Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake 🍫🍮
Introduction
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers who crave rich flavor without complicated steps.
This indulgent treat delivers layers of deep chocolate, silky caramel, and a buttery cake topping with a molten, gooey
center. True to its name, this recipe requires no mixing bowls, no precision techniques, and no stress—just layer,
bake, and enjoy a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it took hours to make.
History of Dump Cakes
Dump cakes rose to popularity in mid-20th century American home cooking, when convenience baking became a household
trend. Using boxed cake mixes and canned or bottled fillings, dump cakes allowed home bakers to create impressive
desserts with minimal effort. Over time, variations evolved, and the chocolate caramel version emerged as a modern
favorite—combining classic comfort with rich, bakery-style decadence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (devil’s food or fudge)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (for salted caramel flavor)
- ½ cup toffee bits
- Mini marshmallows for extra gooey texture
Preparation Method
This dessert uses the layered dump-and-bake method. Instead of mixing, ingredients are stacked in a
specific order. As the cake bakes, the butter and milk hydrate the dry cake mix, while caramel and chocolate melt
beneath, forming a rich, self-saucing structure.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Sprinkle half of the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the baking dish.
- Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the caramel layer.
- Pour evaporated milk evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle remaining cake mix evenly on top.
- Slowly drizzle melted butter over the entire dish, covering as much dry mix as possible.
Do not stir. This is essential for proper texture and layering.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
- The top should be golden and set.
- The center will remain soft, gooey, and fudge-like.
Formation & Texture
As the cake bakes, the butter and milk soak into the dry cake mix, forming a tender crust.
Below, the caramel and chocolate melt together into a thick, molten layer. The contrast between
the crisp top and gooey interior is what defines a perfect dump cake.
Benefits
- Extremely easy—no mixing required
- Budget-friendly using pantry staples
- Perfect for beginners and busy bakers
- Customizable with endless variations
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly
Variations
- Triple Chocolate: Add white chocolate chips and drizzle chocolate syrup
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking
- Brownie-Style: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cake mix
- Cookie Crunch: Layer crushed chocolate sandwich cookies between layers
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, or fresh berries.
This dessert shines best when slightly underbaked and enjoyed fresh from the oven.
For the Chocolate Lovers
This recipe is made for true chocolate enthusiasts—those who love molten centers,
sticky caramel pulls, and deep cocoa flavor in every bite. If brownies, lava cakes,
and gooey desserts are your weakness, this dump cake will quickly become a favorite.
Storage & Reheating
- Store covered at room temperature for 1 day
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds
Conclusion
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake proves that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated.
With simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor, this recipe delivers pure
comfort and indulgence. Whether for holidays, potlucks, or late-night cravings, this cake
is guaranteed to impress with every gooey, chocolatey bite.
