Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll: A Decadent Dessert with Rich Ganache and Pecans

Category: Decadent Desserts

This chocolate cake roll combines the classic turtle candy flavors - chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The soft cake wraps around smooth caramel buttercream, while ganache and nuts create the perfect finish. Great for parties or family gatherings.

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:17 GMT
A chocolate roll cake topped with nuts and drizzled with caramel sauce, revealing a filling of cream inside. Save
A chocolate roll cake topped with nuts and drizzled with caramel sauce, revealing a filling of cream inside. | kitchenscroll.com

This dreamy chocolate cake roll is pure magic in every bite. I've filled it with silky caramel buttercream, topped it with glossy chocolate ganache and sprinkled crunchy toasted pecans on top. When I serve this at family gatherings everyone fights for seconds. The combination works perfectly making it an absolute showstopper dessert that looks fancy but is totally doable.

Why This Recipe Works Like a Charm

After years of baking I can tell you this recipe hits all the right notes. The chocolate and caramel combo is absolutely irresistible plus those pecans add the perfect crunch. Trust me this is the kind of dessert that'll have your guests asking for the recipe before they even finish their slice.

Everything You Need for This Amazing Cake Roll

  • Eggs: 3 large eggs
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: 1 ¾ cups (I used Betty Crocker SuperMoist Devil's Food)
  • Water: ⅓ cup (79ml)
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Powdered Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), softened
  • Caramel Sauce: ¼ cup (59ml)
  • Powdered Sugar (for Buttercream): 2 cups (226g)
  • Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup (237ml)
  • Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (170g)
  • Chopped Toasted Pecans: 1 cup
A decadent chocolate roll cake filled with cream and caramel, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze and chopped pecans. Save
A decadent chocolate roll cake filled with cream and caramel, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze and chopped pecans. | kitchenscroll.com

Let's Make This Amazing Cake Roll

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your jelly roll pan line it with foil and give it a good spray with baking spray.
Prepare Cake Batter
Beat those eggs until they're thick and look lemony. Mix in your cake mix water and oil. Beat it well then pour it into your pan.
Bake the Cake
Pop it in the oven and bake until it bounces back when you touch it about 12-15 minutes.
Roll the Cake
While it's still hot roll it up in a powdered sugar dusted towel and let it cool down completely.
Make Buttercream
For that amazing buttercream mix your butter caramel sauce powdered sugar and vanilla until it's super smooth.
Make Ganache
Warm up your cream and chocolate chips together stirring until silky smooth.
Assemble the Cake Roll
Unroll your cooled cake spread that lovely buttercream all over then roll it back up. Finish with ganache drizzle and sprinkle those toasted pecans on top.

Making This Cake Roll Last

Pop your finished cake roll in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3 days but honestly in my house it never lasts more than a day or two because everyone loves it so much.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I make this cake roll ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake roll up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve for the best results.

→ Why did my cake crack while rolling?

Cracks usually happen when the cake is too cool before rolling. Roll the cake while it's still warm in a powdered sugar-dusted towel to prevent cracking.

→ Can I freeze this cake roll?

You can freeze the cake roll for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

→ What if I can't find caramel sauce?

You can use store-bought caramel ice cream topping or make your own by heating sugar and cream. Both options work great in the buttercream filling.

→ Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes for pecans in this recipe. Toast them first to bring out their flavor and add that perfect crunch.

Turtle Cake Roll

A heavenly chocolate cake roll filled with caramel buttercream, covered in rich chocolate ganache, and topped with crunchy pecans.

Preparation Time
30 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Total Time Required
45 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Sweet Treats

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 8 Number of Servings (1 roll)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 3 large eggs.
Contains 02 items 1 ¾ cups Devil's Food cake mix.
Contains 03 items ⅓ cup water.
Contains 04 items 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
Contains 05 items 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for rolling).
Contains 06 items ½ cup unsalted butter, softened.
Contains 07 items ¼ cup caramel sauce.
Contains 08 items 2 cups powdered sugar.
Contains 09 items ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
Contains 10 items 1 cup heavy whipping cream.
Contains 11 items 1 cup chocolate chips.
Contains 12 items 1 cup chopped toasted pecans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven and prepare a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Beat the eggs until fluffy.

Step 03

Mix in cake mix, water, and vegetable oil until smooth.

Step 04

Pour batter into the lined pan and spread evenly.

Step 05

Bake until cake springs back when touched.

Step 06

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar.

Step 07

Turn warm cake onto the towel and roll up with the towel inside. Let cool completely.

Step 08

Beat softened butter until creamy. Mix in caramel sauce and vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 09

Heat heavy cream until almost boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit. Stir until smooth.

Step 10

Unroll cooled cake and remove towel. Spread buttercream filling evenly. Roll cake back up without the towel. Pour ganache over the top. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Refrigerate until set.

Important Tips

  1. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  2. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best taste and texture.

Essential Tools

  • Jelly roll pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Kitchen towel.
  • Saucepan.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy.
  • Tree nuts (pecans).
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 320
  • Fat Amount: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein Amount: 5 g