German Caramel Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: German

German Caramel Cake features rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy walnuts, making it an indulgent dessert perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or when craving something sweet.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 12 oz. bag caramels
  • 3/4 cup margarine
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Mix the cake according to the directions on the box of cake mix.
  2. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting butter for margarine. If you want to reduce sweetness, use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. To make the caramel layer easier to work with, melt the caramels with evaporated milk over low heat before adding to the cake. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the German Caramel Cake warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. This cake also complements Jiffy Basic Sweet Dough for a delightful dessert combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm. Avoid reheating the entire cake, as it may dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Caramel Cake contains roughly 1698 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1698 kcal 85% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21g 42% DV
Total Fat 135.2g 100% DV
Carbs 113.8g 41% DV
Fiber 10.3g 37% DV
Sugar 72.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1010mg 44% DV
Potassium 727mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 39.5mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 57.1mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.6mcg 3% DV
Calcium 356.9mg 27% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the German chocolate cake mix with a vanilla or chocolate cake mix. However, this will change the flavor profile of the cake. Just ensure that any adjustments to baking time are made for the specific cake mix used.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness. If you're layering it with caramel, wait until just before serving to add the topping to ensure the cake stays moist.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the German chocolate cake mix. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including chocolate chips and caramels, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →