Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate caramel dump cake! This delightfully rich and gooey treat is not only ridiculously easy to whip up, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone was begging for seconds (and thirds!). The combination of luscious chocolate and warm caramel is just heavenly, and the best part? You don’t have to fuss over mixing or layering. Just dump everything in and let the magic happen in the oven! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this decadent cake for every occasion—or just because you deserve a sweet treat.
Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to create this heavenly chocolate caramel dump cake. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start; it makes the process even smoother and more fun!
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (no need to fuss with eggs or oil, just the mix!)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (the gooier, the better!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I love using semi-sweet, but feel free to experiment!)
- 1 cup water (just plain old tap water works perfectly)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (this adds that rich, buttery flavor that ties it all together)
- 1 cup nuts (optional, but they add a delightful crunch if you’re into that!)
That’s it! Simple ingredients that work together to create a dessert that’s truly out of this world. Now, let’s get ready to bake!
How to Prepare Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the easy-peasy process of making this chocolate caramel dump cake! Trust me, it’s as simple as it gets, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have this delicious dessert baking in your oven.
Step-by-Step 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 perfectly!
- Next, grab that trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I usually use a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks.
- Now, take your box of chocolate cake mix and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Don’t worry about mixing anything—just let it sit there, waiting for its delicious friends!
- Pour 1 cup of water over the cake mix. This may seem odd, but it’s going to create that gooey goodness we love.
- Drizzle the melted butter all over the top. Oh, the aroma of buttery chocolate is already starting!
- Next, it’s time to add the caramel sauce. Just drizzle it generously on top; you want every bite to be filled with that sweet, sticky goodness.
- Now, sprinkle those chocolate chips over everything. I like to do this liberally because who doesn’t want more chocolate?
- If you’re using nuts, go ahead and sprinkle them on top, too. They add a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
- Finally, pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean—just a little gooeyness is perfect!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can resist the temptation!) before serving warm. It’s pure bliss topped with a scoop of ice cream!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? This chocolate caramel dump cake has a special place in my heart, and I know it will in yours too! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll be head over heels for this sweet creation:
- **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep and no complicated steps, you can have this dessert in the oven in just minutes. Seriously, it’s all about the dump and bake!
- **Rich, Decadent Flavor**: The combination of chocolate and caramel is simply divine. Every bite is a heavenly explosion of sweetness that’ll have you dreaming of more!
- **Versatile**: You can customize it with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or even different types of chocolate. Want to throw in some peanut butter chips? Go for it!
- **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this cake fits right in. Trust me, it’s a hit with everyone!
- **Serve it Your Way**: It’s delicious on its own, but pair it with ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got a showstopper dessert that looks fancy but is super easy!
Once you make this cake, I promise you’ll be hooked and ready to share it with everyone you know!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate caramel dump cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, always use high-quality chocolate chips and caramel sauce; it really makes a difference in flavor. If you can, go for semi-sweet chips for that perfect balance of sweetness. When it comes to greasing your baking dish, don’t skimp—make sure it’s well-coated to avoid any sticking mishaps.
Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; ovens can vary, so check it a few minutes before the time is up. If you see the edges pulling away from the sides and a toothpick comes out with just a little gooeyness, it’s done! And remember, this cake is best served warm, so don’t be shy about diving in right out of the oven! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
One of the best things about this chocolate caramel dump cake is how easy it is to switch things up! If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun variations to try:
- Peanut Butter Delight: Swirl in some creamy peanut butter with the caramel sauce for an irresistible combination that’ll satisfy any peanut butter lover.
- Minty Fresh: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint chocolate twist—perfect for the holidays!
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas before baking for a fruity surprise that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and caramel.
- Nutty Bliss: Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Chocolate Overload: For the ultimate chocolate lover, mix in chocolate fudge or use chocolate pudding instead of the water for an even richer taste.
Feel free to get creative and make this cake your own! Each variation brings something unique to the table, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in that warm, gooey chocolate caramel dump cake, you might have some leftovers (if you can resist!). To keep it fresh, allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, just pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. This will revive that gooey texture and bring back all those lovely flavors! If you want to reheat a larger portion, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake it for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the caramel might get too bubbly! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ About Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix gives it that rich flavor, you can try vanilla or even red velvet cake mixes for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the flavors will change a bit!
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade caramel sauce or substitute it with chocolate sauce or even butterscotch sauce for a different flavor profile. The cake will still be delicious!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! Feel free to get creative! Things like coconut flakes, toffee bits, or even crushed cookies can elevate this cake to a whole new level. Just don’t go overboard—too many mix-ins can change the texture.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Great question! You’ll want to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few gooey bits, it’s ready! Remember, a little gooeyness is perfect for this cake.
Can I freeze leftover cake?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up for that fresh-baked taste!
Nutritional Information for Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Now, let’s talk numbers! While we all know this chocolate caramel dump cake is meant for indulgence, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 piece):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, every now and then, a little indulgence is totally worth it, right?
For more information on baking tips and techniques, check out King Arthur Baking’s tips to enhance your baking skills!
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Delicious Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and easy chocolate caramel dump cake.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the chocolate cake mix evenly in the dish.
- Pour the water over the cake mix.
- Drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Add the caramel sauce and chocolate chips.
- Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate caramel dump cake
