Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of rich chocolate cake batter and gooey caramel sauce, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert combines gooey caramel, moist chocolate cake, and creamy ganache to satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Caramel: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Warm the caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle, then drizzle it evenly over the batter layer. Gently spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading lightly to cover the caramel.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Make the Ganache: While the cake is baking, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips to the hot cream and let stand for 1 minute. Then, stir the mixture until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cake has baked, let it cool for 10 minutes. Pour the warm ganache evenly over the top of the cake. Add chocolate shavings or chopped nuts/toffee bits as desired. Let the ganache set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra texture and crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or toffee bits over the caramel layer before adding the remaining cake batter.
- Ensure the ganache is warm when poured so it spreads easily and sets into a smooth topping.
- If caramel sauce is too thick, warm it gently to allow for easier drizzling.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk if preferred, though whole milk gives a richer texture.
- Use a toothpick test to avoid overbaking; the center should be moist but not raw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
