Irresistibly Sweet Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe

Decadent chocolate meets sweet caramel in this irresistible caramel turtle poke cake that promises pure dessert bliss.

Rich layers of moist chocolate cake become a canvas for indulgent flavors.

Buttery caramel seeps into every delectable crumb, creating a texture that melts in your mouth.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the soft, gooey cake.

Smooth chocolate drizzle weaves through the dessert, transforming each bite into a symphony of taste.

Whipped cream crowns this magnificent treat, making it an absolute showstopper for any gathering.

One slice will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Is Irresistible

• Surprise Center Delight: Discover the joy of biting into a cupcake with a hidden cream cheese and caramel surprise that adds an unexpected twist to every single bite.
• Master Baker's Playground: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe offers a fun and approachable way to create stunning desserts that look professionally crafted with minimal kitchen expertise.
• Sweet-Salty Symphony: Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with the luxurious combination of creamy caramel, rich cream cheese, and a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates these cupcakes from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or weekend gatherings, these cupcakes guarantee smiles and compliments from friends and family who will be impressed by your baking skills.

Ingredients For Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Unsalted Butter: Contributes richness and moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake.

• Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Frosting: Provide a rich and decadent finish to the cake.
• Pecans, Caramel-Filled Chocolate Turtles: Add crunch, texture, and extra indulgence to the dessert.

Clear Steps For Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Warm your oven to 350F (180C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Softened butter
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Beat the ingredients thoroughly until the batter becomes smooth and silky.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Perforate The Cake

After removing the cake from the oven, use a skewer or fork to create numerous holes across the entire surface.

Step 6: Drench With Caramel

Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole for maximum flavor saturation.

Step 7: Cool And Frost

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Spread a luxurious layer of chocolate frosting evenly across the top.

Step 8: Add Decadent Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosted cake.

Strategically place caramel-filled chocolate turtles for an extra burst of indulgence.

Helpful Advice For Turtle Poke Cake

• Create consistent, evenly spaced holes throughout the cake for perfect caramel distribution.
• Let warm caramel sauce slowly seep into holes while cake is still hot for maximum flavor absorption.
• Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure smooth chocolate layer.
• Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their natural flavor and add extra depth to the dessert.
• Arrange chocolate turtles strategically for an Instagram-worthy presentation and delightful bite variation.

New Takes On Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Turtle Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Caramel Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, dairy-free chocolate frosting, and vegan caramel sauce for a compassionate dessert.
• Low-Sugar Turtle Cake: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free caramel sauce, and dark chocolate with no added sugar to create a diabetic-friendly version.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans and chocolate turtles, replace with sunflower seeds or coconut flakes for those with nut allergies while maintaining the cake's rich flavor profile.

Foods That Pair Well With Turtle Poke Cake

• Savor Sweet Companions: Rich chocolate milk perfectly complements the cake's deep caramel and chocolate notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Brew Bold Pairings: Dark roast coffee enhances the cake's sweet complexity, cutting through the richness with its robust flavor profile.
• Scoop Creamy Matches: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm caramel and chocolate turtle cake, balancing its decadent textures.
• Create Nutty Accents: Toasted almond liqueur offers a sophisticated adult twist, echoing the pecan garnish while adding depth to the dessert's flavor landscape.

Storage Tips For Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Unwrap carefully to prevent condensation.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place the entire cake in a preheated oven at 300F for 10-15 minutes to restore its soft, moist texture.

FAQs

• What makes this cake moist and flavorful?

The poke method allows caramel sauce to seep into the cake’s holes, creating a rich, moist texture that infuses every bite with sweet caramel flavor.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Cover it and store in the refrigerator, adding the pecan and turtle garnishes just before serving to maintain their crunch.

• How do I know if the cake is properly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is fully baked. The cake should also have a golden-brown top and slightly pull away from the pan’s edges.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel turtle poke cake delivers a symphony of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans in one irresistible dessert. Chocolate lovers will swoon over this indulgent treat that promises pure bliss with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 cup chocolate frosting
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup caramel-filled chocolate turtles

Wet Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (180°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
3. Incorporate butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla into the dry ingredients, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of wet batter.
6. Immediately after removing from the oven, puncture the warm cake’s surface with a skewer or fork, creating multiple holes throughout.
7. Slowly drizzle caramel sauce over the cake, allowing it to seep into the perforations and infuse the cake with rich, sweet flavor.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the caramel to set and prevent frosting from melting.
9. Apply a smooth, even layer of chocolate frosting across the entire cake surface.
10. Enhance the cake’s visual appeal and taste by generously sprinkling chopped pecans and strategically placing caramel-filled chocolate turtles on top.

Notes

• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny and losing its richness.
• Use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon for evenly spaced, clean holes that allow maximum caramel absorption.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.
• Transform this dessert into individual servings by baking in a muffin tin, adjusting baking time to 18-22 minutes for perfectly portioned treats.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 417
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg