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Cafe latte turtle cake with chocolate frosting, caramel drizzle, and pecans on a plate

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Caramel

Cafe Latte Turtle Cake is a rich mini chocolate dessert with a tender cake texture, glossy coffee chocolate frosting, caramel, and pecans. It is a decadent layered treat perfect for sharing when you want an indulgent homemade dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rest Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2 large servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 529
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2-3 tablespoons strong hot coffee
Frosting
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coffee
Toppings
  • Caramel
  • Toasted or candied pecan pieces

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  2. Whisk the cake ingredients together into a thick batter, adding the coffee to loosen the mixture. Grease four 8-ounce ramekins generously with cooking spray, divide the batter between them, and spread it evenly across the bottoms.
Baking
  1. Bake the cakes for 15-20 minutes. Carefully remove the cakes from the ramekins and let them cool for at least 20 minutes before adding the frosting.
Frosting
  1. Combine the milk, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. After 15-20 seconds of boiling, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
  2. Add the coffee and whisk until the frosting is smooth and glossy. Let it cool briefly so it is easier to spread while still remaining fluid.
Assembly
  1. Layer the cake, frosting, pecans, and caramel, repeating the layers until the desired cake style is reached.
  2. Spread frosting into the center of each cake and work it toward the edges. Use chopped pecans between layers and arrange whole pecans on top as desired.
Serving
  1. Serve the cake warm or refrigerate for a day or two before serving.

Notes

The recipe can be assembled as a two-layer cake with a more flowing frosting finish or as a three-layer cake with a thicker frosting appearance. Cooking spray is the preferred way to help the cakes release easily from the ramekins. Adjust the layering style and pecan arrangement to create the presentation you prefer.