Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Clara quick dinners

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is a decadent, gooey dessert that combines rich chocolate and luscious caramel in a simple, no-fuss recipe. Perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings, this cake requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just layer the ingredients and bake—no mixing bowls needed.
• Rich and Indulgent: The combination of chocolate cake, pudding, and caramel creates a moist, flavorful treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 cup butter, divided (½ cup melted, ½ cup sliced)
• 12 oz chocolate chips
• 11 oz caramel candies, unwrapped

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the melted ½ cup of butter into the prepared baking dish.
3. Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the butter.
4. Sprinkle the dry pudding mix over the cake mix layer.
5. Pour the milk over the dry ingredients, attempting to moisten the mixes slightly.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
7. Distribute the sliced butter evenly over the mixture.
8. Scatter the unwrapped caramel candies across the top.
9. Bake for 5060 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the center is set.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5060 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 12

Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
• Different Chips: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or white chocolate chips for a unique taste.
• Caramel Sauce: Use caramel sauce instead of candies for a smoother caramel layer.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 2030 seconds. For larger portions, reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, while chocolate cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with flavors like devil’s food or fudge for a richer taste.

Do I need to prepare the pudding mix before adding it?

No, add the dry pudding mix directly to the dish as per the instructions.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?

Absolutely. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for a gooier texture.

Is it necessary to melt the butter?

Melting half the butter helps moisten the dry ingredients. The sliced butter on top ensures even coverage and richness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store covered and reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this dump cake?

It’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Why is it called a “dump” cake?

Because you “dump” all the ingredients into the baking dish without mixing, making it incredibly easy to prepare.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Certainly. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges should be bubbly, and the center should be set. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

Conclusion

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is the epitome of easy, indulgent desserts. With its rich layers of chocolate and caramel, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something decadent, this dump cake is a go-to recipe that delivers every time.

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