Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

About this cake

This cake roll gives you soft cake, warm caramel, nuts, and rich chocolate. You get a sweet, gooey bite in each slice. You can learn more about a similar cake and roll tips at chocolate cake roll tips.

why make this recipe

You make this cake when you want a showy dessert that cooks fast. It looks like a fancy treat, but it uses few parts. It feeds a group and stays rich. If you like crunchy nuts with caramel, try a related treat like toffee crunch cake for more ideas.

how to make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

This roll works in one sheet pan. You beat eggs and sugar to get air. You fold dry parts in, bake, and roll while warm. Then you fill with caramel and nuts. You top with warm chocolate to make a soft shell. For a creamy twist, see creamy caramel cake for ideas.

Ingredients :

• 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
  You can swap nuts or use toasted pecans for more bite. See other nut roll ideas like German cake roll.

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 it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set.
While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
Unroll the cake and spread the caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the caramel.
Roll the cake back up, this time without the parchment paper, and place it seam-side down.
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake roll and garnish with extra pecan halves.
Let the cake set before slicing and serving.

how to serve Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Cut the roll in even slices. Serve on a small plate for each person. Add a scoop of ice cream for a warm and cold mix. You can also dust with a little cocoa or sugar. For a caramel side dish idea, you might look at caramel apple bars.

how to store Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Cover the roll with plastic wrap or use an airtight box. Keep it in the fridge up to 4 days. You can freeze slices in a wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before you eat.

tips to make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

• Beat the eggs well. You need light, airy eggs to make the cake soft.
• Roll the cake while it is warm. This keeps it from cracking.
• Use warm ganache so it spreads smooth.
• Chop the pecans small so they sit well in the caramel.
• Warm the caramel slightly if it is very thick.
  Use these simple steps and you will get a neat roll every time.

variation (if any)

• Use walnuts instead of pecans.
• Add a thin layer of whipped cream under the caramel for more cream.
• Swap semi-sweet chips for milk or dark chocolate for taste change.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty bite.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the cake ahead?
A: Yes. You can bake and roll the cake a day before. Keep it wrapped in the fridge.

Q: Can I use store bought caramel?
A: Yes. Store caramel works fine. Warm it a bit to make it easy to spread.

Q: How do I stop the cake from cracking?
A: Roll it while warm in the parchment. Let it cool in the roll shape before you fill it.

Q: Can I make this nut free?
A: Yes. Skip the pecans and use toasted coconut for crunch or leave it plain.

Q: Can I reheat slices?
A: Yes. Warm a slice a few seconds in the microwave for a warm gooey bite.

Conclusion

If you want a simple guide on rolling cake and the basic steps, see this helpful box cake mix guide from How to Make a Cake Roll with Box Cake Mix – Crazy for Crust.