Turtle Cake with Caramel and Pecans (Print version)

A rich chocolate turtle cake baked with a gooey caramel center, toasted pecans, and melty chocolate chips.

# Ingredients:

For the cake batter

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) German chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs, or the amount listed on the cake mix box
03 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, or the amount listed on the cake mix box
04 - 1 cup (240 ml) water, or the amount listed on the cake mix box
05 - Nonstick baking spray or softened butter, for the pan

For the caramel pecan layer

06 - 1 bag (14 oz / 397 g) soft caramels, unwrapped, or 11 oz (312 g) caramel bits
07 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
08 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
09 - 1 1/2 cups (165 g) chopped pecans, divided
10 - 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
11 - 1/4 teaspoon flaky salt, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan well, or line it with parchment and grease the parchment.
02 - Prepare the cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box. Beat until the batter is smooth, about 2 minutes.
03 - Spread half of the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until the surface looks set but the cake is not fully baked.
04 - While the cake starts baking, combine the caramels, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often until smooth and pourable, 6-8 minutes.
05 - Pour the caramel over the warm cake base. Sprinkle with 1 cup pecans and the chocolate chips, keeping the layer even.
06 - Spoon the remaining cake batter over the filling in small dollops. Gently spread it to cover most of the caramel, then sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup pecans.
07 - Bake for 22-26 minutes, until the top springs back lightly and the center no longer jiggles. A few caramel bubbles at the edges are normal.
08 - Cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. Sprinkle with flaky salt if using, then cut into squares with a clean knife.

# Good to know:

01 - Cool completely before slicing so the caramel layer can set.
02 - Chill the cake for cleaner squares, then bring slices closer to room temperature before serving.
03 - Use the ingredient amounts on your cake mix box if they differ from the listed eggs, oil, or water.

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