The Gooiest Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe Ever

Chocolate lovers adore this gooey chocolate caramel turtle cake roll that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, decadent chocolate meld with smooth caramel in a mesmerizing dessert experience.

Sweet surprises await inside each delectable slice.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch and texture throughout the roll.

Delicate swirls of chocolate and caramel create an irresistible visual appeal.

Imagine cutting into this spectacular dessert and watching caramel slowly ooze out.

Brace yourself for a mouthwatering adventure that will make you the star of any gathering.

One bite and you’ll understand why this cake roll is simply unforgettable.

Why This Cake Roll Is Oozing With Yum

• Create a Decadent Dessert: This chocolate caramel turtle cake roll delivers a spectacular blend of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans that transforms an ordinary dessert into a showstopping treat.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe teaches you professional rolling techniques while providing foolproof steps that guarantee a beautiful cake every single time.
• Impress Without Stress: With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can craft an elegant dessert that looks professionally made but requires surprisingly little culinary expertise.
• Versatile Celebration Cake: Whether hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or preparing a special weekend dessert, this cake roll adapts perfectly to multiple occasions and always delivers delightful reactions.

What You’ll Need for a Turtle Cake Roll

• Eggs: The primary binding and leavening agent that provides structure and lightness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy texture in the cake.
• Water: Provides moisture and helps blend the cake ingredients smoothly.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its rich, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that gives structure to the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the cake.

• Caramel Topping, Pecans: Adds a rich, sweet layer with nutty crunch to the cake roll.
• Confectioners Sugar: Used for dusting the towel and provides a light sweet coating.
• Whipped Cream: Optional topping that can be served with the cake for extra indulgence.

How to Roll Up Chocolate Caramel Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375F. Grab a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Grease the paper thoroughly to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Whip Up Fluffy Egg Base

Grab your mixer and beat eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until they become light and airy. Slowly add granulated sugar while continuing to beat. The mixture should transform into a thick, lemon-colored batter. Pour in water and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 3: Create Chocolatey Cake Batter

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold these ingredients into the egg mixture, creating a silky smooth chocolate batter. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform thickness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for the classic sign of a perfectly baked cake – when lightly touched, it springs back immediately. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Roll and Cool Cake Base

Dust a kitchen towel with confectioners sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper gently. Starting from one short side, roll the cake with the towel, creating a jelly-roll shape. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Fill with Caramel Goodness

Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread caramel topping across the surface, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Sprinkle with toasted pecans for that classic turtle cake crunch. Re-roll the cake, this time without the towel.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Cover the rolled cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. When ready to serve, slice and optionally top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Pro Tips for That Dreamy Gooey Texture

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning during cake preparation.
• Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother cake batter texture.
• Dust the kitchen towel with confectioners' sugar generously to prevent cake from sticking during rolling.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the surface; it should spring back immediately when fully baked.
• Refrigerate cake roll for at least an hour to help set the caramel and improve slicing consistency.

Twist This Turtle Roll With Flavor Add-Ons

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace pecans with chopped almonds and drizzle melted dark chocolate over the rolled cake for extra crunch and richness.
• Raspberry Chocolate Swirl: Spread raspberry preserves alongside caramel topping and add white chocolate shavings for a fruity, decadent variation.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Mix sea salt into caramel topping and sprinkle crushed toffee bits over the cake before rolling for a sophisticated sweet-salty profile.
• Coconut Chocolate Paradise: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes inside the cake and dust the exterior with cocoa powder for a tropical-inspired dessert.

Best Pairings for a Rich Cake Roll Dessert

• Elevate Chocolate Indulgence: Pair this decadent chocolate caramel turtle cake roll with a rich, full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the deep chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cake's intense sweetness and provide a cool, smooth texture against the warm cake.
• Nutty Beverage Match: Enjoy with a smooth hazelnut latte or cappuccino, which echoes the toasted pecan notes and adds a complementary nutty undertone to the dessert experience.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, whose intense raisin and caramel notes will harmonize beautifully with the cake's rich caramel and chocolate profile.

How to Store Chocolate Turtle Cake Roll Right

• Store the cake roll wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Keeps best in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cake roll securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut leftover cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go treats.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Let sit for a minute to distribute heat evenly. Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Cake Roll Questions? Here’s What to Know

• What makes this cake roll different from other cake rolls?

This cake roll combines rich chocolate cake with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, creating a decadent dessert that’s both soft and textured.

• Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake roll up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve, which makes it perfect for parties and gatherings.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

While it requires some technique like rolling the cake and careful handling, the steps are straightforward and achievable with patience and attention to detail.

• What are the key ingredients that give this cake roll its signature flavor?

The chocolate cake base, caramel topping, and toasted pecans work together to create a turtle-inspired dessert with deep, complementary flavors.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate caramel turtle cake roll delivers pure dessert bliss with its rich layers of chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans. Chocolate lovers will discover a perfect balance of textures and flavors that promise to delight your senses from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25 g) baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Topping:

• 1 cup (240 ml) caramel ice cream topping
• 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream
• Confectioners sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with greased parchment paper.
2. Whip eggs on high speed for 3 minutes until they become voluminous and pale yellow. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture achieves a thick, lemon-colored consistency. Blend in water and vanilla extract.
3. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
4. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth, uniform surface.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by gently pressing the surface – it should spring back immediately when touched.
6. After baking, let the cake rest for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a confectioners’ sugar-dusted kitchen towel.
7. Gently remove the parchment paper. Carefully roll the cake with the towel from a short side, creating a jelly-roll shape. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake. Spread caramel topping across the surface, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
9. Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the caramel layer. Tightly re-roll the cake, encasing the filling.
10. Refrigerate the rolled cake for a minimum of 1 hour to set. Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume when beating, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
• Toast pecans beforehand by spreading them on a baking sheet and cooking at 350F for 8-10 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchiness.
• Use a thin kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking and help roll the cake smoothly without cracking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurement to preserve cake structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 304 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 128 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg