Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Save this recipe on:

Imagine a dessert that fuses the richness of dark chocolate cake, the creamy depth of caramel, and the surprise gooeyness you get with every spoonful. That, in essence, is the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake — a sweet lover’s dream and one of the most fuss-free ways to impress your guests or treat yourself on a cozy night in. It’s luscious, layered, and dripping with molten flavor.

With no need for mixing bowls or fancy equipment, this cake assembles directly in your baking dish, creating a texture that’s somewhere between a pudding cake and a brownie. It’s the dessert equivalent of a cozy blanket and works just as well served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for decadent leftovers.

---

Ingredients for this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: chopped chocolate chunks, flaky sea salt, or vanilla ice cream for topping

---

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Pour the entire can of evaporated milk into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the milk, without stirring.

Step 3: Add Caramel and Butter

Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cake mix. Then pour the melted butter over the top, trying to cover as much surface as possible.

Step 4: Finish with Chocolate and Vanilla

Sprinkle chocolate chips over the surface and add the vanilla extract evenly across the top. If you’re using chocolate chunks, toss them in now too.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set but the middle is still soft and gooey. Let it cool slightly before serving.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a dump cake different from a regular cake?

Dump cakes are assembled by “dumping” ingredients directly into the baking dish without mixing. They tend to have a more gooey, cobbler-like texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely! A good quality homemade caramel sauce can elevate the flavor beautifully.

What toppings work best with this cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt are all great options.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, devil’s food, fudge brownie mix, or even a spice cake can bring interesting twists.

Do I need to stir the layers together?

Nope! The magic happens in the oven. Just layer as instructed and bake.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: