Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes

Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Inspired by the classic turtle candy, these cupcakes are a perfect blend of sweet and salty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cupcakes will bring smiles to everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes because they are fun to eat and even more fun to make. They offer a delicious mix of flavors with chocolate cupcakes, creamy frosting, and a crunchy pecan filling. Plus, they look beautiful when decorated, making them great for parties or gatherings. Everyone loves a good cupcake, and this recipe takes them to another level!

How to Make Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup pecan halves
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup salted butter, cut into cubes
1 cup heavy cream, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (optional)
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/8 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
6 tablespoons sour cream, room temperature
2 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 and 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 and 1/2 packages (12 oz) cream cheese, softened
7 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups chopped pecans
Pecan halves for topping

Directions:

Prepare the Caramel Sauce & Pecan Filling: Toast the pecans, make the caramel sauce, and mix it with the chopped pecans. Let this cool down.
Make Chocolate Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the eggs, sour cream, vanilla, and coffee. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Fill your cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Prepare Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and caramel, mixing until smooth.
Make Ganache: In a bowl, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream. Do this in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between.
Assemble Cupcakes: Core the cupcakes, fill them with the pecan mixture, frost the tops, drizzle with caramel and ganache, and finish with pecan halves as a garnish.

How to Serve Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes

Serve Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes on a nice platter. They look stunning when garnished with extra pecans and a drizzle of caramel. Pair them with a glass of milk or coffee for a perfect snack or dessert.

How to Store Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes

Keep Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for the best flavor.

Tips to Make Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature to help them mix better.
Don’t over-bake the cupcakes; check them with a toothpick to keep them moist.
You can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time.

Variation

You can try different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for the filling. You can also add a hint of espresso to the chocolate batter for a deeper flavor.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes and frosting ahead. Assemble them just before serving for the best taste.

Q2: What if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts if you prefer.

Q3: Can I freeze Turtle Chocolate Cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting. Just wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating and serving.