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· 4.5 from 41 reviews

If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for ridiculously easy yet insanely delicious desserts, you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe. This isn’t just any dump cake — it’s a perfect harmony of rich chocolate and buttery caramel, layered in a way that takes almost zero effort but delivers maximum wow factor. Whether you’re rallying for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, stick around because this recipe will become your new go-to, guaranteed.

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Why This Recipe Works

No Fuss, Big Flavor: You literally dump, drizzle, and bake — no messy mixing bowls or multiple steps.
Perfect Moisture: The caramel drizzled between cake layers keeps everything wonderfully moist and gooey.
Smooth Ganache Finish: The chocolate ganache on top adds a silky, glossy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Crowd-Pleasing Size: A 9×13 pan means generous servings that are easy to share or save for later.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate caramel dessert, quick dump cake recipe, no-bake caramel cake, indulgent chocolate caramel treat - 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

The magic of this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe really comes from smart ingredient combos that are easy to find but bring tons of flavor. Plus, I’ve got a few handy tips that’ve saved me from last-minute grocery runs.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake, easy chocolate caramel dessert, quick dump cake recipe, no-bake caramel cake, indulgent chocolate caramel treat - 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 simplifies the process without sacrificing chocolatey goodness; I stick to quality brands for best results.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness — make sure they’re at room temp for smoother batter.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and tender crumb; don’t substitute skim milk here or you’ll miss out on that rich texture.
Unsalted Butter: Melted for easy folding; fresh butter adds more depth than margarine or oils.
Baking Powder: Boosts rise and fluffiness — don’t skip it even in a dump cake.
Sour Cream: This is my secret weapon for extra moistness and a slight tang that cuts the sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: Warm it just enough to drizzle — store-bought is fine, but homemade caramel takes it next level.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: Use chunks over chips for a more luxurious melt in the ganache.
Heavy Cream: Vital for silky ganache; don’t use anything lighter or the texture will suffer.
Optional Toppings: Chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits add crunch and decorate beautifully.

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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 how versatile this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own. I’ve played around with a few variations to keep it fresh and fun, and they all turned out fantastic.

Nutty Delight: I sprinkle chopped pecans between layers for an extra crunch — my guests always ask for seconds.
Salted Caramel Twist: Adding a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle balances the sweetness beautifully.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt and use a dairy-free chocolate for ganache — I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly delicious.
Extra Boozy: A splash of bourbon or rum folded into the batter makes it a grown-up treat perfect for special occasions.

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

Step 1: Mix it up with love

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch dish — I swear by butter here for that irresistible crust. In a big bowl, whisk together your chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until everything is smooth and shiny. Don’t overmix — just enough to blend. This part smells so good, it’s the instant happiness moment.

Step 2: Layer the yum

Pour half of your luscious batter into the pan and smooth it out gently. Then, warm your caramel sauce just a touch in the microwave — don’t scorch it! Drizzle that liquid gold all over the batter like a sweet, sticky blanket. Finally, dollop and spread the remaining cake batter over the caramel with care; it doesn’t need to be perfect, just mostly covered. This layering is key to that gooey caramel-filled surprise.

Step 3: Bake to perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The test? Insert a toothpick in the center: it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. If in doubt, give it a few more minutes — ovens vary! The smell wafting through your kitchen will let you know it’s almost ready before the timer even rings.

Step 4: Whip up the ganache

While your cake attaches itself to chocolate heaven in the oven, heat your heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling (about 45 seconds usually does it for me). Pour it over your chocolate chunks and let it sit undisturbed for a minute. Then stir, and watch that glossy ganache come together like magic. This is the moment I always sneak a lick.

Step 5: Finish and indulge

After the cake cools for about 10 minutes (just enough so the ganache won’t run off), pour the warm ganache over the top and spread evenly. Add your choice of chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits for texture and sparkle. Let it set for 10-15 minutes, slice generously, and get ready for compliments — and probably a few second helpings.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs that aren’t cold helps blend the batter smoothly and avoids lumps.
Don’t Overbake: Check at 45 minutes to keep the cake moist; overbaking dries it out and undermines that gooey caramel center.
Warm Caramel: Lightly warming caramel before drizzling helps it spread evenly without sinking too deep.
Ganache Timing: Pour ganache when the cake is warm but not hot — it spreads easier and sets with a perfect shiny finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I typically go for a generous sprinkle of chocolate shavings right after the ganache sets — it amps up the chocolate hit and looks stunning. Sometimes I toss chopped toasted pecans or crunchy toffee bits for that irresistible contrast of texture. If you want a bit of freshness, a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side totally elevates the experience.

Side Dishes

Though this cake stands strong alone, I love pairing it with fresh berries or a simple berry compote to balance the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte alongside helps cut through those rich layers and rounds out the perfect dessert moment for me.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the dump cake into individual small ramekins instead of one big pan; it’s perfect for dinner parties and looks charming with personalized toppings. Another fun idea is swirling a little peanut butter or espresso powder into the ganache before pouring it for a subtle twist that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake recipe tightly covered in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days and honestly tastes even better after a day as the flavors really meld together. When ready, just let it come to room temp before serving or gently warm if you want that melty ganache feel again.

Freezing

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! I slice it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before popping in the freezer. When you want a sweet fix, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently — no mess, no fuss, just sweet convenience for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds to revive that gooey, warm feel — the ganache softens nicely without getting rubbery. Alternatively, a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes wrapped loosely in foil works great to maintain moistness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix instead of chocolate?

Absolutely! While chocolate complements caramel perfectly, you can experiment with yellow or spice cake mixes for a new flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profiles will change, so adjust caramel sweetness accordingly.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?

You can make a quick homemade caramel by melting sugar with butter and cream or even use dulce de leche as a substitute. Alternatively, thick butterscotch sauce or even a rich honey drizzle can work in a pinch.
Is it necessary to make the ganache topping?

While the ganache adds a luxurious finishing touch, the cake is still yummy without it. If you’re pressed for time, simply dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a streamlined version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, choose a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check other ingredients like caramel sauce and baking powder. I’ve had success using GF mixes and it’s just as comforting and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is honestly one of those ‘make it once, love it forever’ kinds. It’s the kind of dessert that looks like you spent hours fussing in the kitchen, but you actually spent more time dreaming about the first bite than making it. I hope you try it and find as much joy in every ooey-gooey slice as I do — it’s perfect for sharing (or not!). So grab your pan, stir up some magic, and let this effortlessly decadent cake sweeten your day.