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 (approx. 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· 4.4 from 8 reviews

When you’re craving something that’s super easy but feels absolutely decadent, my Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Seriously, it’s the kind of recipe I love to whip up when I want to impress friends or satisfy a sweet tooth without spending all day in the kitchen. With layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a dreamy ganache finish, you’ll wonder why anyone ever fusses over complicated desserts. Let me walk you through this crowd-pleaser — I promise, you’re going to nail it.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Prep: You just dump, layer, and bake — no fancy skills required.
Flavor Combo: Chocolate and caramel are a classic duo that make every bite indulgent but approachable.
Moist & Gooey Texture: The sour cream and caramel keep the cake deliciously tender and luscious inside.
Decadent Finish: The ganache topping turns it into an elegant dessert worthy of any occasion.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate and caramel dessert, rich dump cake recipe, quick chocolate caramel cake, decadent dump cake ideas - The image shows a close-up view of a white baking dish with a chocolate dessert inside, which has three visible layers. The top layer is a shiny, melted dark chocolate with a slightly wrinkled texture. Below that is a thick, crumbly dark brown chocolate layer. The bottom layer is a smooth, golden caramel that is slightly spilled inside the dish. The dessert has a section cut out, revealing the gooey caramel dripping down and mixing with the crumbly chocolate layer. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this chocolate caramel dump cake plays its part in creating moist cake layers with buttery richness and perfect gooey caramel pockets. These flavors combine beautifully, and choosing quality ingredients will definitely elevate your cake.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate and caramel dessert, rich dump cake recipe, quick chocolate caramel cake, decadent dump cake ideas - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine chocolate cake mix powder, two large brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl containing white baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with thick white sour cream, a small white ceramic bowl of rich golden caramel sauce, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy semi-sweet chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a neat pile of dark chocolate shavings, and a small heap of golden chopped nuts, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate Cake Mix: Using a boxed mix keeps things quick and guarantees consistent chocolate flavor.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure.
Whole Milk: Provides moisture and richness — don’t swap it for skim!
Unsalted Butter: Melted for that buttery depth that complements both chocolate and caramel.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise nicely even with the heavy mix-ins.
Sour Cream: The secret ingredient for extra moistness and slight tang that cuts sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: Adds luscious, sticky pockets that melt into the cake while baking.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks or Chips: For the ganache, melts smooth for that glossy finish.
Heavy Cream: Whisked into chocolate for a silky, rich ganache that caps the cake perfectly.
Optional Toppings: Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits add texture and flair.

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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

One of the reasons I love this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a crunch, you can toss in chopped pecans or skip them altogether. I’ve even swapped the caramel for peanut butter sauce once, and my friends loved the twist! Feel free to make it truly your own.

Variation: For a fruitier touch, try adding sliced bananas or chopped dried cherries between the layers; it adds a lovely contrast.
Dietary Modification: If you want a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with coconut oil and almond milk and watch it still turn out great.
Texture Boost: I like sprinkling toffee bits on top before adding the ganache — it adds that extra crunch and salty-sweet harmony.

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

Step 1: Mixing That Velvety Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish – I like using good quality butter because it adds a subtle aroma as the cake bakes. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until the batter is smooth and shiny. No lumps! I always use room temperature eggs to help everything blend seamlessly.

Step 2: Pour, Drizzle, and Layer the Magic

Pour half of your batter evenly into the baking dish, then warm your caramel sauce slightly in the microwave—just a few seconds until it’s pourable but not hot. Drizzle the caramel over the batter in a slow, steady stream for that perfect marbled effect. Then, gently spoon the rest of the chocolate batter over the caramel, spreading lightly so the caramel gets a little peekaboo but isn’t completely covered.

Step 3: Bake Until Comfort Heaven

Bake for about 45-50 minutes. I always check around the 40-minute mark with a toothpick — you want moist crumbs on the stick but no wet batter. That’s the sweet spot for gooey yet fully cooked cake. If you overbake, the caramel can dry out, so keep a friendly eye on it!

Step 4: Whip Up That Dreamy Ganache

While the cake is finishing up, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until it’s hot but not boiling—about 40 seconds depending on your microwave. Toss in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks, let them sit for a minute, then stir until you get that glossy, silky ganache. Easy and stunning.

Step 5: Pour, Set, and Serve

After the cake cools for 10 minutes, spread the ganache all over the top while it’s still warm. If you want, sprinkle chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits on top for some fun texture. Let the ganache set around 10-15 minutes — this step is crucial for clean slices and swoon-worthy presentation.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Soft Caramel Flow: Gently warm the caramel sauce to make it easier to drizzle and distribute evenly for that perfect gooey surprise.
Room Temp Ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature helps mix everything smoothly without clumps.
Check Early: Ovens vary – check the cake a little before time to avoid drying out or overbaking the caramel layer.
Ganache Texture: If your ganache seems too thick to spread easily, give it a quick 5-second microwave zap and stir—it’ll loosen perfectly.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or chopped roasted pecans on top. These add a wonderful texture contrast and make the dessert look extra special without any fuss. Sometimes I add a light dusting of cocoa powder for that elegant coffeehouse vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake is a standalone star, but if I’m serving a crowd, vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside it takes it over the top. A cup of strong coffee or espresso brings out the chocolate and caramel notes beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve poured warm ganache into mini ramekins and layered the cake inside for personal-sized “dump cake parfaits.” They’re showstoppers and super fun to eat. You can also serve slices on decorative plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce around for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I like to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. I’ve actually found the flavors deepen overnight — which is a win in my book!

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover slices wrapped well in plastic and then foil for about a month with great results. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the microwave for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I zap individual slices for 20-30 seconds in the microwave, just until warm (not hot). This keeps the ganache silky and the cake soft. Avoid overheating or it can dry out — less is more here.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully and adds a personal touch to the cake. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled but still pourable enough to spread easily.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free baking powder to keep it safe. Just be aware that texture might vary slightly depending on the cake mix you choose.
Why is sour cream used in this dump cake recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, which balances the sweetness and helps create a tender crumb that’s not dense or dry. It’s a small but key ingredient for that perfect cake texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or use an airtight container, then refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Can I make the ganache ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare ganache up to two days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Before using, warm gently in the microwave to make it pourable and stir until smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it combines the ease of a dump cake with the rich, sophisticated flavors I crave. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something homemade and impressive without the fuss. I honestly can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your own dessert favorites. Trust me, once you do, you’ll be sharing it with every friend who walks through your door!