Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with luscious caramel and creamy ganache. It’s perfect for when you want a homemade treat without the fuss of complicated baking steps.
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
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Step 3: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
- Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean but with moist crumbs.
- Step 5: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chunks and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before pouring the ganache over the top. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts between the layers before baking.
- Use salted caramel sauce if you prefer a sweet-salty flavor contrast.
- Substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate chunks according to your taste.
- If you want a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half in the ganache.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the ganache and cake without drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with other flavors like devil’s food or mocha to create different variations, but chocolate pairs best with the caramel and ganache.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Including sour cream in the batter helps keep the cake tender and moist. Also, avoid overbaking by checking the cake toward the end of the baking time.
Print
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a luscious, easy-to-make dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with gooey caramel sauce and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it requires minimal prep time and yields a moist, decadent treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 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
Filling & Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix cake batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream. Whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Layer the batter and caramel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Warm the caramel sauce slightly to make it more fluid and drizzle it evenly over the batter. Then, carefully spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare ganache: While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling, typically about 30-45 seconds. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the hot cream and stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Cool and top: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly. Pour the warm ganache evenly over the top and spread it gently. Let the cake sit to allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use good quality caramel sauce and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Allowing the batter to lightly settle after pouring caramel helps achieve distinct layers.
- You can prepare the ganache earlier and gently reheat before pouring if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To serve, warm slices slightly to soften the ganache for a more luxurious texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate caramel dump cake, easy chocolate cake, caramel dessert, chocolate ganache cake, simple dump cake recipe
