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Sugar-Free Turtle Cake

  • Author: chef Jennifer
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings (one 9x13-inch cake) 1x

Description

This Sugar-Free Turtle Cake is a rich, layered chocolate dessert featuring a gooey sugar-free caramel-style filling, sugar-free dark chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting. Made with almond flour and baked in a 9×13-inch dish, this indulgent cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, and special family gatherings. Every slice delivers the classic chocolate, caramel, and pecan combination in a delicious sugar-free treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Turtle Filling

  • 1 cup sugar-free caramel-style sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
  2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar-free sweetener, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs, almond milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Bake the first layer: Spread half of the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the surface is lightly set but not fully baked.
  4. Prepare the caramel-style filling: Combine the sugar-free caramel-style sauce, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream in a saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth and warm. Remove from the heat.
  5. Add the turtle toppings: Carefully pour the warm filling over the partially baked cake layer. Sprinkle the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the filling.
  6. Add the remaining batter: Gently spread the remaining chocolate cake batter over the filling, covering it as evenly as possible without mixing the layers together.
  7. Bake the cake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is set and the center is no longer visibly wet. Avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool completely: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting.
  9. Make the chocolate frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar-free sweetener, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add a little extra cream if needed.
  10. Frost and serve: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Cut into 16 squares and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Best texture: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting and slicing.
  • Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Serving suggestion: Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature briefly before serving for a softer filling.
  • Nut-free variation: Pecans can be omitted, but almond flour remains a nut-based ingredient.
  • Sweetener tip: Use a granulated sweetener for the cake and a powdered sweetener for the frosting to achieve the best texture.
  • Caramel tip: Choose a sugar-free caramel-style sauce that is suitable for baking.
  • Make-ahead tip: Bake the cake a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and serve when ready.
  • Baking tip: The first cake layer should be only lightly set before adding the filling, as it will continue baking with the remaining batter.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 7 g

Keywords: Sugar-Free Turtle Cake

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Find it online: https://masterlyrecipes.com/sugar-free-turtle-cake/