Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a sweet treat at home. Combining layers of rich chocolate cake with buttery caramel and topped with a luscious ganache, this dish promises to satisfy every sweet tooth. Its simple assembly makes it easy to prepare and share, ensuring it will be a hit wherever you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only about 10 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy bakers.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates an indulgent experience that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream or let it cool for a delightful slice; either way, it’s delicious.
- Great for Sharing: With enough servings for 12 people, this cake is perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: The dump cake method means fewer bowls and utensils to wash afterward.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size for this dump cake ensures even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by blending dry and wet ingredients effectively.
Ingredients
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: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until smooth.
Step 2: Layer the Caramel
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
1. Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave.
2. Drizzle it evenly over the batter.
3. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading lightly to cover.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
While your cake is baking:
1. Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling.
2. Add chocolate chunks to the cream and let sit for 1 minute.
3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your cake cool for about 10 minutes.
1. Pour the warm ganache over the top of the cake and spread evenly.
2. If desired, add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts as toppings.
3. Allow ganache to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Serving your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is all about enhancing its rich flavors and textures. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate this dessert from delicious to extraordinary.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the warm cake perfectly, adding a creamy contrast.
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and enhances the overall indulgence of the dessert.
Fresh Berries
- Strawberries or raspberries provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Nuts
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch and deepen the flavor profile of this decadent treat.
Caramel Drizzle
- Extra caramel sauce drizzled on top creates an even more luxurious experience for caramel lovers.
How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips for success.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Selecting premium chocolate chunks will enhance the ganache’s richness.
- Don’t skip the sour cream: It adds moisture and richness to the cake batter, making it extra tender.
- Warm your caramel sauce: Slightly warming it makes drizzling easier and ensures it spreads evenly throughout the layers.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Let it cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps set the ganache and makes slicing cleaner.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings like chocolate shavings, nuts, or even sea salt for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe can enhance its flavor and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Coffee – A cup of coffee pairs well with chocolate desserts, enhancing their richness.
- Milk – A classic choice, cold milk balances out the sweetness and adds creaminess.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a light contrast to the heavy dessert.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer a savory touch that complements sweet flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – For an extra indulgent experience, serve these alongside your cake.
- Caramel Popcorn – This playful treat echoes the caramel notes in your cake while adding crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:
- Using cold ingredients – Always use room temperature eggs and milk. This helps the batter mix smoothly and rise properly.
- Not greasing the baking dish – Failing to grease your dish can cause the cake to stick. Use butter or non-stick spray for easy removal.
- Skipping the caramel warming step – If the caramel is too thick, it won’t spread well. Warm it slightly to achieve a drizzle-able consistency.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine just until you see no dry ingredients for a lighter texture.
- Not checking doneness – Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Use a toothpick to check for moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat individual servings on high for 30-60 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe that might help you out.
Can I use a different cake mix?
You can absolutely substitute with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet. Just keep the same measurements!
How do I make this recipe more chocolatey?
For extra chocolate flavor, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter or using dark chocolate ganache on top.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream if you’d prefer not to use store-bought.
How do I store leftovers from my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is both delightful and versatile. Its rich layers of chocolate and caramel make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with nuts, toppings, or even fruit! Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate sweet experience with this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert features layers of rich chocolate cake combined with creamy caramel, topped off with a glossy ganache. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy bakers or impromptu gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can treat your friends and family to a delightful dessert that’s sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature, this cake promises to be a showstopper!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the baking dish and drizzle with warmed caramel sauce.
- Spoon remaining batter over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then add chocolate chunks and stir until smooth.
- Once the cake cools slightly, pour ganache on top and let it set before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
