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Gooey Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cake Roll

This indulgent cake roll features a soft chocolate sponge, rich caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for impressing at any dessert table.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box 15.25 ounce box of chocolate cake mix Any brand works, dark chocolate mix for richer flavor.
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature For structure and flexibility.
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sour cream For moisture and a tender crumb.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder To deepen the chocolate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder Optional but recommended for a stronger chocolate taste.
  • Powdered sugar For dusting the towel.
Filling and Topping
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted Save a few halves for garnish.
  • 3/4 cup thick caramel sauce Choose a spoonable but not runny caramel.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons butter For silky ganache.
  • Extra caramel For drizzling over the top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan, line it with parchment, then spray and lightly dust with cocoa.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, water, oil, sour cream, cocoa, and espresso powder until smooth.
  3. Spread the batter into the prepared pan evenly and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched.
Rolling the Cake
  1. Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. Flip the hot cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, then roll the cake up from the short end with the towel inside.
  2. Let the cake cool rolled for 30 to 45 minutes.
Filling and Ganache Preparation
  1. To make the ganache, heat the cream until steaming. Pour it over the chocolate and butter, let sit for 2 minutes and stir until glossy.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Unroll the cooled cake and spread a thin layer of ganache, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Drizzle on the caramel and sprinkle on the toasted pecans.
  2. Using the towel, roll the cake back up tightly. Wrap in plastic and chill for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Finishing Touches
  1. Unwrap the roll and set it on a rack. Pour any remaining ganache over the top and drizzle with caramel.
  2. Chill again for 20 minutes before slicing.
  3. Slice with a serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion, cleaning the knife between cuts.

Notes

Roll while warm to avoid cracks. Use thick caramel for easier spreading. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Keep layers thin to prevent filling from squeezing out. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.