Gooey Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe – Ready in a Flash

Whipping up a decadent chocolate caramel dump cake can instantly transform an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration.

Layers of rich flavors promise pure indulgence without complicated steps.

One pan becomes your magic canvas for creating something delightfully irresistible.

chocolate and caramel mingle effortlessly, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple yet impressive treat.

Unexpected kitchen alchemy turns basic ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece you’ll want to share.

Let’s dive into a recipe that guarantees smiles and second helpings.

Caramel Dump Cake That’s Rich and Gooey

Effortless Indulgence: Perfect for busy home bakers who want a decadent dessert without complex techniques.

Quick Preparation: Takes just minutes to assemble with minimal ingredients, transforming basic pantry staples into a rich, luxurious treat.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a gooey, chocolate-caramel experience that satisfies sweet cravings for both kids and adults at gatherings or casual family dinners.

No-Fuss Baking: Requires zero mixing or complicated steps – simply layer ingredients and let the oven work its magic, making it ideal for novice bakers or those short on time.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Ingredients

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Foundational dry ingredient for the cake's structure, quick and convenient base with rich chocolate flavor. Store-bought mix ensures consistent results.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides additional structure if needed, choose unbleached for better texture.

• Evaporated Milk, Caramel Sauce: Creates a rich, moist base with deep caramel undertones. Look for thick, high-quality caramel sauce for best flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb. Choose fresh, high-fat butter for best results.

• Chocolate Chips, Chopped Pecans: Provides textural contrast and additional flavor layers. Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, and toasted pecans enhance nutty depth. Optional nuts can be substituted with other nuts like walnuts.

Caramel Dump Cake Prep Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

Grab your chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly across the baking dish.

Let it sit untouched – no mixing allowed!

Step 3: Drizzle Caramel Magic

Unleash a river of golden caramel sauce, dancing it across the cake mix in beautiful, random swirls.

If the caramel is being stubborn and thick, give it a quick warm-up to make it flow smoothly.

Step 4: Pour and Dot the Creamy Goodness

• Evaporated milk
• Butter slices

Pour the milk evenly over the entire surface.

Scatter butter pieces like delicious little islands across the cake.

Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate and Nutty Treasures

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Shower the top with chocolate chips and nuts, creating a tempting landscape of sweet and crunchy delights.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for crispy, set edges while keeping the center wonderfully gooey and inviting.

Step 7: Rest and Indulge

Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes.

This little break allows the caramel to settle while keeping the dessert warm and irresistibly messy.

Grab a spoon and dive into chocolate caramel heaven!

Simple Tips For Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

• Generously grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal and a perfect cake presentation.
• Gently heat caramel sauce in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to achieve a smooth, easily drizzleable consistency that spreads evenly.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile, or omit nuts entirely for nut-free dietary needs.
• Insert a toothpick near the edge to test baking – it should come out mostly clean while keeping the center slightly soft and gooey.
• Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the warm, decadent chocolate caramel flavors and add a creamy contrast.

Warming Up Caramel Dump Cake Again

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Chocolate caramel dump cake can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add a quick sprinkle of chocolate chips to refresh the melty texture.
• Transfer frozen cake from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its original delicious gooeyness.

Tasty Bites With Caramel Dump Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cut through the rich chocolate and caramel with a cool, smooth scoop of classic vanilla ice cream that balances the warm cake's intense sweetness.
• Complement with Robust Espresso: Brew a strong espresso shot to enhance the deep chocolate flavors, cutting through the cake's sweetness and providing a sophisticated contrast.
• Match with Salted Caramel Liqueur: Elevate the dessert experience with a small glass of salted caramel liqueur that echoes the cake's caramel notes while adding a luxurious adult twist.
• Refresh with Cold Milk: Serve a chilled glass of whole milk to help neutralize the cake's rich intensity and provide a classic, comforting beverage pairing.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake with Sweet Mixes

• Vegan Chocolate Caramel Delight: Replace chocolate cake mix with vegan cake mix, swap evaporated milk with coconut milk, use dairy-free butter alternative, and substitute chocolate chips with vegan chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Caramel Treat: Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensure caramel sauce is gluten-free, and replace regular chocolate chips with gluten-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Caramel Option: Select sugar-free cake mix, use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace regular chocolate chips with sugar-free chocolate chips, and substitute chopped pecans with almonds for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Caramel Creation: Use dairy-free cake mix, replace evaporated milk with almond milk, select plant-based butter alternative, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a lactose-free version.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with other flavors like yellow or white cake mix. Just ensure the dry mix is spread evenly in the baking dish.

• Do I need to mix the ingredients before baking?

No, this is a dump cake recipe where you layer ingredients without stirring. The ingredients will naturally combine during baking to create a delicious dessert.

• What if I don't have pecans?

Pecans are optional. You can skip them entirely or replace with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. If you prefer no nuts, simply omit them from the recipe.

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Look for set and crisp edges with a slightly gooey center. The baking time is typically 35-40 minutes, but ovens vary, so check for visual cues of doneness.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate caramel dump cake delivers mouthwatering comfort straight from southern kitchens. Effortless dessert magic combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and simple ingredients you’ll crave after one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) chocolate cake mix (preferably devils food)

Liquid and Sauce Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk

Toppings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pieces
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of non-stick spray.
2. Disperse the chocolate cake mix uniformly across the prepared dish, ensuring an even layer without mixing or disturbing the powder.
3. Create artistic caramel patterns by drizzling the sauce in meandering streams. Gently warm the caramel if it appears too viscous for smooth distribution.
4. Cascade the evaporated milk across the entire surface, allowing it to seep into the powdery cake mix foundation.
5. Fragment cold butter into delicate slivers and scatter them strategically to guarantee comprehensive moisture and rich flavor integration.
6. Generously shower chocolate chips and crunchy pecans over the landscape, ensuring comprehensive coverage from edge to center.
7. Transfer the assembled creation into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 35-40 minutes until the perimeter develops a crisp, golden-brown boundary.
8. Extract the dessert and permit a brief resting period of 10-15 minutes, which enables the caramel to slightly solidify while maintaining an irresistibly molten interior.
9. Serve warm, revealing the decadent layers of chocolate, caramel, and nutty textures that meld together in each indulgent bite.

Notes

• Select high-quality cocoa powder and real caramel sauce for a richer, more intense flavor profile.
• Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds to add unique texture and nutty undertones.
• Use a gluten-free cake mix to transform this indulgent dessert into a celiac-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg