If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This unbelievably easy-to-make treat brings together layers of rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and a buttery, tender crumb—all baked together in one dish. The magic lies in its simplicity: you literally dump the ingredients and let the oven do the work, resulting in a dreamy fusion of gooey and cake-like textures that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try this dessert, it will quickly become your go-to sweet indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the fun part of mixing and baking, let’s talk about the simple ingredients that come together to create this masterpiece. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding rich flavor, a touch of sweetness, or that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll adore.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of this dump cake, bringing deep chocolate flavor and a fluffy texture with ease.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzled on top, it adds a decadent, sticky sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolate.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Helps create a rich, moist crumb while adding a golden finish to the cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides extra creaminess and a luscious, sticky layer that enhances the caramel’s richness.
- Chocolate chips: These pockets of melty chocolate scattered throughout offer bursts of pure chocolate joy.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For a satisfying crunch and a touch of nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and to ensure your cake comes out effortlessly after baking. This important step sets the stage for a perfect crust and easy serving.
Step 2: Layer the cake mix
Pour the entire box of chocolate cake mix into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula, but don’t mix it into a batter—this cake is all about layering and dumping, so keep it simple and flat.
Step 3: Add caramel and sweetened condensed milk
Drizzle the caramel sauce generously all over the surface of the dry cake mix. Then pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly on top. These two ingredients work together to create a rich, gooey middle that turns this dump cake into a luscious dessert.
Step 4: Pour melted butter
Slowly pour the melted butter evenly over the entire dish. This step ensures the cake bakes with a buttery crispness on top and moistness beneath, giving you that irresistible golden crust and tender inside.
Step 5: Sprinkle chocolates and nuts
Top the cake with chocolate chips for extra melty richness, and if you love a little crunch, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top. The nuts add texture and a delightful contrast, but feel free to skip them if you prefer smooth bites.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake your dump cake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be golden and bubbly when it’s ready. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible at this point!
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Give the cake some time to cool slightly before serving. This resting period helps the gooey layers set a bit so your slices hold together beautifully. Serve warm for the best melty experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, try topping each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of sea salt or cocoa powder can also enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors, making every bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add a bright contrast to all that richness. For a cozy night in, a cup of strong coffee or creamy milk is an ideal partner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this dump cake in individual ramekins or jars topped with mini chocolate chips and nuts for a delightful personal treat. Alternatively, layer it with whipped cream and fruit to create a decadent trifle that’s visually stunning and deeply satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy multiple helpings without losing quality.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dessert longer, it freezes beautifully. Cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Warming brings back that melty richness that makes this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is perfect here, you can experiment with yellow or devil’s food cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the rich caramel pairs best with chocolate or darker flavors.
Is it necessary to add nuts?
Nuts are completely optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free dessert. They do add a lovely crunch, but the cake is equally delicious without them.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since this recipe relies on butter, condensed milk, and caramel sauce, which usually contain dairy. However, you can try substituting with vegan butter and dairy-free caramel and condensed milk alternatives to suit your dietary needs.
What is the best way to serve this cake for a crowd?
Use a large 9×13-inch dish and cut into bars for easy serving. You can also transfer individual portions into small bowls or ramekins and garnish them for a visually appealing presentation.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a bubbly top. The center should be set but still moist. If you insert a toothpick in the middle, it might come out a little gooey due to the caramel, which is a good sign that your cake is perfectly gooey and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how effortless and wonderful the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is. It’s a dessert that’s quick enough for any night yet decadent enough to impress anyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, a simple and quick dessert that layers chocolate cake mix with luscious caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate chips, all baked to perfection for a moist, decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cake Mix: Pour the chocolate cake mix into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to form a flat, consistent base.
- Add Caramel and Condensed Milk: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cake mix, then pour the sweetened condensed milk on top, ensuring full coverage for that luscious, gooey center.
- Butter Layer: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface, which will help the cake bake moist and create a delightful crust.
- Top with Chocolate and Nuts: Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top, and if desired, add chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool slightly to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the cake.
- Nuts are optional but add a pleasant crunch and contrast to the gooey texture.
- Allow the cake to cool briefly before serving to prevent the caramel from being too runny.
- For a festive touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
