolate ganache). 23
• Heat the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. 24
• Drizzle the chocolate ganache around the edge of the cake, then pour the remainder of the ganache on top of the cake and spread evenly. I like to use a squeeze bottle for drizzling around the edges. See my tips on making a chocolate drip cake. 25
• Allow the ganache to firm up a bit, then pipe the remainder of the frosting around the top edge of the cake. You can also finish it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and some chopped pecans. 26
• Refrigerate cake until ready to serve. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Cake is best when stored well covered and eaten within 3-4 days.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, combine the first seven ingredients. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium-low heat until the caramels are melted and mixture is smooth (do not boil). Reduce heat to low. , With an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat in vanilla; continue beating for 5 minutes. Beat on high for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool for 30 minutes (sauce will thicken as it cools). Pour into glass or plastic food storage containers; refrigerate. Serve warm or cold.

CHOCOLATE TURTLES® CHEESECAKE I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
• In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with the evaporated milk. Heat and stir frequently until smooth. Pour caramel sauce into crust, and top with pecans.
• In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla; beat well until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Melt the chocolate, and blend into cream cheese mixture. Pour chocolate batter over pecans.
• Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set. Loosen cake from the edges of pan, but do not remove rim until cooled to prevent the top from cracking. Chill in refrigerator for 4 hours, or overnight.

CHOCOLATE TURTLE ICEBOX CAKE

Steps:

• Reserve 3 Tbsp. caramel sauce, and 2 Tbsp. each melted chocolate and nuts for later use.
• Beat pudding mixes and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. Add remaining melted chocolate and half of the COOL WHIP; mix well. Spread 1/2 cup pudding mixture onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish.
• Cover evenly with 6 graham crackers. Spread 3 Tbsp. of the remaining caramel sauce evenly onto graham crackers in dish; sprinkle with 1/3 of the nuts. Top with 1/3 of the remaining pudding mixture. Repeat layers twice.
• Top dessert with remaining COOL WHIP. Drizzle with reserved caramel sauce and melted chocolate; sprinkle with reserved nuts.
• Refrigerate overnight.