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Turtle Poke Cake

This Turtle Poke Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake saturated with a rich caramel and sweetened condensed milk filling, then topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, toasted pecans, and an extra drizzle of caramel. The use of a boxed cake mix makes it incredibly simple to prepare, yet the end result rivals that of an upscale bakery treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
Caramel Filling
  • 1 cup caramel sauce for filling
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Toppings
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans toasted
  • 1 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
  • 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream optional, for serving

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Spatula
  • Toothpick

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate fudge cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes about an inch apart all over the top of the cake.
  5. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup caramel sauce with the can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well blended, then slowly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  6. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted chopped pecans evenly over the top of the cake.
  7. Drizzle an additional 1 cup of caramel sauce over the cake.
  8. If desired, add a dollop of whipped topping or whipped cream on each slice before serving.

Notes

This recipe uses a boxed chocolate cake mix for convenience, but don’t be afraid to upgrade to a high-quality mix or even make your own cake batter if you prefer. Toasting the pecans really brings out their flavor, and the combination of caramel sauce with sweetened condensed milk creates a lusciously moist filling. The optional whipped topping or whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich and dense cake. For variations, try using a yellow or butter cake mix and experiment with different nut types to suit your taste.