Imagine the ultimate easy dessert that brings together gooey caramel, velvety chocolate, and just a tiny hint of crunch, all with barely any prep. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake! This wildly popular treat is the definition of effortless indulgence: you simply layer up simple ingredients, pop them in the oven, and end up with a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth cake that’s as impressive at potlucks as it is for a lazy Sunday sweet fix. If you love the pairing of rich chocolate and sumptuous caramel, prepare for your new go-to easy dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake recipe has a delicious job to do—from bringing gooeyness to ensuring a perfectly chocolatey bite. Even with so few components, each one offers an essential touch to the taste, texture, or captivating look of the finished cake.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of all that fudgy goodness, it delivers chocolate flavor with zero fuss.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and helps the cake become lusciously moist—don’t swap it for regular milk!
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and helps form that irresistible buttery topping.
- Caramel sauce: Provides sweet, gooey ribbons of caramel throughout (use your favorite jarred version for ease).
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of extra chocolate = absolute necessity!
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Lend a little texture and a toasty flavor boost if you like a bit of crunch.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures you get every last bite out of the pan (no cake left behind).
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this step is crucial so all those gooey caramel bits don’t stick, and your cake slices easily when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Layer on the Caramel
Pour the whole jar of caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Give yourself permission not to fuss: you don’t need to spread it perfectly smooth, just make sure most of the bottom is covered for gooeyness in every bite.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take your box of chocolate cake mix (just the dry mix!) and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer. Here’s the magic of a dump cake: do not stir. The cake mix forms the foundation for that heavenly molten crumbly topping.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Drizzle the evaporated milk and then the melted butter evenly on top of the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible so everything bakes up moist and golden around the edges.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Sprinkle over your chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) so every forkful has a surprise texture and flavor. Whether you go for decadent all-chocolate or add some nutty crunch, it’s hard to go wrong.
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top looks set and you see bubbling goodness around the edges. If you love extra caramel, swirl a little more on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it cool just slightly before serving—the center will be warm and perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Garnishes
This cake is fantastic all on its own, but a few creative garnishes will make every slice feel special. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic, melting into the warm chocolate swirls. Try a dollop of whipped cream, extra chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of even more caramel for over-the-top decadence.
Side Dishes
With its rich flavors, Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake shines as dessert, but a fruit salad brightens and cuts through the sweetness. If you want a full dessert spread, offer some fresh berries or a crisp cup of coffee on the side to balance every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars for a rustic touch. You can also cut the cooled cake into neat squares, stack them, and drizzle with extra caramel for a striking centerpiece. If you’re feeling whimsical, top each serving with a tiny pinch of flaked sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake tightly and keep it in the refrigerator—it’ll stay fresh and gooey for up to 4 days. The flavors honestly just get deeper and more delicious after a little time together!
Freezing
If you want to stash away an extra helping, you can freeze this cake in airtight containers for up to 2 months. For best results, slice it into portions before freezing so you can thaw only what you need!
Reheating
For that warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience, reheat individual slices of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. If you’re warming up a larger batch, pop the baking dish (covered) in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of jarred?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel sauce recipe, feel free to use it for a truly personal touch. Just aim for about 12 ounces so the proportions stay just right.
Is it possible to substitute the chocolate cake mix for another flavor?
Yes, you can experiment! Try German chocolate, devil’s food, or even a fudge brownie mix for slight variations in flavor and richness, though chocolate is always a classic with caramel.
Can Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be sure to double-check that all your other ingredients (like chocolate chips and caramel sauce) are certified gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to get neat slices?
Let the cake cool slightly so it sets a bit before slicing, and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. For those gloriously gooey pieces, serve with a spatula for a rustic look—it’s all part of the charm!
Can I add extra mix-ins?
Definitely! Try mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips, or even toffee bits for fun twists. Just make sure not to overload the surface so everything bakes up evenly.
Final Thoughts
It’s incredible how such a simple recipe can deliver layers of flavor and comfort! If you’ve never tried Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, let this be your invitation to grab a box mix and whip one up tonight—you’ll be amazed at the crowd-pleasing magic you can create with minimal effort. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and gooey delight of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. This easy-to-make dessert features layers of chocolate cake mix, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips for a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Toppings:
- 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel sauce
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour caramel sauce into the dish.
- Add Layers: Sprinkle dry cake mix over the caramel. Drizzle with milk and butter. Top with chocolate chips and nuts.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For extra gooeyness, swirl extra caramel during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
