Name: Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Chocolate shavings; Chopped nuts or toffee bits

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted an easy dessert that feels like a special occasion, you’ll flip for this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. It’s one of those genius, no-fuss cakes where you basically “dump” everything together yet end up with layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a creamy ganache topping that’ll make you swoon. I’ve made this more times than I can count, especially on busy weeknights when dessert cravings hit hard but I’m short on time – trust me, this one delivers in taste and ease.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor Magic: Combining chocolate cake batter with warm caramel creates a dreamy, rich balance that’s both gooey and chocolatey.
Simple and Fast Prep: You literally mix, layer, and bake – no complicated steps or special tools needed, perfect for any skill level.
Decadent Ganache Finish: The poured chocolate ganache adds a professional-look and silky finish that turns this cake from simple to show-stopping.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add nuts, toffee bits, or use different chocolates to tweak flavors, making it yours every time.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate caramel dessert, no-fuss caramel cake, quick chocolate caramel treat, layered dump cake - The image shows a close-up view of a white baking dish with a chocolate dessert inside, which has three visible layers. The top layer is a shiny, melted dark chocolate with a slightly wrinkled texture. Below that is a thick, crumbly dark brown chocolate layer. The bottom layer is a smooth, golden caramel that is slightly spilled inside the dish. The dessert has a section cut out, revealing the gooey caramel dripping down and mixing with the crumbly chocolate layer. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe has a role that creates an unforgettable combo – from moist cake to gooey caramel and silky ganache. I always recommend using quality caramel and chocolate for the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate caramel dessert, no-fuss caramel cake, quick chocolate caramel treat, layered dump cake - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine chocolate cake mix powder, two large brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden caramel sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a neat pile of dark chocolate shavings, and a small heap of golden chopped nuts, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate cake mix: This is your base and shortcut to a perfectly rich, moist cake texture without fuss.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the cake with a silky texture and flavor depth.
Baking powder: Gives a little extra lift beyond the mix to keep the cake nice and fluffy.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Caramel sauce: The star gooey ingredient that brings warm, buttery sweetness and melts right into the cake layers.
Semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips: For the ganache, choose a good-quality chocolate for smooth, glossy topping.
Heavy cream: The perfect pairing with chocolate to make the silky ganache.
Optional toppings (chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, toffee bits): These add texture and extra flavor layers – try them to elevate your cake even more.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is wonderfully forgiving, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it. I love swapping out sour cream for Greek yogurt when I want it tangier and lighter, or throwing in chopped pecans for crunch. Cooking is all about personalization, right? Here’s how you can play with it:

Variation: I once added a swirl of peanut butter between the layers for a nutty surprise – it was a crowd-pleaser at our family dinner!
Dietary modification: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk if you want a vegan-friendly version – just be mindful the texture may change slightly.
Seasonal twist: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to the cake mix brings a warm festive note perfect for holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Chocolatey Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish really well. In a big bowl, I combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth with no lumps. This step is key because a smooth batter means an even crumb in your cake – take your time here and don’t rush.

Step 2: Layer the Gooey Caramel Magic

Pour half the batter evenly into your prepared dish. Then, warm your caramel sauce so it’s pourable but not hot—microwave for about 20 seconds usually does the trick. Drizzle the caramel all over the batter. It’s tempting to rush the next step, but gently spoon the remaining batter on top, spreading it lightly so you don’t disturb the caramel underneath too much. This layering creates pockets of richness that make every bite interesting.

Step 3: Bake Until Dreamy

Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. The cake should be set and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. This part requires patience—don’t open the oven too often or you might lower the temperature, altering the bake. The caramel will bubble up and swirl into the cake, creating that iconic gooey texture you crave.

Step 4: Whip Up the Silky Ganache

While your cake is baking, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour it over your chocolate chunks and let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate. Then stir until smooth and glossy. I love how this ganache finishes the cake with a shiny, luscious layer that makes this dump cake instantly feel gourmet.

Step 5: The Sweet Finish & Serve

After the cake cools for about 10 minutes, pour the warm ganache evenly over the top. Spread it gently and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. If I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top for a little crunch and extra charm. Then slice up and serve – your friends will be amazed that it was so easy to pull together.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Warm Caramel Trick: Slightly warming the caramel makes it easier to drizzle evenly and prevents clumping in the cake.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing batter ingredients, stop once smooth to avoid a tough cake.
Even Spreading: Use a spoon to gently layer batter on top of caramel to keep distinct layers.
Test for Doneness: Aim for moist crumbs on the toothpick, as overbaking dries out the gooey caramel effect.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with chocolate shavings because they add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate flavor without overpowering the caramel. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts also make great crunchy contrast. Sometimes I throw on toffee bits for that buttery crunch – it’s like dessert heaven.

Side Dishes

This cake is a dessert showstopper all on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A light fruit salad on the side adds a fresh, bright contrast that complements the dense flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this dump cake in individual ramekins for a gorgeous single-serve dessert. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear trifle dish so the gooey caramel and dark chocolate layers peek through – it’s a showstopper on the dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake keeps well for up to 4 days. The caramel layer gets a little more set overnight but stays deliciously moist when warmed slightly before serving.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to save a batch for later. I freeze the cake uncut in the baking dish, wrapped with a layer of foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat to bring back that gooey texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm but not hot – this softens the caramel and ganache perfectly without drying it. If you’re serving multiple slices, a low oven heat for 10-15 minutes also works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer chocolate cake mix to complement the caramel, you could try devil’s food or even yellow cake mix for a lighter contrast. Just remember the flavor profile will shift, but it will still be tasty!
Do I have to make the ganache, or can I skip it?

The ganache adds a lovely luscious finish, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it or drizzle melted chocolate instead. The cake will still be delicious, just slightly less indulgent.
How do I prevent the caramel from sinking completely into the cake?

That’s all about layering gently. Pour half the batter, then warm caramel on top, and carefully spoon the rest of the batter so it barely covers the caramel layer. This helps keep distinct caramel pockets instead of it all mixing.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

You can assemble the cake the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake fresh the next day. Ganache is best made and added right before serving for that perfect glossy finish.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is one of those happy accidents that quickly turned into a family favorite. It’s quick enough for busy days but fancy enough to impress guests. I love how the gooey caramel melds with chocolate, and that silky ganache really seals the deal. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent!