Family Fun For Valentine's Day:Chocolate Caramel Cakes

Family Fun For Valentine’s Day

We celebrated the sweetest holiday this past weekend with our kids this year enjoying some quality family time and laughter. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful celebration of love to be shared with your family. Our day started off with some warm Poppyseed Muffins for breakfast and we decided to take the kids to Nevada City for the Mardi Gras Festival and the Parade. The day started off a little cloudy and cool but as the day moved on, it was perfect weather for a Mardi Gras parade.

Local vendors displayed their creations and a vast array of beads. Kids of all ages were excited to be dressed with beads around their necks.

The kids along with many other local residents sat anxiously awaiting the parade to come marching down Broad Street in Nevada City.

After the parade we settled back home and had a great dinner that included Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread and for dessert, I made Chocolate Caramel Cakes. These were simple and delicious and were made in the microwave in 5 minutes. That’s what I call a real time saving dessert!

Chocolate Caramel Cakes

Ingredients:

Cakes:

3/4 cup candied walnuts, divided

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup sour cream

1 egg

1 package chocolate cake mix

Sauce:

1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Directions:

Spray six (1-cup) Prep Bowls with vegetable oil; blot out excess. Set aside. Place walnuts in a small bowl and microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside 6 walnut pieces for garnish (optional).

Combine chocolate morsels and oil in batter bowl. Microwave 30-60 seconds or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Add sour cream and egg; whisk until smooth. Grate remaining walnuts into batter bowl using a grater. Add the cake mix and mix until combined.

Divide the batter among bowl. Place bowls in the microwave in a circle. Microwave on HIGH 4-5 minutes or until wooden tooth pick comes out clean. (Top of cakes will appear wet.) Carefully removes cakes from microwave. Invert cakes on a cutting board or cookie sheet; leave cakes to cool approximately 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine caramel ice cream topping and chocolate morsels in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30-45 seconds or until melted and smooth. (Microwave times vary, so keep an eye on it.) Place cakes onto plates; top with sauce and one reserved walnut.

These decadent cakes have a rich flavor. you may also serve with fresh raspberries or vanilla ice cream.

*Recipe Note: Pecans may be used in place of walnuts.

As always, my quick and easy recipes for Busy Moms can be found on my website Noel’s Kitchen Tips.

Would you like to join our Family Cooking Club? Share recipes and tips with others? Join the Family Meals Matter Cooking Club on Facebook.

Hope your Valentine’s Day was a fun and sweet memorable day.

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