Chocolate and Caramel Cream Layered Dessert

Introduction

This decadent layered dessert combines rich chocolate cake, creamy caramel filling, and a glossy chocolate topping. With its striking design and luxurious flavor, this treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging your sweet tooth. A dessert that’s both visually stunning and easy to assemble, it can be made in advance, making it ideal for celebrations or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

For Decoration:

• White icing or melted white chocolate for the swirl pattern

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool completely, then cut each cake horizontally to create four thin layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Filling

1. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is creamy.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert

1. Place one cake layer in the bottom of a glass dish or serving platter.
2. Spread a generous layer of caramel filling over the cake layer.
3. Repeat the process with the remaining cake layers and caramel filling.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
5. Use white icing or melted white chocolate to create the swirl pattern on top by piping lines and dragging a toothpick through them for the desired effect.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to set.
2. Slice and serve chilled.

Methods to Prepare Chocolate Caramel Layered Dessert

1. Preparing the Chocolate Cake Base

• Method:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare a simple chocolate cake batter using flour, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and baking powder.
• Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing into thin layers.

2. Making the Caramel Cream Layer

• Method:
• In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese, and whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
• Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce for added richness and mix thoroughly.
• Chill the mixture in the refrigerator to set.

3. Preparing the Chocolate Ganache

• Method:
• Heat heavy cream over medium heat until just below boiling.
• Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
• Whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy, creating a rich ganache. Let it cool slightly.

4. Assembling the Layers

• Method:
• In a glass or transparent dish, start with a layer of the chocolate cake slices.
• Spread a thick layer of the caramel cream evenly over the cake.
• Repeat the layering process, alternating between cake and cream until the dish is filled.
• Finish with a smooth layer of chocolate ganache on top.

5. Decorating the Top Layer

• Method:
• Use a piping bag filled with whipped cream or white chocolate to create decorative patterns on the ganache layer.
• You can make a zigzag pattern and drag a toothpick through it to achieve a spider-web effect.

6. Chilling and Serving

• Method:
• Cover the dish with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve chilled, using a spatula to cut and lift portions from the dish.

This dessert’s layering method ensures an impressive visual appeal and a harmonious combination of flavors and textures!

Enjoy.