Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Layer Cake: A Decadent Delight
Indulge in this rich, gooey, and absolutely delicious dessert!
This layered cake is a dream come true for chocolate and caramel lovers. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate ganache is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Topping:
- Chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in the boiling water.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the heavy cream, butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with caramel sauce, then drizzle with chocolate ganache. Top with a second layer, repeat the process, and finish with the third layer. Drizzle remaining ganache over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate chips and high-fat milk or cream.
- To prevent the caramel from crystallizing, make sure the pan and utensils are clean and dry.
- If the caramel becomes too hard, reheat it gently over low heat.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the ganache.
Common Mistakes and Solutions:
- Overbaked Cake: The cake may become dry and crumbly. To prevent this, check the cake frequently with a toothpick.
- Seized Caramel: If the caramel seizes up, add a tablespoon of hot water and stir vigorously.
- Lumpy Ganache: Ensure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate completely. Stir until smooth.
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