Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 package of instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar of caramel sauce
- 1 container of whipped topping
- 1 package of chocolate sandwich cookies
- 1/2 cup of butter, melted
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and bake it in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. While the cake is baking, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cookie crumbs for garnish.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until it thickens.
5. In another mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce.
6. Once the cake is done baking, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
7. Pour the caramel mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
8. Spread the chocolate pudding mixture over the caramel layer.
9. Sprinkle the crushed cookies over the pudding layer.
10. Pour the melted butter over the cookie layer.
11. Bake the cake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cookie layer is golden brown.
12. Let the cake cool completely.
13. Spread the whipped topping over the cooled cake.
14. Sprinkle the reserved cookie crumbs over the whipped topping.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 12-16 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 370
Total fat: 16g
Saturated fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total carbohydrates: 52g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 38g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of chocolate cake mix, you can use vanilla or yellow cake mix.
- Instead of chocolate sandwich cookies, you can use Oreo cookies or graham crackers.
- Instead of caramel sauce, you can use butterscotch sauce or chocolate sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie layer for added crunch.
- Use different flavors of pudding mix, such as vanilla or butterscotch.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the caramel and pudding layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to poke enough holes in the cake so that the caramel mixture can seep into the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped topping to prevent it from melting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a platter or cake stand, and sprinkle the reserved cookie crumbs over the whipped topping for a decorative touch.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle additional crushed cookies or drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Suggested side dishes:
This cake is rich and decadent on its own, but you can serve it with fresh fruit or a light salad to balance out the sweetness.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookie layer is not browning evenly, rotate the baking dish halfway through baking.
- If the cake is too dry, poke more holes in the cake before adding the caramel mixture.
- If the whipped topping is melting, make sure the cake is completely cooled before adding it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store the cake in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Food history:
Dirt cake is a popular dessert in the United States, especially at children's birthday parties. It is typically made with chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and gummy worms to resemble dirt.
Flavor profiles:
This cake is rich and indulgent, with layers of chocolate cake, caramel, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. The cookie layer adds a crunchy texture to the cake.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this cake as a dessert for a special occasion or potluck. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Rich, Caramelized, Nutty