Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and creamy ganache. Perfect for any occasion, it offers layers of flavor with minimal effort—just mix, drizzle, and bake!
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 smooth.
- Step 3: Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it evenly over the batter. Then, spread the remaining batter on top.
- Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with moist crumbs.
- Step 5: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add the chocolate chunks and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before pouring the ganache on top. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or add a pinch of sea salt to the drizzle.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and lighter texture.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between the batter layers for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a fudgier cake, reduce the baking time by 5-7 minutes but check doneness carefully.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Ganache topping can firm up when chilled but will soften again when warmed.
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, but avoid mixes that require frosting as this recipe replaces frosting with caramel and ganache.
Is it necessary to warm the caramel sauce before adding?
Warming the caramel sauce makes it easier to drizzle evenly over the batter and helps it incorporate better during baking for a gooey texture.
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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an effortless, indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with luscious caramel and a silky chocolate ganache topping. A perfect treat for chocolate and caramel lovers, this moist cake requires minimal preparation and bakes to a decadent delight that’s perfect 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 and Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until the batter is smooth and consistent without lumps.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it evenly over this first layer of batter. Then, carefully spoon or pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer, creating a layered effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with moist crumbs attached. This ensures the cake is fully baked but remains moist.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: While the cake is baking or cooling, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the hot cream and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Cool and Finish: Allow the baked cake to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cake. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving to achieve a beautiful finish and rich flavor.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the cake after the ganache has set.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel if preferred.
- Use high-quality chocolate chunks for a richer ganache flavor.
- Sour cream adds moisture and tang—do not omit for best texture.
- Make sure the caramel sauce is warm but not hot to prevent mixing too much with the batter during layering.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate caramel cake, dump cake, easy chocolate dessert, caramel chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake, layered cake recipe
