Indulge in a decadent dessert featuring rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. This turtle-inspired cake roll is the perfect treat for special occasions or to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: A moist chocolate cake, sweet caramel filling, and silky chocolate ganache make this dessert irresistible.
- Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans add a delightful texture to every bite.
- Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its show-stopping appearance, this cake roll is simple to prepare.
- Customizable: Adapt the toppings and filling to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serves eight, making it great for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Extra pecan halves for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set.
- While warm, carefully roll the cake with the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread caramel sauce evenly across the surface. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Roll the cake back up (without the parchment paper) and place it seam-side down on a serving tray.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes before stirring into a smooth ganache.
- Pour the ganache over the cake roll, ensuring it’s fully covered. Garnish with extra pecan halves.
- Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-salty twist.
- Nut Substitution: Swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Lighter Option: Use a low-fat caramel sauce and reduce the sugar in the cake batter.
- Fruit Twist: Add thin slices of banana or strawberries to the caramel layer.
- Coffee Flavor: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha-inspired finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, milk or dark chocolate chips can be substituted for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
2. How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
Roll the cake while it’s still warm using parchment paper to help guide it, then let it cool completely in the rolled shape.
3. Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cake roll up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
4. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the ganache?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the ganache will be slightly less rich.
5. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time.
6. What size baking sheet should I use?
A standard jelly roll pan, approximately 10×15 inches, is ideal for this recipe.
7. How can I make the ganache shinier?
Add a teaspoon of corn syrup to the ganache for a glossy finish.
8. Can I skip the ganache topping?
Yes, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate instead.
9. What can I serve with this cake roll?
Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
10. How do I slice the cake roll cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to ensure neat slices.
Conclusion
The Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll is a decadent dessert that combines the perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Easy to make yet visually stunning, it’s ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Try it today and indulge in the ultimate dessert experience!
PrintGooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a luscious chocolate caramel turtle cake roll, featuring rich cocoa, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a soft, moist cake. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat for chocolate lovers. #chocolatedessert #caramelcake #turtlecake #cakerecipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until set.
- Roll the Cake: While still warm, roll the cake with the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
- Caramel Layer: Unroll the cake, spread caramel sauce over the surface, and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
- Re-roll: Roll the cake back up without parchment paper and place seam-side down.
- Make Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, and stir until smooth.
- Decorate the Cake: Pour ganache over the cake roll and garnish with extra pecan halves.
- Set and Serve: Allow the cake to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make homemade for a richer flavor.
- For a twist, add a drizzle of salted caramel on top before serving.
- To make slicing easier, chill the cake roll for 30 minutes before cutting.
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