Heavenly Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Rich chocolate cake meets dreamy caramel turtle poke cake in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of moist chocolate create a decadent foundation for this irresistible treat.

Pecans and gooey caramel weave through each delectable slice, adding crunch and sweetness.

Chocolate drizzles create a stunning visual that makes you want to dive right in.

Generous swirls of caramel sauce whisper promises of intense flavor and pure comfort.

Decadent and surprisingly simple, this cake brings restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

Prepare to wow everyone with a dessert that feels like a delicious celebration.

Sweet Twists On Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free Caramel Pecan Poke Cake: Replace yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace whipped topping with coconut whipped cream for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts, adding a different nutty flavor profile while maintaining the cake's rich caramel essence.
• Low-Sugar Lighter Option: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, a sugar-free cake mix, and reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk to create a less caloric version of the original recipe.

Yummy Matches For Caramel Turtle Poke Cake

• Enhance Sweet Flavor Companions: Rich caramel and chocolate notes pair beautifully with robust, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Port, balancing the cake's intense sweetness.
• Brew Perfect Coffee Match: Select dark roast espresso or Colombian coffee with deep, nutty undertones that complement the cake's caramel and pecan elements, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
• Create Creamy Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside cold milk or vanilla bean milkshake to cut through the cake's rich texture, providing a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the decadent dessert.
• Design Dessert Wine Option: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato, offering sweet undertones that echo the cake's caramel complexity while providing a lighter, crisp finishing note.

Keep Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Fresh And Soft

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, preserving freshness for 2-3 months.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum, covering it with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent staleness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and enhance caramel and chocolate flavors.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake FAQs Answered

• Is this cake difficult to make?

No, this cake is super easy! It uses a boxed cake mix and simple ingredients, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely if you prefer. The cake will still taste delicious.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll just need basic baking tools like a 9×13-inch pan, mixing bowl, wooden spoon, and standard measuring cups. Nothing fancy required.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to touch.

Why Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Wins Every Time

• Rescue Comfort Dessert: Perfect for anyone craving a sweet, indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Magic: This cake transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Master Baker-Level Technique: Learn an impressive baking method that looks complicated but requires minimal culinary skills, making you feel like a professional pastry chef.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap nuts or add extra toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake What You’ll Need

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient foundation that provides a soft, fluffy texture for the dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together and contribute to a rich, tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cake texture.
• Water: Helps blend the dry and wet ingredients into a cohesive batter.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds incredible richness and creates a supremely moist cake interior.
• Caramel Sauce: Provides a deep, sweet flavor and contributes to the cake's decadent profile.

• Whipped Topping, Chocolate Sauce: Creates a creamy, indulgent finish with additional chocolate flavor.
• Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Add delightful crunch and textural contrast to the soft cake surface.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Easy Prep

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Fill Baking Pan

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter. The top will have a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 5: Create Cake Holes

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle, poke deep holes across the entire cake surface, spacing them evenly.

Step 6: Drench in Sweet Goodness

Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into every hole for maximum moisture.

Step 7: Caramel Cascade

Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the cake, filling the holes and coating the surface with rich, sticky sweetness.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Toppings

• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips

Gently press the toppings into the caramel-filled holes.

Step 9: First Chill

Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to mingle and the dessert to set completely.

Step 10: Whipped Topping Layer

Spread whipped cream uniformly across the entire cake surface, creating a cloud-like covering.

Step 11: Decorative Finale

Create an artistic drizzle by crisscrossing additional caramel and chocolate sauces over the whipped topping.

Step 12: Final Garnish

Scatter remaining chopped pecans across the top for a delightful textural crunch.

Step 13: Final Chill

Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to ensure everything is perfectly chilled.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve this decadent, gooey, irresistible dessert that will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Simple Tips

• Prevent Cake Sticking: Thoroughly grease the baking pan and consider lining it with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
• Mix Batter Smoothly: Whisk ingredients vigorously to eliminate lumps and ensure a consistent, silky cake texture.
• Create Moisture Channels: Use a wooden spoon handle to make deep, evenly spaced holes while the cake is still warm, allowing sauces to penetrate deeply.
• Layer Flavors Strategically: Pour condensed milk and caramel sauce slowly, making sure they seep into the holes for maximum moisture and rich taste.
• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to let flavors meld and create a firmer, more decadent dessert.

Caramel Turtle Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel turtle poke cake brings indulgent chocolate layers infused with rich caramel and studded with crunchy pecans. Sweet chocolate drizzles and creamy toppings promise pure dessert bliss you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Topping and Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 oz / 340 g) caramel sauce
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Frosting and Garnish:

• 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk the ingredients vigorously until a smooth, lump-free batter forms.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform surface.
4. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes, maintaining its warm temperature.
6. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create deep holes across the entire surface of the warm cake, spacing them evenly.
7. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes, creating a rich, moist texture.
8. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cake, allowing it to fill the holes and coat the surface.
9. Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips evenly across the cake, pressing them gently into the caramel-filled holes.
10. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set completely.
11. Before serving, spread the whipped topping uniformly over the entire cake surface.
12. Create an artistic finish by drizzling additional caramel and chocolate sauces in a crisscross pattern.
13. Garnish the cake with the remaining chopped pecans, creating a delightful textural contrast.
14. Chill for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving this decadent dessert.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cake batter and even mixing.
• Select high-quality chocolate and caramel sauces for richer, more complex flavor profiles.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular cake mix with gluten-free alternative and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance nutty flavor by lightly toasting pecans before chopping and sprinkling over cake for deeper, more intense taste sensation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg