Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. This dessert features rich layers of chocolate cake and buttery caramel, topped with a luscious ganache. Its simple assembly makes it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home. The combination of flavors and textures truly makes this cake stand out as a delightful indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to whip it up in just about 10 minutes.
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate paired with gooey caramel creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or chilled, with whipped cream or ice cream for an added touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, it’s great for potlucks, birthdays, or family dinners.
- Minimal Cleanup: The dump method means less hassle and fewer dishes to wash!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is perfect for combining all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk: Use a whisk to ensure your batter is smooth and well-mixed for the best texture.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish provides ample space for your cake to rise beautifully.
- Microwave-safe bowl: This is essential for heating cream quickly when making the 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: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, 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. Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave, then drizzle it evenly over the batter. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading it lightly to cover.
Step 3: 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 4: Make the Ganache
While the cake is baking, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chunks and let them sit for 1 minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Pour the warm ganache over the top and spread evenly. If desired, add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top. Allow the ganache to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Serving a Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an opportunity to impress your guests with a delightful dessert that is both rich and comforting. This cake can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation.
Warm with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm chocolate caramel dump cake, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For an extra sweet touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice before serving. This adds more richness and enhances the dessert’s appeal.
Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense texture of the cake. Consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Garnished with Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
Served in Individual Portions
- For gatherings, consider serving the cake in individual ramekins. This makes for a chic presentation and allows guests to enjoy their own personal dessert.
How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chunks and caramel sauce for the best flavor.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a tough texture; it should remain moist and fluffy.
- Check Baking Time: Every oven is different; start checking your cake at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing the cake to cool before adding ganache helps it set better and prevents melting away into the cake.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize with various toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or even flavored whipped cream.
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing sides with your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee enhances chocolate flavors, making it a perfect beverage pairing.
- Chocolate Mousse: A light mousse can complement the dense dump cake while maintaining a luxurious chocolate theme.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites serve as a rich yet light side that contrasts nicely with the dump cake’s texture.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nutty desserts, these bars offer a chewy, sweet contrast that works well together.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: The refreshing mint flavor adds an exciting twist when enjoyed alongside this decadent dessert.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a delightful coconut flavor that nicely complements chocolate.
- Hot Cocoa: Especially during colder months, serving hot cocoa brings warmth that pairs well with this indulgent dessert.
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 dessert turns out perfectly.
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk for a smooth batter. This helps the ingredients blend well and results in a fluffy cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking dish can cause the cake to stick. Always grease it well for easy removal.
- Ignoring baking times: Ovens vary in temperature. Check your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Not letting it cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding ganache ensures it sets nicely without melting away.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- It can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe.
Can I make the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator after baking, and reheat before serving.
What kind of caramel sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade. Both work well in this recipe!
Can I customize toppings on this cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for similar results.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize your toppings according to your taste preferences!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. This easy-to-make dessert layers rich chocolate cake and buttery caramel, finished with a smooth ganache topping that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this cake is both simple to prepare and impossible to resist. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a warm and decadent dessert that serves up to 12 people, making it an excellent choice for potlucks and family dinners. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled with fresh fruit for a delightful twist.
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 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 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, baking powder, and sour cream until combined.
- Pour half of the batter into the baking dish and drizzle caramel sauce over it. Spoon remaining batter on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then stir in chocolate chunks until smooth.
- Let the cake cool slightly, pour ganache over the top, and allow to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
