Name: The Easiest Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake You’ll Ever Make
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup chocolate chips; 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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If you’re in the mood for a rich, gooey dessert that practically makes itself, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, you just dumped everything into a baking dish and let the oven do its thing. The combination of chocolate cake, melted caramel, and crunchy pecans is pure heaven. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

No-fuss dessert. Everything goes straight into the baking dish—no fancy steps required.
Rich and gooey. The caramel melts into the chocolate cake, making it ridiculously moist.
Minimal ingredients. You don’t need a long list of items—just a few pantry staples.
Great for sharing. This cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list is below!

Chocolate cake mix
Butter
Milk
Caramel sauce
Sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate chips
Chopped pecans (optional but highly recommended!)

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make serving easier.

Step 2: Layer the Cake Mix

Pour half of the dry chocolate cake mix evenly into the baking dish. No need to mix anything yet—just spread it out.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Drizzle half of the melted butter and half of the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix. These ingredients will help create that gooey texture we love.

Step 4: Pour in the Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Now, drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top. Sprinkle some chocolate chips and pecans for extra richness and crunch.

Step 5: Add the Remaining Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the rest of the cake mix on top. Then, pour over the remaining butter and sweetened condensed milk. This will help everything blend together while baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Gooey and Delicious

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set and bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out a warm portion and drizzle with extra caramel sauce. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Let the cake cool slightly before serving—this allows the caramel to thicken up a bit.
If you love an extra crispy top, sprinkle a little sugar over the last layer before baking.
For an even richer chocolate flavor, use a devil’s food cake mix instead of a regular chocolate cake mix.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the chocolate cake mix for a brownie mix for an even fudgier texture.
Use toffee bits instead of pecans for a caramel crunch.
Add a layer of banana slices between the cake mix and caramel for a fun twist.
Drizzle some peanut butter into the mix for a peanut butter-chocolate combo.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This cake is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet-salty contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
To freeze: This cake freezes well! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

4 FAQs

Do I need to prepare the cake mix as directed on the box?
Nope! Just use the dry mix as part of the layering process—no extra eggs or oil needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just layer everything in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can use dulce de leche or even a thick butterscotch sauce as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it ahead and warm it up before serving. Just drizzle with a little extra caramel before serving to refresh it.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. With its gooey caramel layers, melty chocolate chips, and rich cake, it’s a guaranteed hit every time. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this recipe is a winner. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

The Easiest Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake You’ll Ever Make

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This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert! Layers of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans come together effortlessly in this indulgent treat. Just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever you need a quick and delicious dessert.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 cup caramel sauce
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Half the Cake Mix: Evenly spread half of the dry chocolate cake mix in the dish.
Add Wet Ingredients: Drizzle half the melted butter and half the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix.
Add Caramel and Chocolate Chips: Pour the caramel sauce over the mixture, then sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.
Add the Remaining Cake Mix: Spread the rest of the cake mix on top, then pour over the remaining butter and sweetened condensed milk.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set and bubbling around the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Scoop into bowls, drizzle with extra caramel, and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.