Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug? The chocolate caramel dump cake is exactly that! It’s a delightful blend of rich chocolate and gooey caramel that’s so incredibly simple to whip up. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; I was in such a rush, but this cake was a total lifesaver! Just throw everything together and let the oven do the magic. Trust me, the smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure bliss. You’ll have a delicious dessert that impresses everyone without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your luscious chocolate caramel dump cake. It’s all about ease and indulgence, so let’s dive in!
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (the kind you just add water to is perfect)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (this adds a creamy richness that’s to die for)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (feel free to use store-bought or homemade, both work wonders!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (because more chocolate is always better, right?)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (this brings it all together beautifully)
- 1 cup water (to mix with the cake mix, simple as that!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and rise just right.
- Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up! You can use butter or cooking spray—whatever you’ve got on hand works.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, and melted butter. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and there are no lumps. You want that batter to be silky and inviting!
- Now, pour the cake batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it looks a bit lumpy; that’s just the nature of dump cakes!
- Here comes the fun part! Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk all over the top of the batter. Don’t be shy—let it soak in for that creamy goodness. Then, follow it up with the caramel sauce. I like to make a little pattern with it; it’s visually appealing!
- Now, sprinkle the chocolate chips generously on top. Seriously, go wild with it! More chocolate equals more happiness.
- Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. It’s all about that perfect balance!
- Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set up a bit more. Trust me, you’ll want to serve it warm for that ooey-gooey experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just dump and bake, and you’re done!
- The combination of rich chocolate and luscious caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone will rave about it and ask for seconds.
- It’s warm, gooey, and oh-so-comforting, making it a cozy dessert option.
- Great for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or even just a treat for yourself!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate caramel dump cake turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure to mix the batter just until combined; overmixing can lead to a denser cake. Also, when drizzling the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, try to cover the entire surface for that even gooeyness. If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking—it really brings out the sweetness! And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cake in the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up your chocolate caramel dump cake! For a nutty twist, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking—yum! If you’re a fan of peanut butter, swirl in some creamy peanut butter alongside the caramel sauce for a delightful flavor combo. Want a more decadent touch? Use dark chocolate cake mix instead of regular for an intense chocolate experience. You can also mix in some crushed Oreos or graham crackers for a fun texture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate caramel dump cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This warms it up perfectly without drying it out, ensuring that gooey goodness is still there. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this indulgent chocolate caramel dump cake, it’s always good to know what you’re treating yourself to! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
So, whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends, this rich dessert packs a satisfying punch without too much guilt. Enjoy every decadent bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is a classic choice for this chocolate caramel dump cake, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even spice cake for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change a bit!
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
No worries! You can make your own caramel sauce quickly by melting sugar until it becomes golden brown and then carefully adding butter and cream. It’s a bit more work but totally worth it for that homemade touch!
Can I make this cake in advance?
You can definitely prepare the cake in advance! Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven for a warm, gooey dessert.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Check for doneness by looking for set edges and a slightly gooey center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter!
Can I add toppings to the cake?
For sure! You can top your chocolate caramel dump cake with whipped cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat. It’s all about making it your own!
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake: 7 Irresistible Layers of Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and indulgent dessert that combines chocolate and caramel flavors in a cake form.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, and melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce over the batter.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate caramel dump cake
