About this recipe

This cake roll mixes rich chocolate, sticky caramel, nuts, and a smooth ganache. You get a soft cake with a gooey center. You can try other roll ideas like a chocolate cake roll if you want a plain version. The cake looks fancy but you can make it at home with few steps.

why make this recipe

Make this cake when you want a treat for guests or a family party. It looks great on a table and tastes like candy and cake at the same time. You can use it for a holiday or a warm weeknight dessert. If you like crunchy caramel cakes, see a similar caramel crunch layer cake for more ideas.

how to make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

You bake a thin chocolate sponge, fill it with a soft caramel with pecans, and roll it up. Chill it so the roll holds shape. Then pour warm ganache over the top. For more packed caramel and toffee flavor you can look at this chocolate caramel toffee crunch cake for tips on texture and layers.

Ingredients :

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup toasted pecans
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream

You can swap some parts to fit diet needs. For a different texture, read a simple eggless idea like this chocolate custard cake eggless recipe.

Directions :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Slowly fold dry mix into wet mix until just combined.
Pour batter into the pan. Smooth the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until springy.
While the cake bakes, make the caramel. Melt butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. Stir and cook until thick and smooth. Stir in half of the toasted pecans.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes. Lay a clean towel on the counter and dust with a little cocoa or sugar. Turn the cake out onto the towel and roll it up from one short side. Let it cool completely in the towel.
Unroll the cooled cake. Spread the caramel filling over the cake. Sprinkle the rest of the toasted pecans on top of the caramel.
Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel. Wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
Make the ganache by heating the heavy cream until hot. Pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the chilled roll.

how to serve Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Cut the roll into even slices. Serve on a small plate. Add extra toasted pecans on top for crunch. You can also warm a slice for a few seconds for soft melts. For a richer table display, see ideas from a creamy chocolate caramel toffee crunch cake.

how to store Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Wrap the roll in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight box. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you freeze it, wrap it well and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Toast the pecans for more flavor. Do this in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
Do not overbake the sponge. It should stay soft so you can roll it.
Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracks. Cool it rolled to keep the shape.
Warm the ganache slightly if it firms too fast so it spreads smooth.

variation (if any)

Add a thin layer of whipped cream under the caramel for a lighter bite.
Swap pecans with chopped walnuts for a different nut taste.
Mix a little sea salt into the caramel for a salted caramel roll.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the cake roll ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it a day before and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and tastes better after a few hours.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel?
A: Yes. Use a thick caramel sauce. Heat it slightly so it spreads easily.

Q: How do I stop the cake from cracking?
A: Roll it while warm and do not fill it too full. Chill it wrapped so it holds the shape.

Q: Can I use a different nut?
A: Yes. Walnuts or almonds work well. Toast them first for more taste.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: You can try a gluten-free flour mix. The texture may change, so test a small batch first.

Conclusion

For a step-by-step photo guide on a similar roll, see How to Make a Cake Roll with Box Cake Mix – Crazy for Crust (https://www.crazyforcrust.com/chocolate-caramel-turtle-cake-roll/)