Easy Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

When you need a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and unbelievably simple, this easy chocolate caramel dump cake recipe will quickly become your go-to. With layers of chocolate cake, pudding mix, melted butter, chocolate chips, and soft caramel candies, this recipe delivers an indulgent flavor that feels homemade without the effort. It’s the kind of dessert that impresses guests, satisfies chocolate cravings, and disappears fast at potlucks. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a quick sweet fix, this dump cake brings the best of convenience and decadence in one irresistible dish.

Why This Recipe Works

A shortcut to rich chocolate flavor

You don’t need a mixer, eggs, or complicated steps to make this cake. Everything goes straight into the pan, and the oven does the rest. The pudding mix keeps the texture moist and velvety, while the caramel candies melt into golden ribbons of sweetness that blend beautifully with the chocolate base. Every bite offers a balance between fudgy cake, sticky caramel, and a buttery finish that feels like a homemade dessert straight from a bakery.

Perfect for parties and busy bakers

This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want a dessert that looks impressive. You can assemble it in minutes and bake it while dinner finishes cooking. Once it comes out of the oven, the smell alone will draw everyone to the kitchen. It’s an ideal dessert for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or a Friday night treat. The best part is how forgiving it is—no precise measurements or special equipment required, and it always turns out delicious.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Simple ingredients, big flavor

This dump cake uses pantry staples and common dessert ingredients that combine to make a dessert rich enough for any occasion. You’ll need:

• 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix
• 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup butter (half melted, half sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 12 ounces chocolate chips
• 11 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped

The melted butter helps the cake mix absorb moisture, while the sliced butter on top ensures a crisp, buttery finish. The chocolate chips and caramels melt together during baking, creating a molten texture that’s indulgent and satisfying.

Easy swaps and additions

You can swap chocolate cake mix for devil’s food or fudge mix for a deeper cocoa flavor. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or mix in sea salt to balance the sweetness. If you can’t find caramel candies, use caramel bits or drizzle in thick caramel sauce before baking. For a twist, sprinkle crushed pretzels or toffee bits over the top before baking for texture and a hint of salt.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Preparing your base

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt half a cup of butter and pour it into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the melted butter. Follow with the dry pudding mix, spreading it evenly over the cake mix. Pour the milk across the top and use a fork or spoon to lightly moisten the dry areas without mixing too much. This creates layers that bake into a rich, gooey consistency.

Building and baking the layers

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top, then place the remaining butter slices on areas that look dry. Add the unwrapped caramel candies evenly throughout the dish. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbling with melted caramel. The edges should look slightly crisp, and the middle should still feel soft and rich. Let it rest for about ten minutes before serving to allow the caramel to thicken slightly.

Serving and Storage

How to serve it

Serve this cake warm for the best texture. The melted caramel will flow between the rich layers of chocolate, creating that perfect gooey bite. Scoop portions into bowls and top with whipped cream, a drizzle of warm caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. The combination of hot chocolate cake and cold ice cream makes this dessert unforgettable. It’s also perfect to serve directly from the baking dish for a relaxed, homey presentation.

How to store leftovers

Let the cake cool completely before covering. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The caramel will firm up as it chills, so when reheating, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 25 seconds to bring back the gooey texture. Avoid reheating the entire cake more than once, as the caramel can harden. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, but even cold, it’s rich and satisfying.

Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

Get the texture right

The secret to a perfect chocolate caramel dump cake is balance. Make sure the milk slightly moistens the dry cake mix but doesn’t turn it soupy. This ensures a soft interior with a crisp edge. Distribute butter evenly to prevent dry spots. The pudding mix gives the cake a creamy middle layer, while the caramels add chewiness and shine. If any dry areas remain after baking, lightly spritz them with water as it cools to keep everything moist.

Boosting the flavor

If you’re a serious chocolate lover, use dark chocolate chips or add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake mix before baking—it enhances the cocoa flavor without overpowering the caramel. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the finished cake for that salted caramel touch. You can also layer a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce on top right after baking to make it extra glossy and rich. This dessert encourages creativity, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste.

Flavor Variations

Creative mix-ins

The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Add crushed peanut butter cups or chopped pecans to the top for a nutty chocolate version. For a festive holiday twist, sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint bits over the top after baking. You can even create a mocha version by substituting half of the milk with brewed coffee for a deep, rich flavor.

Similar easy dessert ideas

If you love this gooey combination of cake and caramel, you’ll enjoy trying the Easy Triple Berry Dump Cake for a fruity version that’s just as effortless. Both recipes follow the same concept of layering and baking, but each brings its own signature flavor—chocolate and caramel for richness, or mixed berries for a tart and sweet contrast.

Serving Occasions and Pairings

When to make it

This dump cake is a guaranteed hit at birthdays, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s especially great for holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas when chocolate desserts take center stage. Because it’s so simple to make, it also works as a spontaneous weekend treat when you crave something decadent but quick.

Perfect pairings

Pair this rich cake with light drinks like coffee, espresso, or a glass of milk to balance its intensity. For a more indulgent dessert experience, serve it with chocolate shavings and whipped cream. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert for cozy nights in, and it pairs perfectly with classic Canadian winter dishes like roast beef or shepherd’s pie for a complete hearty meal.

FAQ

Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours before serving. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the caramel and restore the gooey texture.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Absolutely. Drizzle about half a cup of thick caramel sauce over the top before baking. The sauce will bubble and blend into the chocolate layers just like the candies, creating the same effect.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk. The texture and flavor will stay rich, and the caramel will still melt beautifully.

Conclusion

This Easy Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe is pure comfort in a pan. It combines the richness of chocolate pudding, the smoothness of melted caramel, and the crisp buttery texture of a dump cake in one dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a quick sweet fix, this recipe always delivers. It’s simple, reliable, and guaranteed to impress everyone who takes a bite. Keep it in your rotation for those moments when you want something indulgent without the stress of baking from scratch.