If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your family and friends without requiring hours of fuss, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine layers of luscious caramel sauce, rich chocolate cake mix, and melty butter coming together effortlessly in one dish to create a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and decadent, and what’s best, it’s so simple to prepare—no mixing bowls or electric mixers needed! Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to for quick celebrations or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in creating that perfect texture and flavor combination. Simple, pantry-friendly items come together to deliver a dessert that feels luxurious and indulgent.
- Devil’s food or chocolate fudge cake mix: This provides the rich and chocolatey base that makes the cake deeply satisfying.
- Thick caramel sauce (about 1 cup): Adds a gooey sweetness that melts into the cake while baking for that signature caramel touch.
- Evaporated milk (1 cup): Moisturizes the dry cake mix as it bakes, creating a tender crumb without lumps or extra effort.
- Unsalted butter, sliced (1/2 cup): Melts slowly throughout the cake to give a buttery richness and a golden crust.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, optional): Bring extra bursts of melted chocolate throughout the cake for those chocolate lovers craving more depth.
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving: A cool, creamy contrast to the warm cake that elevates every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out cleanly after baking. A greased pan prevents sticking and helps your dump cake maintain its beautiful structure.
Step 2: Layer the Caramel Sauce
Pour half of the thick caramel sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. This base layer of caramel is key because as the cake bakes, it creates a buttery, sticky caramel layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate flavors above.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the caramel layer. Resist the urge to stir or mix; this layering technique is what makes this cake “dump” style and helps form amazing texture contrasts between gooey and cakey.
Step 4: Drizzle with Evaporated Milk
Pour the evaporated milk evenly over the cake mix. This liquid seeps down through the dry mix, softening it and helping everything bake evenly without drying out—giving you a perfectly moist interior.
Step 5: Dot with Butter and Sprinkle Chocolate Chips
Scatter slices of unsalted butter across the top, then sprinkle on your chocolate chips. As the butter melts during baking, it creates little pockets of rich, buttery flavor, while the chocolate chips melt for extra chocolatey goodness.
Step 6: Add Remaining Caramel Sauce
Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top of the cake. This finishing touch guarantees every slice will have ribbons of gooey caramel running through it, making each bite heavenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden-topped cake that’s set but still moist underneath. The caramel will thicken, and the chocolate cake mix transforms into a luscious dessert that’s both rich and comforting.
Step 8: Let it Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow your cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets everything settle just enough to slice easily. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top can amp up presentation. For a festive touch, some chopped toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the ice cream add flair and texture that complement the cake beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries to balance the richness, or even a light cup of coffee or tea to cut through the sweetness. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad to keep your dessert spread balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins right from the oven for a rustic charm. You can also layer it with whipped cream and extra caramel in transparent glasses as a trifle-style dessert. These creative presentations turn this easy dump cake into something party-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen, making leftovers taste just as good, if not better!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store the entire cake in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a warm treat that tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place wrapped slices in a 325°F oven until heated through. This brings back that original gooey texture and melts the chocolate chips again, giving you a cozy dessert experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While devil’s food or chocolate fudge cake mix gives the best rich chocolate flavor for this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, you can experiment with other cake mixes like yellow or spice if you want a different taste profile. Just be mindful the end result will vary in flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Yes, evaporated milk is key because it provides creaminess and moisture without being too thin. Regular milk won’t give quite the same richness or final texture, so stick to evaporated milk for best results.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
While the recipe relies on butter and evaporated milk, you can substitute dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free evaporated milk alternative. Keep in mind these swaps may slightly change flavor and texture but it’s still a fantastic option for dairy-free diets.
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended—they add extra melted chocolate pockets that elevate the cake’s richness wonderfully. If you don’t have them, the cake will still be delicious thanks to the chocolate mix and caramel layers.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is unbeatable. The cold ice cream contrasts the hot, gooey cake for a perfect dessert experience. You can also add whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top to impress your guests.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is a magical combination of ease and indulgence. It doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques, but it delivers on every level of comfort and decadence. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner who wants a quick dessert superstar, this recipe is a true winner. Don’t wait to enjoy that first warm, gooey bite—trust me, you’ll be making this cake over and over again!
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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert that combines rich devil’s food cake mix, luscious caramel sauce, and melty chocolate chips. With a buttery, bubbly top and gooey caramel base, it’s perfect for a quick and impressive treat. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box devil’s food or chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced
Caramel Layers
- 1 jar (about 1 cup) thick caramel sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Add Caramel Base: Pour half of the thick caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to create a rich caramel layer.
- Layer Cake Mix: Sprinkle the entire box of dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the caramel layer. Do not stir; the layering is essential for texture and flavor melding.
- Drizzle Milk: Evenly drizzle 1 cup of evaporated milk over the dry cake mix to help it soak and form a moist cake during baking.
- Add Butter and Chocolate: Dot the top with sliced unsalted butter and sprinkle chocolate chips over the surface for added richness and gooey chocolatey bites.
- Finish with Caramel: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, enhancing the sweetness and creating a luscious finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and set, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Notes
- Use a thick caramel sauce for best results; thin caramel may seep into the cake too much.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add great texture and richness.
- Letting the cake cool slightly helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
