Description
This Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll is a decadent dessert that combines rich cocoa sponge cake with a luscious caramel and pecan filling. Wrapped in a creamy chocolate frosting and topped with extra caramel and chopped pecans, this cake roll delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors for a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Topping
- Extra caramel sauce
- Extra chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa powder.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy. This will give the cake a good structure and lightness.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract, vegetable oil, and water into the beaten egg mixture until everything is combined smoothly.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until all is combined — avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched, indicating it is cooked through.
- Roll the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, carefully roll the cake up with the parchment paper starting from the short end. This rolling helps shape the cake and prevent cracking later. Let it cool completely in the rolled position.
- Prepare Filling: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the caramel sauce and chopped pecans, creating a creamy and nutty filling.
- Fill and Chill: Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up tightly without the parchment paper. Wrap it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set firmly.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually incorporate the cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with the milk until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Frost and Decorate: Remove the cake roll from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the outside of the cake roll. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for an appealing finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake roll into servings and enjoy the rich combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecan flavors.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cake to keep it soft and pliable for rolling.
- Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled to prevent cracks when filling and rolling again.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for the filling and topping.
- Chilling the cake after filling helps set the shape and improve sliceability.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with seeds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate cake roll, caramel turtle cake, pecan cake roll, chocolate caramel dessert, jelly roll cake
