Caramel mud cake Recipe
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If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug all wrapped up in a slice, then the Caramel mud cake is absolutely what you need in your life. This indulgent cake balances rich caramel sweetness with the moist, dense texture of a classic mud cake, creating a perfect harmony that melts in your mouth and keeps you reaching for just one more bite. With its luscious caramel ganache icing and a drizzle of golden caramel sauce, it’s a show-stopping treat that’s as comforting as it is decadent, making every occasion special or just a cozy night in extra memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Caramel mud cake lies in how simple, wholesome ingredients come together in perfect harmony. Each plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that ensures richness, to the brown sugar that deepens the caramel flavor, creating that irresistible moist crumb you’re after.
- Unsalted butter (250g): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cake beautifully moist.
- Thickened cream (100ml + 200ml for icing): Adds luscious smoothness to both the batter and ganache.
- Caramel Top ‘n Fill (395g can): Intensely sweetens and flavors the cake with authentic caramel goodness.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup firmly packed): Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances the caramel notes.
- Caramilk or white chocolate (300g + 300g for icing): Infuses a creamy, caramelized chocolate richness throughout the cake and icing.
- Eggs (3, lightly whisked): Bind the ingredients and lend structure to the cake.
- Self-raising flour (1 1/4 cups): Ensures the cake rises just enough while keeping it tender.
- Plain flour (1 cup): Adds to the perfect texture by balancing the flour blend.
- Butter (50g for icing): Makes the ganache luxuriously smooth and glossy.
- Caramel sauce (to drizzle): A finishing touch that adds extra gooey caramel bursts.
How to Make Caramel mud cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
The perfect Caramel mud cake starts with the right setup. Preheat your oven to 150°C to ensure even, gentle baking. Grease a 22cm cake tin and line both the base and sides with baking paper—this step helps your cake to come out cleanly without sticking, preserving those beautiful edges.
Step 2: Melt and Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt together your unsalted butter, thickened cream, caramel Top ‘n Fill, brown sugar, and Caramilk (or white chocolate). Stir continuously until everything is melted and melded into a smooth, glossy mixture that smells irresistibly sweet and creamy. Then, set this aside to cool slightly; this cooling prevents the eggs from scrambling in the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flour
Once your caramel chocolate mixture has cooled, whisk in the lightly beaten eggs one at a time, folding gently but thoroughly. Next, sift the self-raising and plain flours to keep your batter light and lump-free, then carefully fold them through the wet mix. This ensures your Caramel mud cake has that signature tender, velvety texture you’ll love.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered, then tent the cake loosely with foil to prevent it browning too much, and bake for another 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer inserted near the center comes out almost clean, leaving just a hint of gooeyness that guarantees moistness.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare the Ganache Icing
Allow your cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, prepare the luscious caramel ganache icing by melting chopped Caramilk or white chocolate, thickened cream, and butter together in the microwave. Stir this mixture until smooth, chill until firm, then whisk until pale and fluffy—that’s the magic touch.
Step 6: Finish with Icing and Caramel Drizzle
Spread the fluffy ganache over your cooled cake with a spatula, covering every inch with that creamy caramel goodness. Don’t forget to drizzle the top with extra caramel sauce to add that final irresistible glossy touch that makes this Caramel mud cake absolutely unforgettable.
How to Serve Caramel mud cake

Garnishes
Enhance your Caramel mud cake’s appeal with simple yet elegant garnishes like toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness perfectly. Fresh berries or edible flowers can add a pop of color and fresh brightness, balancing the richness visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with rich vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of salted caramel gelato for those who want to double down on caramel flavors. A cup of strong espresso or a smooth cup of black tea also complements the sweetness by cleansing the palate between decadent bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Caramel mud cake into small squares and stacking them to serve as petite layered bites at a party or drizzle caramel sauce in an artful zigzag across each plate for a dramatic effect. For a brunch twist, serve a slightly warm slice alongside fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Caramel mud cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in cling film and storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the ganache smooth without losing any of that luscious caramel flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your delicious Caramel mud cake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled cake carefully in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to life, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This takes the chill off and softens the ganache icing, making your Caramel mud cake delightfully gooey again, as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk chocolate instead of Caramilk?
While regular milk chocolate can work in a pinch, Caramilk brings a uniquely creamy caramel flavor that’s essential to the authentic Caramel mud cake experience, so it’s worth using if you can find it.
Why is the cake called a “mud cake”?
The term “mud cake” refers to its dense and moist texture that resembles slightly wet mud, giving the cake a rich, fudgy bite that’s much loved in caramel and chocolate cake lovers’ circles.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the self-raising and plain flours with a gluten-free baking blend of equal quantity. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too, and adjust baking times slightly if needed.
How long does it take to make this cake from start to finish?
This Caramel mud cake takes about 1 hour 15 minutes including baking and cooling, plus extra time for preparing and chilling the icing.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The cake’s sweet caramel chocolate flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike. Just keep in mind there are eggs in the recipe, so ensure it’s baked thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of slicing into a Caramel mud cake and savoring that perfect blend of rich caramel and moist, chocolatey crumb. Whether it’s a weekend treat or the centerpiece of a special celebration, this cake always delivers happiness on a plate. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with this luscious, comforting dessert that will quickly become your new favorite!
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PrintCaramel mud cake Recipe
Indulge in this rich and decadent Caramel Mud Cake, a luscious dessert combining smooth caramel, creamy chocolate, and a moist, fluffy cake base topped with a silky caramel ganache. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter
- 100ml thickened cream
- 395g can caramel Top ‘n Fill
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 300g Caramilk or white chocolate
- 3 eggs, lightly whisked
- 1 1/4 cup self-raising flour
- 1 cup plain flour
Caramel Ganache Icing
- 300g Caramilk or white chocolate, finely chopped
- 200ml thickened cream
- 50g butter
- Caramel sauce, to drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 150°C and grease a 22cm cake tin. Line the base and sides with baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, thickened cream, caramel Top ‘n Fill, brown sugar, and chocolate together. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Then set aside to cool slightly.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Whisk the lightly beaten eggs into the cooled mixture. Sift the self-raising flour and plain flour, then gently fold these through the caramel mixture to combine without deflating the air in the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Bake for 30 minutes then loosely cover with foil. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out almost clean, indicating the cake is baked through.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Ganache Icing: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the finely chopped chocolate, thickened cream, and butter together in 60-90 second bursts. Stir well until smooth and fully combined. Refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour, or until cold.
- Whisk Ganache: Once chilled, whisk the ganache until it becomes pale and fluffy, perfect for spreading.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the whipped ganache evenly over the cooled cake and drizzle generously with caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Use Caramilk chocolate for a sweeter, caramel flavor; white chocolate can be substituted for a milder taste.
- Ensure the batter is not too hot when adding eggs to prevent cooking them.
- Covering the cake with foil during baking prevents over-browning while allowing the inside to cook thoroughly.
- Refrigerate ganache to firm it up before whipping for best texture.
- Store the finished cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: caramel mud cake, caramel cake, chocolate caramel cake, ganache icing, dessert recipe, baked caramel cake