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Rich Chocolate Cake Roll with Caramel and Pecans

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

This Chocolate Turtle Cake Roll combines the best flavors - chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The soft chocolate cake is rolled with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans, then topped with rich chocolate ganache. It's a perfect dessert for special occasions.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:33 GMT
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A rich chocolate cake roll filled with caramel and topped with chocolate ganache and crushed nuts. Pin it
A rich chocolate cake roll filled with caramel and topped with chocolate ganache and crushed nuts. | cookingwithcasey.com

I created this Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll in my kitchen one rainy afternoon when I was craving something extra special. It's become one of my most requested recipes combining my favorite flavors chocolate caramel and crunchy pecans. Every time I make it for family gatherings everyone fights over the last slice. Trust me this isn't just another cake roll it's pure dessert heaven.

What Makes This Cake Roll So Special

The magic happens when the warm caramel meets the chocolate cake and pecans. I love watching people's faces light up when they take their first bite. It looks fancy but I promise it's not complicated. I've made this cake hundreds of times and it turns out beautiful every single time. The best part is you can prep it ahead which makes it perfect for parties.

Everything You Need in Your Kitchen

  • For Your Cake: Grab flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt from your pantry. You'll need 4 fresh eggs sugar vegetable oil and vanilla too.
  • For That Amazing Filling: Get your hands on good quality caramel sauce and fresh pecans.
  • For The Topping: You'll want heavy cream and semi sweet chocolate chips for the ganache. Don't forget extra pecans for decorating!
A chocolate roll cake filled with caramel and topped with chocolate ganache and nuts. Pin it
A chocolate roll cake filled with caramel and topped with chocolate ganache and nuts. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my cake crack while rolling?

Cracks happen when the cake is too cool before rolling. Always roll the cake while it's still warm from the oven, and it will be more flexible.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the fridge, but serve at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

→ Can I freeze this cake roll?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

→ What if I don't have caramel sauce?

You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own by melting caramel candies with a bit of heavy cream until smooth.

→ Can I use different nuts?

While pecans are traditional for turtle desserts, you can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure they're chopped well.

Chocolate Turtle Cake Roll

A rich chocolate cake roll filled with caramel and pecans, then topped with chocolate ganache. This showstopping dessert is perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 cup cocoa powder.
03 1 tsp baking powder.
04 1/4 tsp salt.
05 4 large eggs.
06 1 cup granulated sugar.
07 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
08 1 tsp vanilla extract.
09 1/2 cup caramel sauce.
10 1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped.
11 1/2 cup heavy cream.
12 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
13 Extra pecan halves for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it.

Step 03

Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

Step 04

Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.

Step 05

Add oil and vanilla to eggs.

Step 06

Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 07

Spread batter on prepared sheet.

Step 08

Bake 12-15 minutes.

Step 09

Roll warm cake in parchment paper and cool.

Step 10

Unroll cake and spread caramel sauce.

Step 11

Sprinkle chopped pecans.

Step 12

Roll cake back up without parchment.

Step 13

Heat cream until simmering.

Step 14

Pour over chocolate chips, wait 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Step 15

Pour ganache over cake.

Step 16

Add pecan halves on top.

Step 17

Let set before slicing.

Notes

  1. Roll while warm to prevent cracks.
  2. Use sharp knife for clean cuts.
  3. Best served at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (heavy cream).
  • Tree nuts (pecans).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 6 g