Description

This Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake is an effortless, indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with luscious caramel and a silky chocolate ganache topping. A perfect treat for chocolate and caramel lovers, this moist cake requires minimal preparation and bakes to a decadent delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup sour cream

Filling and Topping

1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until the batter is smooth and consistent without lumps.
Assemble the Cake Layers: Pour half of the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish. Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it evenly over this first layer of batter. Then, carefully spoon or pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer, creating a layered effect.
Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with moist crumbs attached. This ensures the cake is fully baked but remains moist.
Prepare Chocolate Ganache: While the cake is baking or cooling, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling. Immediately add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the hot cream and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Cool and Finish: Allow the baked cake to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes. Then pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cake. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving to achieve a beautiful finish and rich flavor.

Notes

For easier slicing, refrigerate the cake after the ganache has set.
You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel if preferred.
Use high-quality chocolate chunks for a richer ganache flavor.
Sour cream adds moisture and tang—do not omit for best texture.
Make sure the caramel sauce is warm but not hot to prevent mixing too much with the batter during layering.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate caramel cake, dump cake, easy chocolate dessert, caramel chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake, layered cake recipe