Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Rich Chocolate Cake with Gooey Caramel and Chocolate Ganache

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for chocolate lovers. Made with a boxed chocolate cake mix and layered with warm caramel sauce, this cake bakes up incredibly moist, rich, and indulgent. It’s finished with a silky chocolate ganache that melts into the cake, creating a dessert that tastes completely homemade with minimal effort.

Perfect for parties, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert, this chocolate caramel dump cake is guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Rich, fudgy chocolate flavor
Gooey caramel layered inside the cake
Smooth chocolate ganache topping
Easy “dump cake” style with simple ingredients
Perfect for make-ahead desserts and gatherings

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
2 large eggs
½ cup whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup sour cream
1 cup caramel sauce

For the Chocolate Ganache

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings

Chocolate shavings
Chopped nuts or toffee bits

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.

2. Layer the Caramel

Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Warm the caramel sauce slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable. Drizzle the caramel evenly over the batter, creating a generous layer.

Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the caramel and gently spread it to cover without fully mixing the layers.

3. Bake the Cake

Bake the cake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake rich and gooey.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache

While the cake is baking, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, until hot but not boiling.

Add the chocolate chunks or chips to the hot cream and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth, glossy, and fully melted.

5. Finish and Serve

Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes, then pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the top.

If desired, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits. Let the ganache set for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake

Warm the caramel slightly so it spreads evenly
Do not overmix the layers — this keeps the caramel gooey
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the batter for extra depth
Use high-quality chocolate for a smoother ganache

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Add whipped cream for extra indulgence
Pair with coffee or milk for the perfect dessert combo

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Servings: 12