Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its layers of rich chocolate cake, buttery caramel, and a luscious ganache topping, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, the simple assembly and delightful flavors make it an irresistible choice for everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a rich and satisfying taste that will delight your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this cake can be served warm or cold with various toppings.
- Impressive Presentation: The gooey caramel layer and glossy ganache make it visually stunning, ideal for impressing guests.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat, making it a hit at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, gather the necessary tools. Proper equipment ensures smooth preparation and baking.
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: Perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Whisk: Ensures the batter is smooth and well-mixed for the best texture.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for heating cream for the ganache quickly without burning.
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, then drizzle it evenly over the batter. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the caramel, 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 sit for 1 minute before stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Pour the warm ganache over the top and spread evenly. Add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts if desired. Allow the ganache to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Serving your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe can elevate the dessert experience for you and your guests. This rich, decadent cake pairs wonderfully with various toppings and accompaniments that complement its flavors.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices of cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold.
Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light, airy texture that balances the dense chocolate and caramel.
Fresh Berries
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a hint of tartness, cutting through the sweetness of the cake.
Nuts or Toffee Bits
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or toffee bits on top to add crunch and enhance the nutty flavors in the cake.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch that enhances the caramel flavor.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
To make your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe even more delicious, consider these simple tips. They can help you achieve the best texture and flavor every time you bake it.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs, milk, and butter to come to room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
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Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for baking. This helps prevent undercooked or overbaked results.
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Let it cool slightly before ganache: Allowing the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before pouring ganache helps it set properly without sliding off.
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Experiment with flavors: Try adding different extracts like vanilla or almond to elevate the overall flavor profile of your dump cake.
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Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options that complement its rich flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness perfectly. -
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the richness of the cake. -
Chocolate Mousse
For chocolate lovers, serving chocolate mousse offers an extra layer of indulgence without overwhelming sweetness. -
Caramel Flan
This smooth custard dessert complements the caramel notes in your dump cake while adding variety. -
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, especially creamy brie or tangy goat cheese, can provide a savory counterpoint to sweet desserts. -
Espresso Brownies
Enhance coffee notes with fudgy brownies that echo the chocolate flavor while offering another layer of texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make small errors that can impact the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little of an ingredient can alter the texture and flavor.
- Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect cake rise.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Ignoring cooling times: Allow the cake to cool as instructed. Cutting into it too soon can result in a messy serving and affect the ganache setting.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure that eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and results in better texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for about 30 seconds on high. Adjust time as needed based on your microwave’s power.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes! Homemade caramel sauce can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe.
What type of chocolate should I use for ganache?
Semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips are recommended, but you can also try dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.
How do I know when my cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, use different flavored cake mixes, or top with various sweet treats to make it uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers delightful flavors that will impress anyone who tries it. Whether you enjoy it at gatherings or as an indulgent treat at home, this dessert offers plenty of customization options. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. This rich, decadent treat features layers of moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and a silky chocolate ganache that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual family gatherings, this cake is not only simple to prepare but also visually impressive. Just mix the ingredients, layer them in a baking dish, and let the oven do the magic. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings for an unforgettable sweet experience.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter until smooth.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish. Drizzle warmed caramel sauce over it and top with remaining batter.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- While baking, heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl; add chocolate chunks and stir until smooth to create ganache.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes before pouring ganache over it. Allow to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
