Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Cake!

       So I took a poll around work this week, and I found out that one of the most popular picks for a cheesecake is the classic caramel turtle cheesecake.  So I decided to take that flavor combo and adapt it to create what could be a new classic!  Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Cake… using the flavors of chocolate, pecan, and caramel!!!  Enjoy.

You'll need:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 3/4 cups Bob's gluten-free all-purpose flour

2 tsp Bob's Red Mill xanthan gum

1 cup dark cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1 ½  tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup Kerrygold Butter, Melted

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp caramel extract

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1 cup of hot water

       Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Prepare two 9” round Pans by lightly coating with cooking spray or oil.

       In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

       In a separate bowl, whip together the Butter, eggs, buttermilk, and Extracts.

       Then slowly add the liquid to the dry ingredients and stir until both mixtures are fully combined.  Next, fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.

        Add hot water to the batter and mix well, until the batter is thin.  Then pour evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

       Once the cakes have finished baking allow them to completely cool before frosting!

 

Caramel Butter Cream

1 cup Kerrygold salted butter

1/2 cup palm shortening

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 tsp caramel extract

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

       In a large bowl, whip the butter and palm shortening with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Next, whip in one cup of powdered sugar, then add in the extracts.  To finish, whip in the remaining two cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time.  Finally, whip in the chopped pecans.

       Spread the frosting over the bottom layer of cake for the filling, then place the second cake on top.  Finish frosting the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

       You can dress up this cake with a garnish of pecans and a drizzle of caramel and enjoy!