Few desserts strike the perfect balance between decadent flavor and effortless preparation like a dump cake. Among the countless variations, the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake stands out as a gooey, rich, and indulgent favorite that feels like something from a bakery—but can be made at home with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a late-night chocolate fix, this recipe will become your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – no mixing bowls required, just “dump and bake.”
- Family-Friendly – even kids can help assemble it.
- Customizable – easy to add nuts, candies, or flavor twists.
- Crowd-Pleaser – the gooey caramel + chocolate combination is irresistible.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Calories: ~350 per serving (varies by ingredients)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the basic ingredient list, followed by expert tips and substitutions:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (devil’s food for rich flavor)
- 1 can (12–14 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 bag (11 oz) caramel bits or 30 unwrapped soft caramel squares
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, sliced thinly
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cake Mix: Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a GF version.
- Caramel: Homemade caramel sauce or dulce de leche also works.
- Butter: Dairy-free butter substitute makes it vegan-friendly.
- Extra Gooey Version: Add ½ cup sweetened condensed milk over the top before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Caramel
If using caramel squares, melt them with ½ cup evaporated milk over low heat until smooth. If using caramel bits, they can be scattered directly in the pan.
Pro Tip: Slightly warm caramel before spreading—it distributes more evenly.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour half of the chocolate cake mix into the dish (don’t stir).
- Pour melted caramel (or sprinkle caramel bits) evenly on top.
- Add chocolate chips and nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the remaining cake mix over the top.
- Arrange butter slices evenly across the cake mix.
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the caramel set slightly and makes scooping easier.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Stir: The magic of dump cake comes from layering—stirring ruins the texture.
- For Extra Moisture: Drizzle ¼ cup milk or cream over the top before baking.
- Best Pan Choice: Glass or ceramic retains heat better and gives a gooier center.
- Make It Ahead: Bake the day before and reheat slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Scoop warm cake into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of warm chocolate fudge sauce.
- Garnish with sea salt flakes for a salted caramel twist.
- Serve layered in a trifle bowl with whipped cream for parties.
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Dump Cake – sprinkle sea salt over caramel.
- Turtle Dump Cake – add pecans and drizzle with extra chocolate syrup.
- Peanut Butter Caramel – swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter before baking.
- Holiday Version – add crushed peppermint candy for Christmas.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven for best texture; microwave works for quick reheats.
Nutrition (Approx. per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 50g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 4g
(Values vary depending on specific brands and substitutions.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this without cake mix?
Yes! Use a homemade chocolate cake batter, but keep the layering method.
Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Cook on low for 2–3 hours or high for 1–1.5 hours until set.
Q3: Why is my dump cake dry?
Most often it’s due to uneven butter distribution. Slice butter thin and cover the surface.
Q4: Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use dark chocolate cake mix and semi-sweet caramel instead of sweetened versions.
Q5: Is dump cake the same as cobbler?
Not exactly. Dump cake uses cake mix and butter, while cobbler uses biscuit or pastry topping.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers bakery-level flavor without the effort. With endless variations and foolproof assembly, this cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
