Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort dessert: Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. Imagine layers of rich chocolate, ooey-gooey caramel, and buttery cake—all coming together in minutes with nearly effortless prep. This cake is as magical as it sounds: decadent enough for special occasions, yet so causal and easy that it’s perfect for a laid-back weeknight treat. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a sweet midnight snack, this cake is all about indulgence, simplicity, and sharing smiles over every fluffy, caramel-drizzled bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a wonderful showcase of simple, store-bought staples that magically transform when baked together. Each ingredient plays a starring role—bringing richness, sweetness, and that irresistible, gooey texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Chocolate cake mix: Your shortcut to deep, chocolatey flavor and the signature soft crumb of this dump cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adds moistness and a creamy sweetness that becomes luxuriously fudgy as it bakes.
- Unsalted butter: Sliced and placed on top, it melts into the cake mix, ensuring every bite is perfectly tender and buttery.
- Caramel topping: Brings the gooey, luscious caramel layer that oozes through the cake.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of rich chocolate that balance out all the sweetness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a crunch and a nutty twist, sprinkle these over the top before baking.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent any sticky, caramel goodness from clinging to the sides. This simple step ensures your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake comes out of the pan with ease and keeps those beautiful layers intact.
Step 2: Spread the Base Layer
Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the pan and use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the bottom. This becomes the decadent foundation that makes the cake incredibly moist, almost like a fudge brownie but even richer.
Step 3: Layer in the Caramel and Chocolate
Next, drizzle the entire can of caramel topping over the sweetened condensed milk. Gently spread it, but don’t worry if it mixes or ripples together—those swirls are what make each square special. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips on top, tucking them into corners for pockets of melty chocolate.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix straight from the box over the layers, covering all the caramel and chocolate chips below. It’s important not to mix! Dot the surface evenly with slices of unsalted butter. As the cake bakes, the butter will seep down, turning the mix into a soft, almost brownie-like topping.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden and bubbly, with little rivers of caramel peeking through. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly, so it sets just enough to scoop but stays warm, gooey, and dreamy. If you love nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle pecans or walnuts, or give it a fancy drizzle of extra caramel.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Garnishes
A warm scoop of this cake loves a little flair. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, or an extra swirl of caramel sauce right before serving for that over-the-top finish. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns every serving into an experience.
Side Dishes
While this dessert truly steals the show on its own, pairing it with a cup of bold espresso or hot coffee helps balance the sweetness and makes each bite taste even more decadent. If you’re serving a crowd, simple fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad can be a bright, tart contrast alongside your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For something playful, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars at your next gathering. Alternatively, take it over the top by building a trifle—layering cubes of cake, whipped cream, and extra caramel in a clear glass bowl for a jaw-dropping centerpiece. Or, keep it classic and bake, serve, and scoop straight from the pan for the ultimate comfort food presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. The layers stay moist and gooey, making each chilled slice a delicious treat in its own right.
Freezing
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake freezes beautifully! Cool completely, slice, and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or pop them straight into the microwave for a quick fix.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire pan in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes. The caramel will get gooey again, and the chocolate chips will soften just right.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a boxed one?
Absolutely! Swap in two cups of your favorite homemade chocolate cake mix or dry ingredients; just make sure there’s baking powder and sugar included for the best rise and sweetness. The results are just as delicious and allow for a personal touch.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you more control over the cake’s flavor, but if salted is all you have on hand, it works in a pinch. Just expect a slightly more pronounced salty-sweet flavor combination, which many folks actually love in desserts like Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped toffee bars, white chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt are all fun ways to personalize the cake. Just keep the main ratios the same and let your sweet tooth guide you.
Do I need to mix the layers together before baking?
No need to stir—letting the layers bake as they are is the secret behind those distinctive pockets of caramel, chocolate, and moist cake. Resist the urge to mix; trust the process for the best Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake texture.
Can I use a different pan size?
A 9×13-inch pan gives you the perfect thickness and gooey middle, but you can use two 8×8 pans or even a deep dish for a thicker cake. Just keep an eye on the baking time; cakes in smaller pans might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s lazy-baker friendly but packed with glorious flavors, you can’t go wrong with Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. There’s something so satisfying about scooping into those warm, melty layers and sharing it with loved ones. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite in your dessert lineup!