Name: Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup water; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this cake because it combines classic flavors in one stunning bundt—chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The pudding mix keeps the cake moist, the caramel adds gooey sweetness, and the ganache glaze finishes it with silky richness. It’s easy to make with mostly pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-quality flavor.

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup water
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, and water. Mix until well blended.
Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Pour half the batter into the bundt pan. Drizzle with ½ cup caramel sauce, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
For ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over 1 cup chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
Pour ganache over cooled cake, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle with additional pecans if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yields 12 servings. Prep time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 50 minutes. Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Variations

Use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of cake mix.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top for salted caramel flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate taste.
Incorporate a layer of chopped caramel candies inside for extra chewiness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Warm slices slightly before serving to enhance the gooey caramel texture.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, homemade caramel works beautifully and enhances flavor.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Using pudding mix and sour cream helps keep the cake moist and tender.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Can I use dairy-free substitutes?

Yes, use dairy-free sour cream and cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent ganache from seizing?

Heat cream gently and pour over chocolate immediately; stir smoothly until combined.

Can I use a different nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.

How thick should the ganache be?

It should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake smoothly.

Can I make cupcakes instead?

Yes, divide batter into cupcake liners and adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is rich and sweet, balanced by the slight bitterness of chocolate and pecans.

Conclusion

Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake is a decadent dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, luscious caramel, crunchy nuts, and silky ganache in a show-stopping bundt shape. It’s a perfect treat for celebrations or anytime you crave rich, indulgent chocolate goodness.

Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake

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Chocolate Turtle Bundt Cake is a luscious dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layered with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and topped with a rich chocolate ganache glaze. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want an indulgent treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, and water. Mix until well blended.
Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Pour half the batter into the bundt pan. Drizzle with ½ cup caramel sauce, then pour the remaining batter on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
For ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over 1 cup chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
Pour ganache over cooled cake, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle with additional pecans if desired.