Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines rich chocolate with sweet caramel in a simple, no-fuss recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it comes together quickly and delivers irresistible flavor with minimal effort.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the batter, then spoon the remaining batter on top.
- Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 5: While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chunks until smooth to make the ganache.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes, then pour the ganache evenly over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use salted caramel sauce if you prefer a contrast of sweet and salty flavors.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding the remaining batter.
- If you want a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free butter.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until soft and gooey. Ganache may firm up when chilled but melts nicely upon reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer. Just ensure the quantity is similar so the batter consistency stays the same.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?
You can substitute with dulce de leche or a thick butterscotch sauce for a similar sweet layer. Homemade caramel from sugar and cream works well too.
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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake combines rich chocolate cake mix with luscious caramel sauce and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dessert offers a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel flavors, baked into a moist and tender cake that’s ideal for any special occasion or sweet craving.
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
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: 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, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, and melted butter until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Layer Batter and Caramel: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over this first layer. Then, spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading gently for even coverage.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Prepare Ganache: While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until hot but not boiling. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the hot cream and stir until the chocolate fully melts into a smooth and glossy ganache.
- Cool and Top Cake: Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. Pour the prepared chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the warm cake for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the heavy cream is hot but not boiling to avoid seizing the chocolate when making ganache.
- Letting the cake cool before adding ganache prevents it from soaking through completely, maintaining a nice texture.
- You can customize this dump cake by adding nuts or sea salt on top for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce and chocolate for the best taste experience.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate caramel dump cake, easy chocolate cake recipe, caramel chocolate dessert, ganache topping, dump cake recipe
