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If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and luscious caramel, let me introduce you to the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. This dessert is a simple, no-fuss delight where bold chocolate cake mix, gooey caramel sauce, and sweetened condensed milk come together to create layers of irresistible flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its moist crumb, gooey pockets of caramel, and a golden, buttery finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe lies in using a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the rich cake mix to the smooth melted butter, every component enhances the final treat.
- Chocolate cake mix: This is the base of your cake, bringing a deep, chocolatey flavor and fluffy texture without the hassle of making cake batter from scratch.
- Caramel sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness that flows through every bite like little ribbons of pure joy.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Helps create a tender crumb and golden crust while evenly moistening the cake mix.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Introduces velvety sweetness and a luscious texture that binds all the flavors together.
- Chocolate chips: These melt into pockets of chocolatey goodness, adding texture contrasts and extra indulgence.
- Chopped nuts (optional): For a touch of crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate and caramel.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when the cake goes in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your cake releases easily once baked. This initial prep sets the stage for your cake’s perfect texture and ensures no sticky moments.
Step 2: Spread the Cake Mix
Pour the entire box of chocolate cake mix directly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your hands or a spatula to create a flat, uniform layer. This dry foundation will soak up the caramel and butter to become wonderfully moist.
Step 3: Add Caramel Sauce and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle one cup of caramel sauce across the cake mix to introduce that signature gooey sweetness. Follow by pouring the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top — this liquid gold adds richness and helps keep the cake incredibly moist.
Step 4: Drizzle the Melted Butter
Carefully pour the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter over the entire dessert. This step is key because the butter melts into the dry cake mix during baking, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust while making sure the inner crumb stays tender.
Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Scatter half a cup of chocolate chips over the surface to add decadent chocolate pockets that melt beautifully. If you like texture contrast, sprinkle in about 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, which also add a lovely nutty note enhancing the depth of flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and you can see caramel bubbling beneath the surface — this bubbling is pure deliciousness in the making!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let your cake cool for a little while before diving in. Cooling allows the gooey layers to set just enough to be easily scoopable, making each serving a perfect balance of chocolate, caramel, and buttery crust.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These cool, creamy additions contrast beautifully with the warm, rich cake. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the caramel notes and add an unexpected savory touch.
Side Dishes
This cake is a dessert star all on its own, but pairing it with fresh berries or a lightly brewed coffee can truly create a dessert experience to remember. The tartness of berries cuts through the sweetness, while the coffee complements the deep chocolate flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. For a casual party, cut it into squares and place them on a rustic wooden board with assorted toppings nearby so guests can customize their slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might!), cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days and tastes just as luscious when warmed slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze your dump cake by wrapping it securely in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag or container. It will hold up well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe back to life, heat individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. The caramel will get gooey again, making it feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic for this recipe, you can try devil’s food or even a spice cake mix for a fun twist. Each variation brings its own unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
Do I need to add nuts?
Nuts are entirely optional in this recipe. They add crunch and a nutty flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture, feel free to skip them.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
A good-quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, but homemade caramel sauce will elevate the dessert even more. Just make sure it’s pourable so it can soak through the cake mix nicely.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
You can substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free variety, making sure other ingredients like chocolate chips are gluten-free too. The process stays the same, and you’ll still end up with a delicious treat.
How can I make this cake more festive?
Try adding festive sprinkles, using holiday-themed nuts, or topping with a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These little touches can make the cake party-ready for any occasion.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts for any occasion. It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, bursting with flavor, and so comforting in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself just how quickly this simple cake can become a staple in your dessert rotation, just like it did in mine!
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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
A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake featuring a rich chocolate cake mix combined with luscious caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, and topped with chocolate chips and optional nuts. This one-bowl dessert is perfect for a quick indulgence with minimal prep and a gooey, buttery finish.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread Cake Mix: Pour the chocolate cake mix evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a flat, uniform layer.
- Add Sauces: Drizzle the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix evenly to infuse moisture and sweetness.
- Butter Layer: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top, which helps the cake bake into a moist, rich texture.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts across the top to add texture and extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the mixture is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly to set before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- Use a good quality caramel sauce for best flavor.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and contrast to the soft cake.
- Letting the cake cool slightly will help it set and make serving easier.
- This cake is delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
