Name: Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-488093H12M31S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup chopped pecans; Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for an utterly show-stopping dessert that balances decadence and nostalgia, look no further than the Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll. This sweet masterpiece wraps a fluffy chocolate sponge around a dreamy caramel and whipped cream filling, then blankets the entire roll with silky ganache, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel. Every slice is a revelation of textures and flavors, perfect for impressing the crowd at your next gathering or holiday feast.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how simple the ingredient list is for such a magical dessert! Each item brings its own unique magic to the Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll—enhancing the richness, creating airy lift, or adding those final touches of ooey, gooey, chocolatey bliss.

All-Purpose Flour: The essential backbone for a tender, pliable chocolate cake roll!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the cake its rich color.
Baking Powder: Lifts the batter, ensuring a light, spongy texture that rolls beautifully.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances each layer of flavor.
Large Eggs: Whipped to airy perfection, they provide the structure and flexibility needed for rolling.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that pale, fluffy consistency when beaten with eggs.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and background nuance to both cake and whipped cream.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to fluffy, pillowy filling and a luscious ganache topping.
Powdered Sugar: Helps stabilize the whipped cream and brings gentle sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: The gooey heart of every “turtle” treat—store-bought or homemade, you can’t go wrong!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt down for an ultra-smooth, pourable ganache topping.
Chopped Pecans: Classic turtle crunch, toasted or raw, lending both flavor and texture.
Additional Caramel Sauce (for drizzling): Because there’s no such thing as too much caramel.

How to Make Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Step 1: Mix and Sift the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Sifting ensures a lump-free, even mixture—and sets you up for a cake that rolls without a hitch.

Step 2: Whip Up the Eggs and Sugar

Beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high for about 5 minutes. The mixture should turn thick, pale, and nearly triple in volume! Add in vanilla extract for a subtle depth. This step is the secret behind a flexible sponge that won’t crack when rolled.

Step 3: Gently Fold and Bake

Sprinkle your dry ingredients into the airy egg mixture. Fold just until combined, taking care not to deflate all those precious bubbles. Spread the batter evenly into a parchment-lined 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes; it’s ready when the top springs back after a gentle poke.

Step 4: Roll While Warm

Now for the fun part! Turn the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted generously with powdered sugar. Peel away the parchment, then carefully roll it up—towel and all—from a short side. Set aside to cool completely; this “pre-roll” keeps the cake pliable for filling.

Step 5: Make the Dreamiest Filling

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl until soft, cloud-like peaks form. When the cake is cool, unroll it and spread a luscious layer of caramel sauce across the surface, followed by an even blanket of whipped cream. Gently roll it back up, minus the towel this time.

Step 6: Ganache, Pecans, and Caramel Drizzle

For that signature Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll finish, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream in the microwave, in bursts, until glossy and smooth. Pour this ganache over the cake roll, then shower with chopped pecans. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and pop the whole masterpiece in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

Garnishes

This cake is a star all on its own, but a few well-chosen garnishes make it unforgettable. Try an extra drizzle of warm caramel, a light dusting of cocoa, or even a flourish of whipped cream on each slice. For the ultimate wow factor, top with a whole pecan or a sprinkle of sea salt to heighten the flavors.

Side Dishes

The Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll is rich and sweet, so pair it with something light to contrast. Fresh berries, a crisp fruit salad, or tangy Greek yogurt balance each gooey, decadent bite. For special occasions, serve with coffee or a creamy vanilla milkshake for true dessert bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, slice your cake roll into mini rounds for party-ready treats, or plate each slice with a caramel swirl and a chocolate curl. Feeling extra festive? Make individual “turtle” cake roll trifles by layering cubes of the cake with whipped cream and caramel in small glasses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, wrap your Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of busy celebrations.

Freezing

This cake roll freezes beautifully! Once topped and fully chilled, wrap it well in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and the flavors will remain rich and authentic.

Reheating

No heating is needed for this dessert—just slice and enjoy straight from the fridge. If you like, you can microwave each portion for 8–10 seconds for a slightly softer, gooier caramel experience. Be careful not to overheat or the whipped cream might lose its luscious texture.

FAQs

Why did my cake crack while rolling?

The most common culprit is overbaking, which dries out the sponge. Rolling the cake while it’s warm, and not waiting until it’s cooled, also helps prevent cracking. Be patient and gentle for best results!

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works like a charm in Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll. Just make sure it’s thick, not too runny, so it sets nicely inside and on top of the cake.

Do I need a jelly roll pan for this recipe?

A jelly roll pan (10×15 inch) is ideal for the right thickness and pliability, but you can use a similarly-sized rimmed baking sheet in a pinch. Just don’t use a standard cake pan—it’s too deep for rolling purposes.

Can I make this cake roll gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can cater easily to gluten-sensitive friends.

What’s the secret to getting a shiny ganache?

The key is to use high-quality chocolate chips and heavy cream, and to heat them together gently—never let the chocolate scorch. Stir until super smooth and glossy before pouring over your cake roll for that professional finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for pure dessert magic, you can’t beat Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll. The joyous swirl of chocolate, caramel, and pecans comes together in a glorious, sliceable treat that will have your friends and family swooning. Trust me—once you make this cake roll, it’s bound to become a deserved favorite in your dessert rotation.

Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 42 minutes plus chilling
Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this decadent Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll. A rich chocolate cake filled with creamy caramel and whipped cream, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce

Topping:

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup chopped pecans
Additional caramel sauce for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Beat eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla extract.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gently fold in the dry ingredients. Pour the batter into the pan and bake.
Roll the cake: Once baked, invert the cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake and let it cool.
Make the filling: Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Spread caramel sauce and whipped cream on the cake. Re-roll without the towel.
Prepare the topping: Heat chocolate chips and cream until smooth. Pour over the cake, sprinkle with pecans, and drizzle with caramel sauce. Chill before slicing.