If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug but requires almost no effort, then this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining the intense richness of chocolate with the luscious sweetness of caramel, every bite delivers a gooey, comforting experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or need a show-stopping dessert with minimal fuss, this recipe makes it all possible with just a handful of simple ingredients and one baking dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes a dump cake so charming, and each element here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the moist chocolate cake mix that forms the base to the silky caramel sauce that adds richness, these components come together effortlessly to make magic in your oven.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): This acts as the foundation, giving the dessert its moist crumb and luscious chocolate flavor.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 ounces): Poured over the dry mix, it keeps the cake wonderfully moist and adds subtle creaminess.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and helps create a golden, slightly crispy top crust.
- Caramel sauce (1 jar, 12 ounces): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with its luscious, gooey sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Sprinkled on top for pockets of melty chocolate surprise in every bite.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast to the silky textures.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing your baking dish to ensure easy cleanup and perfect edges.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple preparation ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out looking as gorgeous as it tastes.
Step 2: Layer the Caramel Sauce
Pour that golden caramel sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This juicy layer is what gives the cake its signature gooey texture and deep caramel flavor, so be sure to spread it out well.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the caramel layer, resisting the urge to stir. Leaving it dry on top will allow the evaporated milk and butter to infuse the cake as it bakes, creating a perfectly balanced texture.
Step 4: Add Evaporated Milk and Melted Butter
Drizzle the evaporated milk and melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is key because it helps moisten the dry mix and adds richness, resulting in a tender crumb and delicious golden crust.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, chopped pecans or walnuts over the top. These toppings boost the flavor complexity and give each bite a little extra character and crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbly around the edges. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and you’ll know it’s ready when the cake looks golden and slightly crispy on top.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This resting time lets the gooey caramel and chocolate meld together beautifully. For an irresistible touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While the cake is already a star on its own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can create a wonderful salty-sweet contrast. You can also dust with powdered sugar or drizzle extra caramel sauce for that show-stopping effect.
Side Dishes
Pairing the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake with a simple side like fresh berries or a light fruit salad helps balance the richness and adds freshness to the dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Layer the cake with whipped cream or even some crushed cookies for an irresistible parfait twist. You could also add nuts or chocolate chunks for extra texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole or in portions. Wrap well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best experience, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm and gooey again. Add a scoop of ice cream afterward, and it’ll taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk has a creamier texture and richer flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular milk with slightly less quantity. Keep in mind it may affect the moistness of the cake slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe depends on the cake mix you choose; for a gluten-free version, be sure to select a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Can I substitute caramel sauce with something homemade?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully here, just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up at the bottom of the pan and doesn’t run too much.
What nuts work best in this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
Pecans and walnuts add a lovely, buttery crunch that complements the caramel beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite nuts or omit them if you prefer a nut-free dessert.
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare it a day ahead and bake it right before your event for best freshness, or bake it in advance and reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how effortless the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is while delivering such a decadent treat. This dessert is a perfect mix of chocolate and caramel flavors wrapped in a moist, gooey, and slightly crisp package that’s guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. So why not give it a whirl? Your sweet tooth will thank you!
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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
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines rich chocolate cake mix, creamy caramel sauce, and gooey melted butter. Simply layered in a baking dish and baked until bubbly and set, this one-pan treat is perfect for busy days when you want a decadent homemade dessert without the fuss. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel sauce
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Miscellaneous
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Caramel Sauce: Pour the entire jar of caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to cover the base thoroughly.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the caramel sauce layer; do not stir or mix the layers together.
- Drizzle Liquids: Evenly drizzle the can of evaporated milk followed by the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, allowing the liquids to soak through for moistness.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) over the top evenly for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is set and you see bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm alone or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- For an extra gooey texture, swirl some additional caramel sauce into the top of the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat individual portions in the microwave.
