Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that brings together layers of rich chocolate cake, buttery caramel, and a smooth ganache topping. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday celebration, or just a cozy night in. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this dessert can be ready in under an hour.
- Decadent Taste: The layers of chocolate and caramel create a rich flavor that pleases every sweet tooth.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Easily Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings to make it your own.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Measuring cups
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps mix all the ingredients evenly without spills.
- Baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and proper cake rise.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for heating cream quickly when making ganache.
Ingredients
This dessert combines layers of rich chocolate cake, buttery caramel, and a luscious ganache topping. Its simple assembly makes it great for sharing at gatherings or as a delightful treat at home.
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup caramel sauce
For the Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped nuts or toffee bits
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following until smooth:
1. Chocolate cake mix
2. Eggs
3. Whole milk
4. Melted butter
5. Baking powder
6. Sour cream
Step 3: Layer the Caramel
Pour half of the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave, then drizzle it over the batter evenly. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading it lightly to cover.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
While baking, heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add chocolate chunks and let sit for 1 minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Pour warm ganache over the top and spread evenly. You can add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts if desired. Allow ganache to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe with friends and family!
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Serving the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is just as important as making it. This dessert is rich, indulgent, and perfect for sharing. Here are some delightful ways to serve this scrumptious cake at your next gathering or family dinner.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a touch of brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel
- Enhance the caramel flavor by drizzling additional warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Garnish with Whipped Cream
- Top each serving with a dollop of homemade or store-bought whipped cream for extra creaminess and texture.
Pair with Coffee
- Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee to balance the richness of the chocolate and caramel flavors.
How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips for optimal results.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs, milk, and sour cream to come to room temp for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t skip greasing: Greasing your baking dish prevents sticking and helps achieve even cooking.
- Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter for perfect consistency.
- Warm caramel sauce: Heating the caramel sauce slightly makes it easier to drizzle and helps it spread evenly through the batter.
- Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before adding ganache; this helps it set properly without melting off.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like nuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
When serving your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that provides a light contrast to the dense cake.
- Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert intensifies the chocolate flavor while offering a silky texture.
- Nutty Granola: Serve alongside granola for added crunch and nuttiness; it’s also great for breakfast!
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements sweet desserts beautifully, enhancing overall flavor.
- Caramel Popcorn: For an extra treat, serve popcorn drizzled in caramel for a fun snack that’s easy to share.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecakes provide a creamy counterpart that pairs well without overshadowing the dump cake.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance to your dessert table while keeping within the chocolate theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the Greasing: Failing to grease your baking dish can lead to a stuck cake. Always use butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can throw off the balance of flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and milk can affect the batter’s consistency. Allow them to reach room temperature before mixing.
- Not Allowing Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon can make it fall apart. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes after baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds, checking until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute with vanilla or yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile.
How do I make the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix as a substitute to make this dessert gluten-free.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts or toffee bits can be added between layers or sprinkled on top for extra crunch.
What is the best way to store leftovers of the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Is it possible to prepare this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and layer with caramel ahead of time, then bake just before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite toppings or even experiment with different types of cake mixes. This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Give it a try, and enjoy every bite!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, a comforting dessert that effortlessly combines rich chocolate cake with buttery caramel and a luscious ganache topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion—be it family gatherings, birthday parties, or cozy nights at home. Its unique layers of flavor and texture will satisfy every sweet tooth, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the batter. Spoon the remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then add chocolate chunks and stir until smooth.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes before pouring ganache over the top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (112g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
