Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with buttery caramel and a luscious ganache topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a sweet indulgence at home. With its simple assembly and irresistible flavors, it will surely impress your friends and family.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cake:
• For the Ganache:
• Optional Toppings:
• How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
• Step 2: Layer the Caramel
• Step 3: Bake to Perfection
• Step 4: Make the Ganache
• Step 5: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• A La Mode
• With Whipped Cream
• Drizzled with Extra Caramel
• Topped with Chopped Nuts
• Served in Individual Portions
• Garnished with Chocolate Shavings
• How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is a Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
• Can I customize my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
• How do I store leftovers of my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake?
• What toppings can I use for my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert in no time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in; this dump cake fits any occasion beautifully.
• Decadent Toppings: Customizable with toppings like chocolate shavings or nuts, making each serving unique.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With twelve generous servings, it’s great for sharing with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for even baking and allows for generous portions.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk or electric mixer: These tools make mixing the batter quick and easy.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for heating the cream when making ganache.

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 your 9×13-inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 2: Layer the Caramel

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Warm your caramel sauce slightly in the microwave. Drizzle it evenly over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading it lightly to cover.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

While your cake is baking, heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the warm cream and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once baked, allow your cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Pour the warm ganache over the top of your cake and spread it evenly. If desired, add toppings like chocolate shavings or chopped nuts. Let everything set for 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Enjoy your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe!

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Serving your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful experience that enhances its rich flavors. Whether it’s for a gathering or a cozy night in, there are many ways to present this decadent dessert.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the chocolate and caramel.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly dollop whipped cream over each slice to add extra sweetness and a fluffy texture that complements the cake.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• For an even richer taste, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the warm cake before serving. This makes each bite indulgent.

Topped with Chopped Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for added crunch and flavor depth. This also enhances the visual appeal.

Served in Individual Portions

• For special occasions, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins. This adds elegance and makes it easy for guests to enjoy.

Garnished with Chocolate Shavings

• Finish each serving with chocolate shavings to elevate the dessert’s presentation and add an extra touch of chocolate flavor.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

To ensure your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined for a light texture; overmixing can lead to denser cake.
• Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for consistent results.
• Experiment with toppings – Feel free to try different toppings such as fresh berries or flavored whipped cream for unique variations.
• Let it cool slightly – Allow the cake to cool before serving so the ganache sets properly, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator; reheat slices gently in the microwave for a warm treat later.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dump cake.
2. Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness of coffee balances out the sweetness of the dessert, making it a perfect pairing.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can offer a savory element that offsets the sweetness of the cake nicely.
4. Chai Tea – The warming spices in chai tea complement chocolate well, offering comforting flavors with every sip.
5. Vanilla Yogurt – A dollop of vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess, enhancing each bite without overwhelming sweetness.
6. Chocolate Mousse – For chocolate lovers, pairing this dish with airy chocolate mousse creates an indulgent experience.
7. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats provide textural contrast while echoing sweet flavor notes found in the dump cake.
8. Pecan Pie Bars – If you crave more sweetness, pecan pie bars bring nutty flavors that work beautifully alongside chocolate desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) before you begin.
• Ignoring Ingredient Temperatures: Using cold eggs or milk can affect the batter’s consistency. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Inaccurate measurements can throw off the recipe. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts.
• Overbaking the Cake: Baking for too long can dry out the cake. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.

Freezing Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• • Containers: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

• • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat for 15-20 minutes.
• • Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• • Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to warm slices gently without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?

A Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a simple dessert that layers chocolate cake mix with caramel sauce and is topped with ganache.

Can I customize my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different flavored sauces for variety.

How do I store leftovers of my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

What toppings can I use for my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake?

You can top it with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or even whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its simple preparation allows you to adapt it easily by adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Give it a try; this dessert is sure to become a go-to favorite!