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 (approximately 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· 4.5 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both insanely easy and ridiculously delicious, you’ve got to try my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. This recipe is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, all baked up in one simple pan—no fancy skills or multiple bowls required. Trust me, once you taste this, it’s going to become your go-to for when you want something sweet and comforting without the fuss.

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Preparation: Just mix, layer, and bake—no complicated steps or extra dishes.
Balanced Flavors: The caramel adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
Moist & Tender Texture: Sour cream and butter in the batter keep the cake incredibly moist.
Decadent Finish: The silky chocolate ganache on top brings it all together like a dream.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe stands out because the ingredients play perfectly together to create a layered symphony of flavor. The chocolate cake mix provides structure and chocolate goodness, while the caramel sauce introduces a sweet, buttery contrast. Adding sour cream helps keep the cake tender, and the homemade ganache elevates it beyond the usual dump cake.

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Chocolate cake mix: Using a boxed mix keeps things simple but flavorful; I recommend choosing a quality brand for the best chocolate taste.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter for a soft crumb.
Unsalted butter: Melting it brings richness and helps the batter set nicely.
Baking powder: Gives a little extra lift, making the cake a bit fluffier than usual.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and ensures the cake stays moist—don’t skip it!
Caramel sauce: This is the star for that gooey sweetness; warm it slightly so it drizzles easily over the cake batter.
Semi-sweet chocolate chunks: Melting these with cream makes a luscious ganache topping.
Heavy cream: Keeps the ganache smooth and glossy—don’t substitute with milk.
Optional toppings (chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, toffee bits): Add texture and extra flavor—choose your favorite!

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by switching things up a bit—which you should totally feel free to do! It’s so forgiving that you can add in whatever textures or flavors you love best.

Variation: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or toffee bits right on the caramel layer for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft cake perfectly.
Dairy-Free: You can substitute coconut milk and vegan butter to make this dairy-free, but the cake texture might be a bit different.
Extra Fudgy: For more chocolate punch, stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. It turns a gooey, fudgy layer inside.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the batter adds depth—one of my favorite secret tricks!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Mix Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, grease your 9×13-inch baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray to avoid any sticky situations later. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until you get a silky smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps—this helps your cake come out tender and even.

Step 2: Layer Batter and Caramel

Pour half of that luscious batter into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it’s a bit thick—that’s perfect. Warm your caramel sauce slightly so it’s easier to drizzle (I zap mine for about 20 seconds in the microwave). Then, drizzle the caramel evenly over the chocolate layer. This is the gooey magic that makes this cake irresistible! Spoon the remaining batter gently on top, spreading it lightly to cover most of the caramel without mixing everything together.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfect

Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To know when it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures the cake stays soft and rich without being undercooked.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the cake is baking, prepare the ganache. Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling—microwaving for 1 minute usually works well. Pour it over the chocolate chunks and let it sit for a minute before stirring it smooth. This glossy ganache is what takes the cake from great to show-stopping.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then pour the warm ganache over the top and spread it evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits. Let it set for 10-15 minutes before slicing—this helps your ganache develop a silky finish that’s irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender and light—overmixing can make it dense.
Warm the Caramel: Heating the caramel makes it easier to drizzle and helps it layer smoothly without sinking.
Let Ganache Cool Slightly Before Spreading: This prevents it from running off and creates a beautiful shiny finish.
Use a Toothpick to Check Doneness: The right toothpick test ensures the cake is baked just right—not dry, not gooey.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dump cake with extra chocolate shavings for that elegant look and a crunchy texture contrast. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or even bits of toffee candy because they add a delightful crunch that complements the gooey caramel beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich, so I usually serve it alongside a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the sweetness. Fresh berries also work wonders if you want a little fruity brightness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice this cake into neat squares and serve on individual plates drizzled with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. Another fun idea is layering chunks into parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an easy, elegant dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always tightly cover the cake with plastic wrap to keep it moist and to prevent the ganache from picking up fridge odors.

Freezing

If you have a lot of leftovers, this dump cake freezes well. I recommend freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds—it wakes up those gooey caramel and chocolate layers without drying out the cake. Alternatively, if you prefer, warm it briefly in a low oven, covered with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! I’ve tried this with devil’s food, fudge brownie, and even dark chocolate cake mixes. Each one adds its own twist, but I recommend sticking with a chocolate variety to keep the flavor balance with the caramel. Avoid mixes with frosting packets since you don’t need extra sweetness.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use melted coconut oil or vegan butter. For the ganache, use a dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The texture might be a tad different but still delicious.
How can I tell when my dump cake is done?

The best way is the toothpick test: poke the center with a toothpick and it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the toothpick is wet, give it a few more minutes while watching closely so it doesn’t overbake.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

You can definitely assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven to ensure even baking. The ganache is best added on fresh before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite go-to desserts when I want something quick but utterly satisfying. It’s the perfect mix of easy prep, rich flavor, and that indulgent gooeyness we all crave. Honestly, I recommend you make it for your next casual get-together or cozy night at home—you’ll impress yourself (and everyone else) with how simple and delicious it is. So grab your ingredients, throw it together, and get ready to fall in love with a new classic.