Print

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll
Print Recipe

The Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll is a decadent dessert featuring a soft, fluffy chocolate cake rolled with warm caramel, toasted nuts, and chocolate chips. This luscious treat delivers a perfect balance of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy nuts, ideal for celebrations or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Filling and Toppings

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (slightly thick but pourable)
  • 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Melted chocolate or chocolate ganache (optional, for drizzling)

Optional Ingredients

  • Heavy cream or cream cheese (for creamy filling or drizzle)
  • Flaky sea salt (for salted caramel version)
  • Alternative nuts: toasted coconut flakes (for nut-free version)
  • Spices: cinnamon or chili powder (for spiced-up variation)
  • Vegan substitutes: flax eggs, dairy-free butter, plant-based caramel

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature eggs and melted butter until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a smooth, airy batter forms.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. The cake should remain soft but stable enough to roll without cracking.
  3. Roll the Cake: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. While still warm, gently roll the cake together with the towel starting from a short end. Let it cool completely rolled up to ‘set’ its shape.
  4. Add Filling and Nuts: Once cooled, carefully unroll the cake. Spread a generous layer of warm caramel sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top, and add chocolate chips if desired, layering gooey, chocolatey textures with crunchy nuts.
  5. Re-Roll and Chill: Roll the cake back up without the towel this time, ensuring a snug but gentle roll. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the caramel to firm up slightly, which helps with clean slicing.
  6. Optional Glaze and Serve: Before serving, optionally drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate ganache over the cake roll for extra richness. Slice into thick rounds and enjoy your decadent, gooey turtle cake roll.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to help the batter combine evenly and trap air for a lighter cake.
  • Do not overbake; check the cake a few minutes before the timer to keep it soft and pliable.
  • Use caramel sauce that is thick but still pourable for the ideal gooey texture.
  • Toast nuts before adding to enhance their natural flavor and add complexity.
  • Roll the cake while warm using a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent cracking and create a perfect spiral.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake roll, caramel turtle cake, gooey dessert, chocolate caramel cake, nutty cake roll, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/gooey-chocolate-caramel-turtle-cake-roll/