This decadent Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the answer to your sweet tooth’s wildest dreams. With layers of rich chocolate pudding, moist cake, melted caramel, and melty chocolate chips, each bite melts in your mouth and delivers comfort in a single spoonful.
Perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests, this recipe requires no mixing bowls and minimal effort—just layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Top it with a scoop of ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 (11 oz) bag caramel bits or 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Pour the pudding into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer.
- Drizzle caramel bits or sauce across the top.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using) over the cake mix layer.
- Do not stir. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top looks set and slightly cracked.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
When it comes to indulgent, crowd-pleasing desserts that don’t require a culinary degree or fancy equipment, dump cakes take the top spot. And if you’re a fan of chocolate, caramel, and warm gooey textures, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake might just become your new favorite sweet treat. It’s quick, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
What Is a Dump Cake, Anyway?
The name might not sound glamorous, but dump cakes are beloved for their simplicity. As the name implies, all you have to do is dump the ingredients into a baking dish—usually without any stirring—and bake. These cakes originated in the United States in the 1960s and became a staple in kitchens for good reason: they’re fast, foolproof, and endlessly customizable.
A dump cake typically uses a box cake mix as a shortcut, layered over a fruit base, pudding, or creamy filling, then topped with butter, nuts, or other mix-ins. The result? A warm, layered dessert that’s somewhere between a cake, a cobbler, and a molten lava brownie.
Why This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Stands Out
What makes this version of a dump cake so special? It’s all in the flavor and texture combination:
- Rich chocolate pudding on the bottom layer makes it incredibly moist and fudgy.
- Dry chocolate cake mix sprinkled over the pudding creates a rustic, crackly topping.
- Caramel bits or sauce add a gooey, sweet contrast that pairs perfectly with the bittersweet chocolate.
- Chocolate chips melt into the layers for extra richness.
- Pecans (optional) give it a nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
All together, this dessert feels like the ultimate comfort food—warm, soft, chocolatey, and gooey with the perfect caramel swirl. It’s everything you love about brownies, chocolate cake, and caramel candies rolled into one dessert.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Minimal Prep Time
You don’t need to pre-mix batter, use multiple bowls, or dirty a bunch of utensils. This is a one-dish dessert that’s ideal when you’re short on time. - Beginner-Friendly
No baking skills? No problem. This is one of the easiest recipes you can make—even kids can help prepare it. - Customizable
Don’t have caramel bits? Use a jarred caramel sauce. Prefer walnuts over pecans? Swap them in. You can even use a devil’s food cake mix or dark chocolate pudding for a deeper flavor. - Perfect for Gatherings
Because it’s baked in a 9×13-inch dish, this cake is ideal for serving a group—whether it’s a holiday party, potluck, or a cozy family dinner. - Serve It Hot or Cold
While it’s amazing warm from the oven, this cake also holds up beautifully when chilled and served the next day. The texture becomes denser and fudgier, almost like a brownie-meets-chocolate tart. - Versatile Toppings
Serve it à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or dress it up with whipped cream and a drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate syrup.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
- Don’t Stir the Layers
The beauty of a dump cake is in the layering. Pour the pudding first, sprinkle the cake mix evenly on top, then drizzle the caramel and chocolate. Don’t mix them together—it creates the magic while baking. - Even Distribution Is Key
When adding the dry cake mix, make sure it’s spread in an even layer. Any dry patches may stay powdery if they don’t get enough moisture during baking. - Watch for Doneness
Every oven is different, so check the cake around 40 minutes. The top should look set, with some bubbling from the caramel at the edges. - Let It Rest Before Serving
While it may be tempting to dive in right away, letting the cake sit for 10–15 minutes helps it firm up slightly so you get those perfect gooey spoonfuls.
Variations You Can Try
- Salted Caramel Twist
Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular for a sweet-and-salty flavor combo. - S’mores Version
Add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a s’mores-inspired twist. - Nut-Free Option
Leave out the pecans entirely if you’re serving this to someone with a nut allergy—it’s just as delicious without them. - Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your pudding mix and caramel are gluten-free too. Dump cake is very adaptable to dietary needs. - Coffee Kick
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the pudding mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor with a hint of mocha.
Why It’s a Dessert Worth Repeating
In a world where baking can sometimes feel intimidating or time-consuming, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a breath of fresh air. It delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and it always impresses guests with its rich, gooey layers.
Plus, it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat a slice in the microwave and top with ice cream for a midnight treat. If you’re planning to make dessert for a party, game night, or even a cozy date night at home, this dump cake has you covered.
Final Thoughts
The combination of warm chocolate, creamy pudding, melted caramel, and a lightly crisp top makes this dump cake completely crave-worthy. It’s the kind of dessert that never lasts long on the table—everyone comes back for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute dessert or something that feels indulgent with zero stress, the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate bake-it-and-forget-it treat. It’s rich, gooey, and always hits the sweet spot.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a no-fuss, ultra-satisfying dessert that brings together rich chocolate and buttery caramel in the easiest way possible, this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the one to try. With just a few ingredients and almost no prep, you’ll create a gooey, decadent treat that tastes like it took hours. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy leftovers chilled the next day, this cake delivers comfort and joy in every bite. It’s the perfect go-to for busy nights, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving something irresistibly sweet with minimal effort. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many homes!