Turtle Cake Mix Brownies

Saturday, August 7, 2021
These Turtle Cake Mix Brownies are created with a cake mix there's some scrumptious rich fudgy caramel in every bite.

Our easy doctored cake mix looks and tastes like a gourmet bakery made them from scratch and is one of the first desserts to go no matter what party I take them to.

If you're not fond of baking or a caramel chocolate lover, this easy step-by-step easy semi-homemade brownie recipe will be a conversation dessert everyone will remember you made.

If you love brownies like we do try our  Oreo Stuffed Brownies or our Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Stuffed Brownies both are simple to make and two others to add on your list of must makes.

Doctored mixes are fun, easy but still, semi-homemade just scroll down to our printable recipe card, and let's get baking.

turtle brownies made with a chocolate cake mix

these are brownies made from a chocolate cake mix with pecans, melted chocolate and caramel on top using kraft caramels

Doctored Cake Mixes

Perfect for last-minute events, parties, bake sales, and after-school snack treats.

I am always looking for new and exciting desserts that are easy, and this one is it.

I have dabbled with using cake mixes for years, you may also like my Ebook available on Amazon with 25 Biscotti Cake Mix Cookie versions! (This is an affiliate link and I do make a small commission see Disclosure Policy here).

Don't miss trying these gooey brownie bars for someone that loves this combination of flavors.

this is a collage of Turtle brownies and how to make them

Ingredients for Turtle Brownies

  • chocolate cake mix
  • evaporated milk
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Kraft caramels
  • coarsely chopped or whole pecans
  • unsalted butter

chocolate batter for Turtle brownies using a chocolate cake mix


  1. Always preheat the oven
  2. do not over bake
  3. the butter should be at room temperature
  4. for easy removal use parchment paper in the baking pan or cooking sprays
  5. for nut allergies use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  6. do not overbake the brownies and use the toothpick method
  7. cool completely before cutting brownies

the is a pan of chocolate cake turned into turtle brownies

More Recipes to Try

Rocky Road Brownies

Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies

Best German Chocolate Coconut Brownies

Pin for later

this is a pin for later on how to make cake mix turtle brownies

Adapt Away

You can use any cake mix flavor if you want to mix and match the brownie.

One combination we also love is milk chocolate chips and coconut using a German chocolate cake mix.

Any cake mix flavor can be used.

Doctored cake mixes are a wonderful alternative for a quick dessert and taste like it was made from scratch!

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doctored cake mix, brownie recipes, cake mix recipes, chocolate cake mix brownie recipes
Yield: 24
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Turtle Cake Mix Brownies

Turtle Cake Mix Brownies

A rich chewy gooey turtle brownie that's made from a doctored cake mix and over the top fabulously delicious!


  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans and more for the top
  •  1 can evaporated milk ( use only 3 ounces for the cake and 2 ounces for melting caramels)
  •  1 (11 oz) bag Kraft caramel candies removing wrappers 
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk, or dark


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Oil spray or line with parchment paper a square 8x8 inch baking pan or rectangular size 12 x 7 small brownie pan. ( you can even use a mini muffin pan. 
  3. In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, softened butter,
  4.  3/4 cups of the coarsely chopped pecans, and 3 ounces of evaporated milk. 
  5. Pat down half of the cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  6.  Bake this bottom half for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. 
  7. In a small saucepan,  on low heat, melt the caramels and 2 ounces of evaporated milk, mixing together and setting aside. 
  8. Take out the cake/brownie crust,  sprinkle with the chocolate chips then spread the melted caramel on top (save some for the top for garnishing).
  9. Spoon the rest of the batter evenly over the caramel layer.
  10.  Garnish the top with the remaining chopped pecans.
  11. Bake for around 25 minutes.
  12. Use the toothpick method in the center to ensure it's completely cooked.
  13. While still warm add the remaining chips on top, using an offset spatula, spread evenly over the top. 
  14. Heat up the remaining caramel topping and drizzle it all over the top of the baked brownies.
  15.  Cool completely before cutting the brownies.
  16. The quickest way is to put the pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes if you can't wait to eat these!



  1. Always preheat the oven
  2. do not over bake
  3. the butter should be at room temperature
  5. for nut allergies use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  6. do not overbake the brownies and use the toothpick method
  7. cool completely before cutting brownies

Nutrition Facts



Fat (grams)


Sat. Fat (grams)


Carbs (grams)


Fiber (grams)


Net carbs


Sugar (grams)


Protein (grams)


Sodium (milligrams)


Cholesterol (grams)


Pin for later

pin for later turtle brownies

Other Recipes To Try:

No-Bake Buckeye Bars

Apple Brownies

Mock Brownie Tiramisu

turtle brownies made with a chocolate cake mix


  1. That looks super decadent and tempting with pecans and caramel!

  2. What delicious brownies! They're so fudgy and chocolatey. You would have no idea they use boxed mix.

  3. Such a rich and decadent brownie. Love the sound of fudgy caramel, yum!

  4. I love semi homemade recipes and using a boxed cake mix to make these brownies is genius!! They are delicious!

  5. You had me at rich fudgy caramel in every bite! These brownies look fantastic. Love that texture.

  6. So delicious! Turtle anything always has my heart, you just can't go wrong!

  7. What an easy way to elevate box mix brownies! I love caramel so I'm very into the idea of adding that!

  8. Be still my heart! Our family loves pecans and this recipe looks amazing. Thanks for sharing the cooking tips and variations, too. Another winner!

  9. I love recipes that save time and this is one of those brownie recipes everyone loves! Fun and delicious dessert!

  10. This recipe was so amazing. I'm always looking for ways to make cake mixes taste better and this one is a winner! These turtle cake mix brownies were so decadent and the perfect chocolatey richness.

  11. Una visione golosissima questo dolce, complimenti!!!!

  12. This is a delicious dessert, chocolate fans would love it.

  13. Sono davvero irresistibili , segno subito la ricetta . Un saluto, Daniela.

