The Homemade Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for chocolate lovers who crave rich, gooey sweetness without any complicated steps. It’s made with boxed chocolate cake mix, pudding mix, butter, chocolate chips, milk, and caramel candies, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and effortless. The layers melt into each other while baking, forming a fudgy, molten center and crisp edges that taste like a bakery masterpiece. Whether you’re baking for guests, holidays, or a late-night craving, this dessert delivers pure comfort in every bite. If you enjoy fruity dump cakes, try the Homemade Triple Berry Dump Cake for a colorful, tart alternative that’s just as easy.
Why This Dump Cake Recipe Works
A Foolproof Method for Rich Flavor
Dump cakes are known for their simplicity, and this one proves that minimal effort can still deliver maximum flavor. You don’t need a mixer or multiple bowls—just layer everything directly into the pan and bake. The butter melts into the cake and pudding mix, the chocolate chips melt into ribbons of sweetness, and the caramels create chewy, molten pockets throughout the cake.
Perfect Texture Combination
What makes this cake special is its contrast of textures. The edges bake into a slightly crisp crust, while the center stays soft, rich, and gooey. The combination of chocolate pudding and caramel ensures a velvety interior that feels luxurious with every spoonful.
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Homemade Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
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Description
This Homemade Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a gooey, rich, and irresistibly easy dessert made with chocolate cake mix, pudding, butter, chocolate chips, milk, and caramel candies.
Ingredients
15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup butter, divided (½ cup melted, ½ cup sliced)
1 ½ cups milk
12 ounces chocolate chips
11 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour melted butter into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle dry cake mix and pudding mix over the butter.
4. Pour milk evenly on top and gently moisten dry spots.
5. Add chocolate chips, arrange butter slices, and scatter caramel candies evenly.
6. Bake 50–60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Cool 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use dark chocolate cake mix for richer flavor. Add nuts, toffee bits, or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
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Essential Ingredients
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients before you start:
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
- 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup butter, divided (½ cup melted, ½ cup sliced)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 12 ounces chocolate chips
- 11 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped
Each ingredient plays a specific role. The pudding mix gives depth and moisture, the butter ensures a soft, gooey base with crisp top, and the caramels melt into luscious pockets of sweetness that take the dessert from good to unforgettable.
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
You can personalize this cake easily. Use dark chocolate cake mix for a deeper flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter version. Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or white chocolate for a fun variation. For crunch, sprinkle crushed pretzels or chopped pecans on top before baking.
Preparing the Layers
Step One: The Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. Pour in the melted butter and spread evenly to coat the bottom. This ensures a golden, crisp base and prevents sticking.
Step Two: Building the Layers
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the melted butter, followed by the pudding mix. Pour milk slowly over the surface and use a fork to lightly moisten dry spots without stirring too much. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top, then place butter slices over any areas that look dry. Finally, scatter the caramel candies evenly across the dish. They’ll melt during baking to create that signature gooey texture.
Baking and Serving
Baking to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until the top looks bubbly and slightly firm around the edges. The center should remain soft and moist. If your oven runs hot, check around 45 minutes to avoid overbaking. The goal is a glossy, set surface with a fudge-like consistency beneath.
How to Serve
Let the cake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the caramel to thicken slightly. Scoop portions into bowls and serve warm. The chocolate and caramel blend perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If you love salty-sweet contrasts, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt before serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Keep It Gooey
To maintain that gooey texture, avoid overbaking. The cake continues to set as it cools, so removing it once it’s slightly soft in the center guarantees the best consistency.
Quick Fixes for Dry Spots
If the top appears powdery or dry in some areas after baking, drizzle a tablespoon or two of melted butter or milk over those spots. The residual heat will blend it into the cake seamlessly.
Flavor Upgrades and Creative Twists
Make It Your Own
Add chopped pecans, toffee bits, or mini marshmallows for added texture. Drizzle caramel sauce before baking for double caramel flavor. For a mocha variation, replace ½ cup of milk with brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate depth.
Holiday and Seasonal Versions
Transform this dessert into a holiday favorite by topping it with crushed candy canes or red and green sprinkles. For Thanksgiving or fall gatherings, drizzle warm caramel sauce and serve with cinnamon whipped cream for an elegant finish.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerating and Freezing
Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to five days. The caramel may harden slightly in the fridge, but reheating brings it back to its soft, gooey texture. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat
Microwave individual servings for 30–40 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the caramel smooth and the topping crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Best Toppings
This cake is perfect on its own, but toppings make it shine. Add a scoop of ice cream, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce, or dust with powdered sugar. For a sophisticated touch, top with chocolate curls or crushed pretzels.
Beverage Pairings
Pair your dump cake with strong coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa for a comforting treat. For dinner parties, serve it with a small glass of port wine or an Irish coffee to complement the rich chocolate flavor.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overmixing the Layers
Resist the urge to stir the layers together. Dump cakes rely on the layering process for their distinct textures—mixing turns it into standard cake batter.
Uneven Butter Coverage
Make sure the butter slices cover the surface evenly. Dry spots mean less gooey texture. If in doubt, add a few extra butter slices before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with vegan margarine and use non-dairy milk such as oat or almond milk. The texture remains rich and gooey.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes. Drizzle ½ cup of thick caramel sauce over the top before baking for a smoother caramel layer instead of chewy pockets.
What if I only have white cake mix?
You can still make it work by adding ¼ cup cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, simply use a larger baking pan and extend baking time by about 10–15 minutes. Rotate halfway through to ensure even baking.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day before baking and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving for the best results.
Conclusion
The Homemade Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary desserts. It’s rich, moist, and irresistibly gooey, with layers of chocolate cake, pudding, and melted caramel blending into pure comfort. Whether you’re hosting friends or satisfying your own sweet craving, this cake delivers indulgence without the fuss. Serve it warm with ice cream or straight from the dish for a treat that feels homemade every time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become one of your go-to desserts year-round.