Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe For Sweet Indulgence

Sweet caramel turtle poke cake brings decadent chocolate magic right to your dessert plate.

Layers of moist chocolate goodness await your taste buds.

Rich ganache and gooey caramel create an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Pecans sprinkled throughout add delightful crunch and texture.

Smooth chocolate pudding seeps into every delectable bite.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this incredibly indulgent treat.

Each forkful promises pure dessert bliss that melts in your mouth.

Dive into this ultimate comfort cake and let deliciousness take over.

Why Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Is A Rich, Gooey Delight

  • Crush Kitchen Challenges: Beginners and seasoned bakers alike can master this delightful caramel cake with simple step-by-step instructions and basic ingredients found in most pantries.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, this cake delivers rich, indulgent flavors that guarantee compliments and empty plates.
  • Transform Simple Ingredients: Elevate a basic yellow cake mix into a decadent dessert by incorporating sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and creamy toppings that make everyone swoon.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for different nuts, adjust chocolate chips, or experiment with additional toppings to personalize this versatile recipe that welcomes creative twists.

What Goes Into Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a soft, sweet foundation for the dessert.
  • Eggs: Bind the cake mix and create a rich, tender texture.
  • Water: Helps combine the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and ensures a soft cake consistency.
For the Moisture and Flavor Layers:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet layer that saturates the cake's interior.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a deep, buttery sweetness and rich flavor to the cake.
For the Topping and Garnish:
  • Heavy Cream, Whipped Topping: Combine to create a light, fluffy cream layer that covers the cake.
  • Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Provide a crunchy texture and additional flavor contrast.
  • Chocolate Syrup: Adds an extra layer of chocolatey decoration and taste.

How To Make Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Decadently Delicious

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix with:
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil

Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake The Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 4: Create Poke Holes

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Add Condensed Milk

While the cake is still warm, slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake. Ensure the milk seeps into the holes, saturating the cake’s interior.

Step 6: Drizzle Caramel Sauce

Pour an entire jar of caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and coat the surface completely.

Step 7: Chill And Set

Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours, allowing the milk and caramel to absorb and set properly.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into whipped topping to create a light, creamy mixture.

Step 9: Spread Cream Layer

Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake, covering the entire surface completely.

Step 10: Add Delicious Toppings

Sprinkle generously across the cake:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chocolate chips

Step 11: Final Decorative Drizzle

Create a decorative pattern by drizzling:
  • Additional caramel sauce
  • Chocolate syrup over the cream layer

Step 12: Final Chilling

Chill the cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving. This allows the toppings to set and flavors to blend perfectly.

Tips To Get Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Rich And Gooey

  • Prevent Cake Sticking: Generously spray the baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy cake removal and clean slicing.
  • Smooth Batter Technique: Whisk cake mix ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth cake texture.
  • Perfect Moisture Test: Insert a toothpick in the cake's center to check doneness; a clean toothpick indicates perfectly baked cake.
  • Strategic Hole-Poking: Use a wooden spoon handle to create evenly spaced holes, allowing caramel and condensed milk to penetrate deeply.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cake between layers to help ingredients settle and develop rich, harmonious taste profiles.

Sweet Twists On Caramel Turtle Poke Cake You’ll Love

  • Gluten-Free Caramel Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free whipped topping. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to create a lactose-free version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Upgrade: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix. Add extra chocolate chips and swap caramel sauce with dark chocolate sauce for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty crunch. Use almond flour in the cake mix for added texture and nutty flavor profile.

What To Pair With Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

  • Indulgent Beverage Companions: Sweet Caramel Pecan Poke Cake Pairings
  • Brew Bold Coffee Contrast: Serve dark roast espresso or strong black coffee to cut through the cake's richness, balancing the sweet caramel and creamy texture with a robust, slightly bitter undertone.
  • Complement Caramel Layers: Pour amber-hued bourbon or smooth whiskey alongside the cake, enhancing the caramel notes and providing a warming, sophisticated adult pairing that deepens the dessert's complex flavors.
  • Match Creamy Decadence: Select chilled milk or creamy Irish cream liqueur to harmonize with the cake's smooth whipped topping and nutty pecan crunch, creating a luxurious taste experience that amplifies the dessert's velvety profile.

How To Store Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Without Losing The Magic

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its original taste and texture.
  • Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to its dairy-based ingredients. Always refrigerate to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
  • Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream topping and enhance flavors.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake FAQs You’ll Want To Know

  • What ingredients make this cake so moist?

The sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce are key. When poured over the warm cake, they seep into the holes, creating an incredibly rich and moist texture that keeps the cake soft and decadent.

  • Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

Not at all! While pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, you can easily skip them if you have nut allergies or simply don’t enjoy them. The cake will still taste amazing without them.

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with white or even chocolate cake mix. Each variation will give the dessert a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the same delicious caramel-soaked concept.

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Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delightful Caramel Turtle Poke Cake delivers a dreamy chocolate adventure with rich caramel and crunchy pecans. Sweet layers of moist cake promise pure indulgence that will make dessert lovers swoon and crave another delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

dairy and sweet ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
  • 1 cup heavy cream

topping and garnish:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
  2. Mix the yellow cake mix with eggs, water, and vegetable oil until smooth and well-combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  4. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then use the handle of a wooden spoon to create evenly spaced holes across the entire surface.
  5. Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and saturates the cake’s interior.
  6. Drizzle the entire jar of caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and coat the surface.
  7. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the milk and caramel to fully absorb and set.
  8. Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the whipped topping to create a light, creamy mixture.
  9. Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled cake, covering the entire surface.
  10. Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips generously across the top of the cake.
  11. Drizzle additional caramel sauce and chocolate syrup in a decorative pattern over the cream layer.
  12. Chill the cake for an additional 30 minutes before serving to allow the toppings to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

  • Moisture Magic: Poking holes while the cake is warm ensures maximum absorption of sweetened condensed milk and caramel, creating an incredibly moist and decadent dessert.
  • Texture Tip: Whipping heavy cream into the topping adds a luxurious, light texture that complements the rich caramel and chocolate flavors.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: This cake tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free or sugar-free alternatives to accommodate specific dietary needs without compromising the cake’s delicious essence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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