Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate “wow” dessert that requires minimal effort, look no further than this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. This rich, gooey, and sinfully decadent treat layers chocolate cake, creamy caramel, and velvety ganache in the easiest way imaginable. It’s the type of no-fuss recipe that makes every chocolate lover rejoice, and its taste will completely fool anyone into thinking you spent hours at the stove. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or spontaneous chocolate cravings, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every sweet occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building those luscious layers. The simplicity of this list means you can whip up an impressive dessert with things you may already have in your pantry or fridge.

• Chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz): The backbone of the cake, providing deep chocolate flavor and a perfectly soft crumb without any fuss.
• Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the batter and adding richness to every bite.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Ensures moistness and a tender crumb, creating a superior cake texture.
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds buttery flavor and creates irresistible richness throughout the cake.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay fluffy despite all those decadent layers.
• Sour cream (1/4 cup): A secret ingredient for keeping the cake extra moist and tangy, balancing the sweetness.
• Caramel sauce (1 cup): The gooey, luxurious caramel layer that makes each forkful completely irresistible.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips (1/2 cup): Used for the ganache, these melt into the dreamiest, silkiest topping.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Transforms the chocolate chunks into a glossy ganache that cascades over the cake.
• Optional toppings (chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits): Perfect finishing touches that add crunch, extra chocolate, or caramel nuance to every piece.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C); this lower temperature ensures your cake bakes up moist with a tender crumb, never dry. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous swipe of butter or a spritz of non-stick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream. Whisk these together until the batter is totally smooth and glossy, with no dry patches—don’t be afraid to take a few extra turns of the whisk so everything is perfectly blended.

Step 2: Layer the Caramel

Pour half of the silky cake batter into your greased dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Gently warm your caramel sauce (a few seconds in the microwave is all it takes) so it’s pourable but not hot, and drizzle it generously over the batter, covering every corner. Then, carefully spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer, and use a spatula to lightly spread it until the caramel is just barely hidden. This layering ensures gooey pockets of caramel in every slice.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached but no wet batter. This means your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is set while still staying wonderfully soft—it’s the sweet spot!

Step 4: Make the Ganache

While the cake is baking, get ready for that luscious chocolate ganache topping. Pour the heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot (but not boiling), usually 30-60 seconds. Add in the chocolate chunks or chips and let them sit undisturbed for a minute. Then, stir until the mixture is silky, glossy, and completely smooth. This ganache is the crowning glory of your dessert.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your cake is baked, pull it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes—just enough so it’s warm, not hot. Pour the warm ganache evenly over the top, spreading it with a spatula so every corner is covered. While the ganache is still soft, sprinkle on chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a handful of toffee bits for a fancy finish. Let the ganache set for 10-15 minutes before slicing for a picture-perfect presentation.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Garnishes

A good garnish makes Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake go from irresistible to totally unforgettable. Try a dusting of chocolate shavings for a little sophistication, a shower of toffee bits for extra caramel flair, or a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also make every bite pop!

Side Dishes

Pair this rich dessert with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream for the ultimate hot-and-cold pairing, or serve with fresh berries to add a refreshing, slightly tart contrast. If you’re making this for a gathering, set out bowls of homemade whipped cream and let everyone build their own dream dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, cut the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake into neat squares and serve each on a small plate with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Or, scoop it warm into bowls for a rustic style—perfect with melty ice cream. For special occasions, bake individual portions in ramekins and top each with its own fancy garnish for a mini showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your second helping possibly even better than the first!

Freezing

This cake is an excellent make-ahead option. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months for a ready-when-you-are chocolate fix. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake warm (which is highly recommended), simply microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds, or reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. The caramel will get gooey and the chocolate ganache will turn lusciously soft again—just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate is the star in Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, you can swap in devils food, fudge, or even a yellow cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep the other measurements and steps the same.

Is it possible to use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and can elevate the flavor, though store-bought works perfectly in a pinch. Just be sure it’s not too thin, as you want those gooey caramel pockets in every bite.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and make sure your caramel sauce and chocolate chips are also certified gluten-free. The result is just as indulgent and delicious.

What’s the best way to transport this cake?

Let the cake cool and the ganache set fully before covering the dish with a tight-fitting lid or foil. This makes Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake easy to take to potlucks, picnics, or parties without fuss or mess.

Can I make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake ahead for a party?

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake it a day in advance and add the ganache the day you serve. Just store it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature, or warm slightly before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If there’s a single dessert that delivers maximum wow factor with minimum effort, it’s this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. It’s a little bit of magic in a pan—the kind of sweet, gooey, chocolatey comfort you’ll crave again and again. Invite friends over or make it just for you, and see why this recipe is sure to become your go-to chocolate fix!

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