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Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll
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The Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans wrapped in a soft, spongy cake. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, resulting in a gooey, indulgent treat ideal for any occasion. This easy-to-make, customizable cake roll melts in your mouth with each bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free margarine for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade, warmed)
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet, bittersweet, milk, or white chocolate)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (omit for nut-free option, substitute with extra chocolate chips or toasted coconut)

Optional Garnishes and Sides

  • Extra chocolate sauce or caramel for drizzling
  • Crushed pecans for topping
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Fresh berries
  • Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coffee/espresso (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan. In a bowl, whisk together the flour (or gluten-free blend), cocoa powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter to keep it light and airy, perfect for rolling later. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until combined.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake soft and pliable. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  3. Roll the Cake with Towel: While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Using the towel, gently roll the cake from one short end to the other and allow it to cool completely rolled up. This prevents cracking when filled.
  4. Add the Filling: Carefully unroll the cooled cake. Spread a generous layer of warm caramel sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle melted chocolate chips or chunks and toasted pecans evenly on top.
  5. Re-Roll the Cake: Roll the cake back up tightly, this time without the towel. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and to ensure clean slicing.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake roll into thick rounds. Garnish with additional chocolate or caramel drizzle, crushed pecans, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired. Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or coffee to enhance the experience.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to help the batter blend smoothly and rise evenly.
  • Rolling the cake with a powdered sugar-dusted towel prevents cracks and makes handling easier.
  • Toast pecans before adding to intensify flavor and add crunch.
  • Chilling the cake roll before slicing gives cleaner slices and firmer texture.
  • Spread caramel while warm for easier spreading and gooey texture.
  • Store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time.
  • Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free chocolate chips for dairy-free version.
  • For nut-free, omit pecans and add extra chocolate chips or toasted coconut.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel before rolling for a salted caramel twist.
  • Try adding cinnamon or chili powder to caramel for a spiced variation.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate cake roll, caramel cake, turtle cake, pecan dessert, chocolate caramel roll, easy cake roll, gluten-free dessert

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