If you’re craving a dessert that’s unbelievably easy yet irresistibly decadent, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With layers of rich chocolate cake mix, luscious caramel sauce, and melted butter tossed together in one pan, it creates a perfect combo of gooey sweetness and cakey texture without any fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this dessert promises a heavenly bite every time, capturing the joy of homemade baking with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in crafting its signature taste and texture. From the chocolate cake mix to the sweetened condensed milk, every element combines to bring balance between richness, sweetness, and softness.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of the cake that provides a moist, chocolaty foundation with ease.
- Caramel sauce: Adds a buttery sweetness and gooey texture that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake mix bakes into a tender, golden crust and keeps it moist.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Infuses velvety creaminess and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
- Chocolate chips: For pockets of melted chocolate that add bursts of richness with every bite.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Provide a crunchy contrast and an extra layer of flavor if you like a bit of texture.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This step might sound basic, but it ensures your dessert will slide out beautifully once baked, making serving a joy instead of a mess.
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Pour the chocolate cake mix directly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so you get a uniform layer that bakes consistently. No mixing bowls required, making this recipe delightfully simple.
Step 3: Drizzle with Caramel and Condensed Milk
Next, pour the caramel sauce and the sweetened condensed milk right over the dry cake mix. These two ingredients meld together during baking to create a luscious, sticky layer that melts into the cake, giving every forkful a sweet, creamy surprise.
Step 4: Add Melted Butter
Evenly pour the melted unsalted butter over the entire surface. The butter helps the cake mix cook into a crisp yet tender crumb on top, balancing the gooeyness beneath it perfectly.
Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Sprinkle the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts over the top. The chocolate chips melt into little pockets of rich chocolate, while the nuts bring added crunch and flavor complexity for those who choose to include them.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn golden and the caramel is bubbling up softly around the sides. The aroma alone will have you ready to dig in immediately.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Give the cake a little time to cool so the layers settle and the gooey caramel becomes just the right consistency. Serving it warm lets all the flavors shine, but a little cooling time helps with clean slices.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already divine dessert, consider topping each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel’s richness, and a few fresh berries can add a refreshing balance of tartness and color.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For more festive occasions, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light citrus sorbet to contrast the cake’s deep sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, making it perfect for easy portion control and a charming presentation. You can also add layers by alternating cake and caramel sauce in a trifle dish for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake with plastic wrap or move it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This will bring back the soft, gooey texture and delicious aroma that make this recipe such a treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate enhances the caramel perfectly in this recipe, you can try yellow, spice, or even fudge cake mixes for interesting flavor variations that still work beautifully.
Do I have to add nuts?
Not at all. The nuts add texture and a slight crunch, but the cake is delicious without them. Feel free to omit or replace with your favorite nuts or seeds based on preference or allergies.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, thanks to the caramel and sweetened condensed milk, but the chocolate balances it out nicely. Serving it with a lightly sweetened whipped cream or fresh berries can help balance the sweetness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The simplicity of the dump cake makes it easily adaptable for dietary needs.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover cake tastes fantastic warmed with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. You can also crumble it over yogurt or pudding for a quick and indulgent snack.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that becomes an instant favorite, thanks to its incredible ease and crowd-pleasing flavors. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, share it with friends, and watch how quickly it disappears!
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
This indulgent Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a luscious, easy-to-make dessert perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Layered with rich chocolate cake mix, gooey caramel sauce, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and topped with melted butter, chocolate chips, and optional nuts, this dump cake bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a quick recipe that requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for casual gatherings or a simple family treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Cake Mix: Pour the entire chocolate cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
- Add Sauces: Drizzle the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake mix. These add moisture and a rich, sweet flavor that melds perfectly with the chocolate.
- Butter Layer: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface to help the cake bake with a moist, tender crumb and create those signature crispy edges.
- Sprinkle Toppings: Evenly sprinkle chocolate chips and, if using, chopped nuts across the top to add texture and enhanced flavor to the finished dessert.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the batter is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier and less messy. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a different flavor twist.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Ensure not to overbake; the cake should be bubbly and set but still moist.
