Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake, buttery caramel, and a luscious ganache topping. Perfect for gatherings or just as a sweet treat at home, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and indulgent flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dump cake is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a rich flavor that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners—this dessert fits every occasion.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like chocolate shavings or nuts to make it uniquely yours.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is made in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake turns out perfectly, you’ll need some essential tools in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth batter by breaking up any lumps in the cake mix.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for even baking and allows for generous portions.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for heating cream and melting chocolate without burning.
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 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. 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. Stir 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. If desired, add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top. Let the ganache set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a delightfully rich dessert that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts into the warm chocolate and caramel, creating a delicious contrast.
With Fresh Berries
- Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a burst of fruity flavor. The berries provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the dump cake.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For those who love caramel, drizzle additional caramel sauce over each slice before serving. This enhances the sweet and buttery notes of the dish.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for extra creaminess. You can also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for decoration.
Chopped Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and texture. The nuts complement the chocolate and caramel flavors beautifully.
Coffee Pairing
- Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee pairs perfectly with the sweet cake, balancing flavors nicely.
How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chunks for your ganache to achieve a rich flavor that enhances the overall dessert.
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Warm caramel sauce: Slightly warming the caramel sauce before drizzling helps it spread evenly across the batter without sinking too much.
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Check baking time: Always check your cake at the lower end of the baking time range to avoid overcooking. Every oven is different!
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Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding ganache ensures it sets properly without sliding off.
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Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like sea salt or flavored whipped cream to elevate your dessert experience.
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Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat slices slightly in the microwave before serving for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
While this dump cake is delicious on its own, pair it with these delightful side dishes to create an unforgettable dessert spread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic and creamy, this is a perfect pairing that complements the rich flavors of the dump cake.
- Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the sweetness and richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Mousse – For chocolate lovers, serve alongside silky chocolate mousse for an indulgent experience.
- Caramel Flan – This smooth custard dessert adds another layer of sweetness and texture that works well with your dump cake.
- Nutty Granola – A crunchy nutty granola adds unexpected texture and flavor when sprinkled over each slice.
- Coffee or Espresso – A strong brew can enhance dessert flavors while providing a nice contrast to sweet treats.
- Coconut Whipped Cream – For a dairy-free option, this light topping adds tropical flair while complementing chocolate well.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These can be served as an elegant touch alongside your cake, bringing both beauty and taste to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Skipping the Greasing Step: Always grease your baking dish well. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients.
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Overmixing the Batter: Mix gently until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.
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Neglecting Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the correct temperature is essential for even cooking and the best results.
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Ignoring Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool before adding ganache. This helps the ganache set properly without sliding off.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on low power for 30 seconds increments, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe that you might find helpful:
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! You can substitute with vanilla or red velvet cake mixes for a unique twist on the recipe.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of regular wheat-based mix for a delicious gluten-free option.
What toppings work best with this dump cake?
Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or whipped cream all complement this dessert beautifully!
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake it one day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add ganache right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Its rich layers of chocolate and caramel create an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or even swap flavors in the cake mix. Give it a try, and enjoy every decadent bite!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent pleasure of our Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe! This easy-to-make dessert layers rich chocolate cake with buttery caramel and a glossy ganache topping, making it ideal for any occasion—be it a family dinner or a festive gathering. With minimal preparation required, this one-pan wonder allows you to whip up an irresistible treat without the fuss. Serve it warm, topped with ice cream or fresh berries, for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Dive into this sweet experience today!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (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 Ganache: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks and 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until smooth.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared dish; drizzle with warmed caramel sauce. Spoon the remaining batter over the caramel.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with moist crumbs.
- While baking, heat heavy cream until hot; add chocolate chunks and stir until smooth to make ganache.
- Cool the cake for 10 minutes, pour ganache over top, let set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
