This indulgent Turtle Poke Cake takes chocolate cake to a whole new level with a simple chocolate cake mix filled with caramel and sweetened condensed milk and topped with the absolute best pour-on chocolate frosting to fill in all of the poke-holes. Top it off with tons of chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, and caramel and chocolate sauce.
Turtle Poke Cake
There is quite probably not another cake on earth that is this easy to make and also this decadent.
And I do mean decadent.
This Turtle Poke features a simple chocolate poke cake soaked in caramel and condensed milk with a super rich pour-on chocolate frosting that fills the poke holes right back up with chocolatey, gooey decadence. Then to top it all off we add some chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, and of course more caramel.
Every single bite is pure, sweet, decadent heaven.
Why Is It Called "Turtle?"
Turtle refers to a candy that is pecans and caramel dipped in chocolate. They got the name because they look like little turtle.
This cake is called "turtle" because it has the same chocolate, caramel, and pecan flavors.
Whipped Cream
Turtle Poke Cake can be super rich. To break up the richness, add a layer of whipped cream over the cooled and set frosting.
For a lighter version, you can also omit the chocolate frosting and just use whipped cream instead.
Try this stabilized whipped cream or use whipped topping so it doesn't melt!
What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?
The recipe calls for devil's food, which is a chocolate cake. Any chocolate cake mix will do. Organic, gluten-free, classic, whatever works. Just be sure that the mix will make a 9"x13" sheet cake so that it will be big enough for the recipe and all of the other ingredients.
Alternately, you can make a chocolate sheet cake from scratch!
What Should I Use to Poke the Holes?
A thin wooden spoon is generally used to poke the holes. In a pinch, you could also use the handle of a for or spoon, kabob skewer, or even a little birthday candle.
Storage
Turtle poke cakes needs to be stored covered in the fridge. Cake can be stored for up to five days. The longer it sits, the more the caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture will settle to the bottom, possibly in the dish. This is normal.
More Chocolate Recipes You'll Love
- Chocolate Eclair Cake - A super gooey and delicious cake topped with chocolate ganache that requires NO baking. Yes! A cake without baking!
- Butterfinger Cake - Another simple poke cake. This one is flavored like and topped with Butterfinger candies.
- Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake - Quite possibly my favorite chocolate cake of all time. It's super quick to make has the best chocolate frosting, and the cake to frosting ratio is perfect!
- S'mores Pie - Creamy chocolatey s'mores pie topped with marshmallow fluff in a graham cracker crust covers all of your favorite flavors in a s'mores.
- Scotcheroos - Proof that chocolate and butterscotch belong together! These gooey rice treats are topped with a chocolate and butterscotch topping that is heavenly.
Turtle Poke Cake Video
Turtle Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25-ounce) devil's food cake mix
- Ingredients on the box to prepare cake (eggs, oil, water)
- 1 jar (12-ounces) caramel topping
- 1 can (12 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Toppings
- 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling on top
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix and preparation ingredients in a large mixing bowl according to package instructions.
- Bake in a 9"x13" baking dish, according to package instructions.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, mix together caramel topping and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
- While cake is still warm, poke holes in it with the back of a wooden spoon or with a fork. Pour caramel mixture over cake slowly, allowing it to absorb.
While cake is cooling prepare frosting:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in milk and cocoa powder.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Pour over warm cake.
Finish Assembling
- When frosting is set, spread whipped topping evenly on top.
- Sprinkle on pecans and mini chocolate chips.
- Before serving drizzle with more caramel sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You may bring individual servings to room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating or serving.
Nutrition
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Claudia says
2 pounds powdered sugar? Is that correct???
Ruth franzen says
This cake sounded so delicious! I made it for my husband for our anniversary. We left off the additional toppings of extra caramel, chips and nuts. Instead, I sliced up a few strawberries to serve with each piece of cake. Combining a slice of strawberry on a fork with some of the cake balanced out the overwhelming sweetness of the delicious cake. The cake itself is like eating a soft and liquid Hershey's bar. Oh, so delucious.