Turtle Brownies with Cake Mix

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with these incredible turtle brownies that combine the rich decadence of chocolate cake mix with layers of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate chips to create an irresistibly fudgy treat. This easy turtle brownie recipe transforms a simple box of chocolate cake mix into bakery-quality brownies that deliver the classic turtle candy flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite.

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Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this turtle brownie recipe lies in its strategic layering technique that creates distinct textures and flavors in every bite while using convenient cake mix as the foundation. The initial partial baking creates a stable base, while the caramel layer adds moisture and sweetness, and the final chocolate chip topping provides textural contrast. The combination of melted caramels with sweetened condensed milk creates the perfect consistency that won’t run off the brownies while maintaining that signature gooey texture.

What Makes These Brownies Special

These turtle brownies represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence, transforming an ordinary boxed cake mix into an extraordinary dessert that rivals expensive bakery treats. The layered construction ensures every bite contains the iconic turtle candy combination, while the cake mix base provides consistent results and foolproof preparation. The extended moisture from caramel means these brownies stay fresh and fudgy for days.

Ingredients

Brownie Base:

• Chocolate cake mix – Choose dark chocolate varieties for deeper, richer flavor
• Butter – Provides richness and helps bind the cake mix into brownie batter
• Sweetened condensed milk – Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the base

Caramel Layer:

• Wrapped caramels – Essential for proper texture and flavor, found in the candy section
• Sweetened condensed milk – Creates smooth, flowing consistency when melted with caramels

Topping Elements:

• Chopped pecans – Provide signature crunch and nutty flavor characteristic of turtle desserts
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Add extra chocolate richness and textural interest

Ingredient Notes

For this fancy brownie recipe, you will need to purchase some wrapped caramels found in the candy section of the grocery store. Don’t use caramel sauce because it will not harden like the wrapped caramels.

Use a dark chocolate cake mix to give you deep, full, and rich chocolate flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Change out the nuts. For instance, walnuts are a good substitute for pecans.
• If you have a nut allergy or are not a fan of nuts, you can omit the pecans. However, the brownies will no longer be turtle brownies, just caramel brownies—but they will still be delicious!
• Add in some peanut butter chips or combine them with the chocolate chips.
• Add in some sweetened coconut flakes for extra flavor.

How to Make Turtle Brownies

Here are the recipe steps:

1. Place the melted butter in a large bowl.
2. Add sweetened condensed milk.
3. Add dry cake mix.
4. Add pecans.
5. Stir to combine. The batter will be thick.
6. Unwrap the caramels and melt them with sweetened condensed milk in a pan on the stovetop or in a bowl in the microwave.

7. Either grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
8. Spread half of the brownie batter in the prepared baking dish.
9. Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
10. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the warm batter.
11. Sprinkle pecans over the chocolate chips.
12. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the pecans.
13. Press the remaining batter between your hands. Pull off small portions and sprinkle them over the caramel.
14. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.

15. Bake for 15 minutes more.
16. Cool the brownies completely in the pan.
17. Cut the brownies into squares or rectangles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Turtle Brownies

This chocolate turtle brownie recipe is perfect for making family treats or for casual entertaining. Brownies are also one of those easy things to bring to a friend’s house when you have no idea what to bring.

Adding caramel to brownies combines the flavors that everyone seems to love. I mean, who can turn down caramel and chocolate?

If you love turtle sundaes, this decadent brownie recipe perfectly pairs with vanilla ice cream. Serve it as a dessert on your loveliest dessert dish for a dinner party. Top the ice cream with toasted pecans and caramel syrup for an extra flourish, and you are on your way to caramel heaven!

Another way to enjoy these rich, million-dollar morsels is to microwave them for about 10 seconds to warm the turtle brownie, soften the chocolate, and liquefy the caramel. It’s melt-in-your-mouth bliss! Eat them warm with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.

How To Store Turtle Brownies

• Room temperature: Cover the brownies with parchment paper and place them in a zip-lock bag or airtight container. At room temperature, they will last about a week.
• Refrigerator: Store your chocolate turtle brownies in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a month. You can eat them cold or let them sit until they reach room temperature.
• Freezer: Place the brownies in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw the brownies in the refrigerator overnight, then set them out to get to room temperature.
• Warming Up: You can warm them up for about 12 to 15 seconds in the microwave.

Favorite Brownie Recipes

• Andes Mint Brownies
• Bisquick Brownies
• Cream Cheese Brownies
• Hershey Cocoa Brownies
• Oreo Brownies
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Red Velvet Brownies

Alice Medrich’s Cookies and Brownies book is a great source for even more brownie recipes.

Popular Chocolate Dessert Recipes

• Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Chocolate Ice Cream
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Chocolate Pizza
• German Chocolate Pie
• Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Turtle Pie

Check out more of my easy brownie recipes and the best dessert recipes here on CopyKat!