If you’re craving a dessert that guarantees smiles and barely requires any effort, Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is your new best friend. Imagine layers of rich chocolate cake mix, rivers of gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and (if you dare) a sprinkle of crunchy pecans — all coming together in one glorious, fuss-free pan. This recipe is perfect for those times when you want maximum flavor with minimal mess, and the results are so good that your friends and family will swear you spent hours in the kitchen. There’s nothing quite like digging into Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake while it’s still warm, watching that caramel swirl with molten chocolate, and perhaps enjoying it à la mode. It’s the kind of treat that instantly feels like a celebration!

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every item here has a purpose, coming together to make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake decadent, melty, and absolutely crave-worthy. You don’t need anything fancy, just simple pantry staples with a few indulgent twists.

Chocolate Cake Mix: The ultimate shortcut and the rich base that holds everything together while delivering deep chocolate flavor in every bite.
Evaporated Milk: Adds silky moisture, helping the cake stay perfectly fudgy and luscious rather than dry.
Caramel Sauce: Brings a luscious gooeyness and that classic caramel flavor that pairs so well with chocolate.
Unsalted Butter (melted): Ensures every bit of cake gets golden and tender at the edges, for the ultimate texture contrast.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melting into little pockets of goodness, these up the chocolate factor beautifully.
Chopped Pecans (optional): They add a delightful crunch and a nutty richness that’s absolutely irresistible if you’re into that sort of thing.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Kicking things off is so easy — just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reach for a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a little love with a light greasing so nothing sticks. This is the foundation for our dreamy dump cake layers.

Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix and “Wet” Ingredients

Scatter half of your dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the pan. Pour half of the evaporated milk right over the mix, making sure to cover as much as you can. Next, drizzle on half of that golden caramel sauce. This layering is what gives Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake its signature pockets of flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add the “Good Stuff” — Chocolate Chips and Pecans

Sprinkle half of those semi-sweet chocolate chips across the pan, followed by half of the chopped pecans if you’re using them. These bits melt and toast as the cake bakes, adding gooey and crunchy surprises in every bite.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

It’s time for round two! Simply repeat all the layers with the remaining ingredients: cake mix, evaporated milk, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and pecans on top. This ensures richness throughout every spoonful, not just the top or bottom.

Step 5: Add the Butter Magic

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter as evenly as possible over the entire cake. It will seep through the layers as it bakes, bringing everything together and creating stunningly crisp, buttery edges.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cake is just set. The irresistible aroma will let you know it’s close! Serve it warm, and don’t hesitate to crown it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra wow factor. That’s Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake bliss, right there.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Garnishes

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake begs for a finishing touch. A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is always a hit, as is a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet flair that makes the caramel pop, while a drizzle of extra caramel or hot fudge can send this cake straight into dessert heaven.

Side Dishes

This rich and sweet cake pairs wonderfully with fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side — the slight acidity cuts through the richness and balances it beautifully. For coffee lovers, a hot espresso or a bold cup of coffee is the ultimate companion to balance all that indulgent chocolate and caramel.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake in mason jars for individual portions at a party, or spoon it into waffle cones for a portable dessert treat. For an extra-special touch, layer it with ice cream and more caramel sauce in clear dessert cups for a parfait-style twist that’s sure to have everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its delicious flavor or texture, and is just as fantastic reheated as it is fresh from the oven.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake freezes like a dream! Let the cake cool completely, then cut it into portions, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, pop a portion of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until warm and gooey. For a larger amount, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Always add your favorite topping after reheating!

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that your caramel sauce and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe stays deliciously the same.

What’s the difference between caramel sauce and dulce de leche in this recipe?

Caramel sauce is generally sweeter with a more pronounced buttery flavor, while dulce de leche is thicker with a deeper, almost toasty note. Either one works well, but dulce de leche will give you a richer caramel experience in your dump cake.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Definitely! Milk chocolate chips make the cake a bit sweeter and creamier. You can even try dark chocolate chips if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor. Mix and match to find your perfect combo!

Do I have to use pecans?

Nope — the pecans are totally optional. If you have a nut allergy or just aren’t a fan, feel free to skip them. You can also swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even toffee bits for extra crunch.

Can I prepare Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! You can assemble the cake a few hours in advance and bake it just before serving, or bake it completely and reheat gently right before your guests arrive. The gooey chocolate-caramel layers stay irresistible either way.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s impressive, comforting, and wonderfully easy, you just can’t beat Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. Give it a try — I have a feeling it’ll become your secret weapon for potlucks, celebrations, or simple moments when you want something totally decadent and satisfying. Happy baking!

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 48 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, a rich and gooey dessert that’s a breeze to make. Layers of chocolate cake mix, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips come together for a luscious treat that’s perfect for any sweet craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Ingredients: Pour half of the dry cake mix evenly into the baking dish. Drizzle half of the evaporated milk over the cake mix, followed by half of the caramel sauce. Sprinkle with half the chocolate chips and pecans if using. Repeat layers with remaining cake mix, evaporated milk, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and pecans.
Bake: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is set and bubbly at the edges.
Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For a richer caramel flavor, use dulce de leche instead of caramel sauce.
This cake is best eaten warm but can be reheated in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American