There is something incredibly comforting and delightfully indulgent about the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe, and I cannot wait to share it with you. This dessert brings together the decadence of rich chocolate, the luscious sweetness of caramel, and a moist, fluffy cake texture with absolute ease. What I adore most is how you simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan and let the oven work its magic, resulting in a dessert that tastes like it took hours to perfect. Whether it’s a casual family night or a special occasion, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake will instantly become your go-to recipe for impressing with almost zero effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this cake. The simplicity of the components ensures a smooth preparation while delivering a show-stopping dessert at the end.
- Chocolate cake mix: A box of chocolate cake mix serves as the base, providing that familiar rich cocoa flavor and a tender crumb.
- Evaporated milk: Poured at the bottom, this adds moisture and creaminess that complements the caramel beautifully.
- Caramel sauce: The star sweetness that gives the dessert its signature gooey, buttery richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top, these melt and add pockets of deep chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Chopped pecans (optional): These add a toasty crunch and a hint of nuttiness, perfect if you love a little texture contrast.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Poured over the top to help the cake mix bake into a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside moist.
- Nonstick cooking spray: To ensure your cake slides out easily and cleans up is a cinch.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the cake won’t stick, making serving and cleanup so much sweeter.
Step 2: Add the Evaporated Milk
Pour the entire can of evaporated milk into the bottom of the baking dish. This creamy liquid will soak into the layers above as the cake bakes, keeping every bite rich and moist without being overly heavy.
Step 3: Drizzle the Caramel Sauce
Next, evenly drizzle your caramel sauce right over the evaporated milk. Trust me, this caramel bed creates that signature ooey-gooey texture that makes the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Chocolate Cake Mix
Without mixing, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the caramel layer. It might look a bit odd at first, but don’t be tempted to stir—this is how the “dump” cake magic happens, letting the ingredients meld perfectly as it bakes.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the dry cake mix. If you’re using pecans, scatter those on now too. This adds texture and depth to each slice, creating little chocolatey pockets and a nutty crunch that elevate the experience.
Step 6: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface. This butter layer is key for achieving a beautiful golden crust and a luscious finish on the cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set and bubbly, with golden edges giving way to a tender, moist center. Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow everything to set up just right.
How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake shines beautifully when served warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creamy contrast that cuts through the sweetness, making every bite heavenly. You might also sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
Because this dessert is rich and indulgent on its own, I love pairing it with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote. The acidity brightens the palate and provides a fresh counterpoint to the chocolate and caramel flavors. Hot coffee or a chilled dessert wine also complement the dessert perfectly for a cozy finish to a meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Layer the cake with ice cream or pudding in clear glasses for an elegant triflesque presentation. You can even add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed toffee for extra wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them covered tightly in the refrigerator. The flavors meld even more after a day or two, but the cake is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain moisture and texture.
Reheating
To revive this cake’s warm, gooey glory, reheat portions individually in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm the whole pan covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite cold toppings for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is classic, substituting with German chocolate cake mix adds an extra layer of richness and coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramel. Just be aware that it might change the texture slightly.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is important here because it provides the right creaminess without too much liquid that would make the cake soggy. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can try a mix of milk and a bit of cream, but the texture might be less smooth.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Definitely! The pecans are optional and easy to omit if you have nut allergies or prefer a simpler texture. The cake itself is delicious and rich without the nuts.
What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?
Drizzling melted butter evenly over the top before baking is key to keeping the cake moist. Also, avoid overbaking by checking at around 40 minutes to ensure the cake stays tender and gooey inside.
Can I make this cake vegan?
Since this recipe relies on evaporated milk, butter, and a boxed cake mix that usually contains eggs, making it fully vegan would require some substitutions. You might experiment with plant-based evaporated milk alternatives, vegan butter, and vegan chocolate cake mixes—however, results may vary.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe truly redefines easy elegance in dessert making. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something truly spectacular. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—once you do, it just might become your absolute favorite sweet treat to bring to any occasion or enjoy on a cozy night in.
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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an easy and indulgent dessert that layers rich caramel and chocolate flavors in a one-pan bake. Using a simple mix of boxed chocolate cake mix, caramel sauce, evaporated milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, it creates a luscious, gooey cake perfect for any occasion. The addition of chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch, while the melted butter ties everything together into a bubbly, golden finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce or topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add evaporated milk: Pour the entire can of evaporated milk into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a moist base layer.
- Drizzle caramel sauce: Evenly spoon the caramel sauce over the evaporated milk, allowing it to spread out slightly but not stirred in.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the caramel and milk layers, carefully spreading into an even layer without mixing ingredients together.
- Add chocolate chips and pecans: Scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using) evenly over the dry cake mix layer for added texture and richness.
- Drizzle melted butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface of the layered ingredients to help create a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes for easier slicing. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Substitute the chocolate cake mix with German chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor.
- For a gooier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of caramel sauce before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated prior to serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
