CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CAKE

Caramel Chocolate Cake image

The crowd will cheer when you bring out this masterpiece! A creamy caramel frosting lends old-fashioned flavor to the moist chocolate cake. "This dessert is a hit whenever I serve it," notes Esther Wise of Longmont, Colorado.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup water
1 teaspoon red food coloring, optional
1/2 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
CARAMEL FROSTING:
2 cups packed brown sugar
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
15 pecan halves

Steps:

In a small saucepan, melt chocolate in water. Stir in food coloring if desired. Remove from the heat; cool completely. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream. Add cooled chocolate mixture; beat on medium speed for 1 minute. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, combine the brown sugar, milk, butter and salt in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 234° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat; cool to lukewarm. Transfer to a small bowl; beat in confectioners' sugar, cream and vanilla until mixture achieves spreading consistency. Frost cake. Garnish with pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 506 calories, Fat 18g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 303mg sodium, Carbohydrate 82g carbohydrate (64g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.