Hey y'all! If you love desserts that are fudgy, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!) is about to become your new favorite treat. With only a handful of pantry ingredients and no need for fancy skills, you get a rich chocolate cake layered with luscious caramel and melted chocolate. It's perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just when you crave something sweet and comforting. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep—just dump, layer, and bake!
- Gooey caramel and melted chocolate create an irresistible texture.
- No mixer or fancy equipment needed—seriously, anyone can make this.
- Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quick weeknight dessert fix.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or toppings.
Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 jar (13-14 oz) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping)
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the caramel layer, spreading it as evenly as possible.
Step 3: Add Evaporated Milk & Butter
Drizzle the evaporated milk all over the cake mix. Then, pour the melted butter evenly across the entire pan. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible, but don't worry if some dry spots remain—they'll bake up just fine!
Step 4: Top with Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. If you like a touch of salty-sweet, sprinkle on the sea salt now.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the top is set and the caramel is bubbling around the edges. The center will be a little soft—perfectly gooey!

Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let your Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!) cool for about 15 minutes before scooping and serving. It's fantastic warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Notes: Tips for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- For a homemade caramel sauce option, check out this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
- If you have dry spots on top after baking, it's normal! The butter and milk soak in while it cools.
- Learn more about dump cake techniques at Taste of Home.
Variations on Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add dollops of peanut butter before adding the cake mix for a nutty twist.
- Turtle Dump Cake: Add chopped pecans and use salted caramel for a classic turtle candy flavor.
- Mocha Version: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder over the cake mix before baking for a coffee kick.
Required Equipment for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
Storage Instructions for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
Cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings
- Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a strong cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toffee bits over the top.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!)
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for the richest flavor—see King Arthur Baking's caramel sauce guide.
- Let the cake cool slightly before serving so the caramel thickens just enough for perfect spoonfuls.
- Don’t overbake! The center should be soft and gooey for the best texture.
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake (Easy!) FAQ
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Absolutely! Try devil's food or German chocolate for a slightly different taste.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes—bake, cool, and refrigerate. Warm it up before serving for the best gooey texture.
- Does the dump cake need to be refrigerated?
- Yes, store leftovers in the fridge due to the dairy content and to keep the caramel fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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3Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the caramel and condensed milk layers.
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4Drizzle the melted butter and evaporated milk evenly over the cake mix. Do not stir.
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5Top with chocolate chips and chopped pecans, if using.
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6Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is set and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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