Have you ever heard of a cake that requires no mixing, no fuss, and delivers absolute chocolatey, caramel goodness in every bite? Well, let me introduce you to the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake. It’s so easy, it almost feels like cheating, but the results are beyond satisfying. Picture a gooey, decadent dessert with layers of rich chocolate and sweet caramel – all created with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a game-changer. It’s perfect for those days when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? You don’t need any special skills to make it. Just “dump” the ingredients in a pan, bake, and voila! The end result is a warm, gooey dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s ideal for any occasion – whether it’s a busy weeknight, a potluck, or even a last-minute dessert for a gathering. You’ll have your guests asking for the recipe, and you’ll be smiling because it’s so simple!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need to make this sweet treat. You can find the full list below!
- Chocolate cake mix
- Caramel sauce
- Butter
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Make sure to check the detailed ingredient list below for exact measurements!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter or cooking spray. This will help make sure your cake doesn’t stick, and you can enjoy it without any hassle when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Dump the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part – the dumping! First, pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. There’s no need to mix it with anything, just let the powder sit there. Next, drizzle your caramel sauce over the cake mix. Don’t worry if it looks like it’s not mixing, that’s exactly what you want for this recipe!
Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Now pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake mix and caramel layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly; just make sure it’s spread out as much as possible. The milk will seep through the cake mix as it bakes, creating that gooey texture we’re all after.
Step 4: Add Butter and Bake
Next, melt your butter (about a half cup) and drizzle it over the top. You can either cut it into small pieces and scatter it over the cake or just drizzle it straight over. Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The cake will be bubbly around the edges, and the center will be soft and gooey.
Step 5: Top it Off
Once the cake has cooled for a few minutes, sprinkle some chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) over the top while it’s still warm. The chips will melt slightly, adding a beautiful texture and extra chocolatey goodness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use quality caramel sauce: A good caramel sauce will elevate this dump cake. You can use homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s nice and smooth for that rich, caramel flavor.
- Don’t stir: The magic of dump cakes lies in the fact that you don’t mix the ingredients. Let the layers naturally bake together to form that perfect gooey texture.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cake while baking. You want it to be bubbly and golden, but be careful not to dry it out by baking too long.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vanilla or spice cake mix: Want to try something a little different? You can substitute the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or spice cake mix for a new twist on this dump cake.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel will bring out its sweetness and add a salty-sweet balance.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would add a wonderful crunch and flavor to this cake. If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert, you can skip them entirely.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a treat all on its own, but if you want to make it even more indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk – it’s the ultimate comfort dessert. If you’re serving it at a party, it’s perfect for cutting into squares, and it will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers (if you have any) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up, and the gooey goodness will be restored!
FAQs
1. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cake up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. Reheat before serving for the best experience!
2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of cake mix you like. A vanilla cake mix, for example, would create a lighter flavor and still work beautifully with the caramel and chocolate.
3. What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with evaporated milk and a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness. You could also try using heavy cream, but it may result in a slightly different texture.
4. How can I make this cake even richer?
To really make it decadent, you can add more chocolate chips, a layer of fudge, or even swirl in some peanut butter for an extra treat.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is everything you want in a dessert – simple, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect treat when you’re in a pinch or just want something easy yet spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a family get-together or just because, this cake will be devoured in no time. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet with minimal effort, give this cake a try – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Print
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate easy, indulgent dessert. With layers of gooey caramel and rich chocolate, it requires no mixing and minimal effort. Just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Dump the Ingredients: Pour the dry chocolate cake mix into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cake mix.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake mix and caramel.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the cake is bubbly around the edges and the center is soft and gooey.
- Top it Off: After cooling for a few minutes, sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (optional) over the top of the cake.
Notes
- Caramel sauce: Use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
- No stirring: Don’t mix the ingredients; let them naturally bake together for the gooey texture.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on the cake to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg