Turtle Cake

Name: Turtle Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 1 tub frozen whipped topping (Do not thaw.); 1 pkg. devil's food cake mix; 1 pkg. chocolate instant pudding mix; 38 caramels; 1½ Tbsp. water; 6 oz. brick cream cheese, softened; 5 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided; 16 NILLA Wafers; 16 pecan halves

The oohs and ahhs will be for you instead of the waiter when you serve this restaurant fave with layers of moist cake, caramel filling and chocolate-dipped wafers.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 16 servings.

Ingredient list

1 tub (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping (Do not thaw.)
1 pkg. (2-layer size) devil's food cake mix
1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) chocolate instant pudding mix
38 caramels
1½ Tbsp. water
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) brick cream cheese, softened
5 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided
16 NILLA Wafers
16 pecan halves

Directions

Spoon half the whipped topping into bowl; refrigerate to thaw. Return remaining whipped topping to freezer. Prepare cake batter and bake as directed on package for 2 (9-inch) round layers, adding dry pudding mix to cake mix before mixing with liquid ingredients. Cool cakes in pans 10 min.; invert onto wire racks. Remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

Meanwhile, microwave caramels and water in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until smooth, stirring every 45 sec. Cool slightly.

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add caramel sauce; mix well. Blend in thawed whipped topping. Stack cake layers on plate, filling and frosting top with cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Microwave whipped topping and chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until whipped topping is completely melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is well blended. Meanwhile, melt remaining chocolate as directed on package. Dip half of each wafer in chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Top with nuts. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Spread whipped topping mixture onto top of cake. Garnish with wafers. Keep refrigerated.

Recipe Tips

Variation
Substitute 13x9-inch pan for the round pans and increase baking time to 35 to 38 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean; cool completely. Continue as directed, spreading caramel mixture and chocolate mixture over cake in pan.
Make Ahead
For a more fudge-like texture, store cake in refrigerator overnight before serving. Garnish with chocolate-dipped wafers just before serving.
Better For You
Trim 40 calories, 3g of total fat, including 2g of saturated fat, per serving by preparing with frozen lite whipped topping, chocolate fat-free sugar-free instant pudding mix, Neufchatel cheese and Reduced Fat NILLA Wafers.