The Ultimate Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe: Effortless Elegance in Every Bite
A rich, gooey, layered chocolate dessert with buttery caramel and a silky ganache topping. Minimal prep, big flavor — perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a late-night chocolate craving.
Ingredients
For the Cake
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1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 15.25 oz)
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2 large eggs
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½ cup whole milk
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ cup sour cream
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1 cup caramel sauce
For the Ganache
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½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
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½ cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings
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Chocolate shavings
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Chopped nuts or toffee bits
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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chocolate cake mix
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eggs
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milk
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melted butter
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baking powder
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sour cream
Mix until smooth.
2. Add the Caramel Layer
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Pour half the batter into the baking dish.
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Warm caramel sauce slightly so it drizzles easily.
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Drizzle caramel evenly over the batter.
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Gently spoon the remaining batter on top and spread lightly to cover.
3. Bake
Bake 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (no wet batter).
4. Make the Ganache
While cake bakes:
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Heat heavy cream in the microwave until hot (not boiling).
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Add chocolate chunks.
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Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Finish & Serve
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Let cake cool for 10 minutes.
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Pour warm ganache over the top and spread evenly.
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Add toppings (shavings, nuts, toffee) if desired.
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Let ganache set 10–15 minutes, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
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Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for salted caramel flavor.
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Fold ½–1 cup chocolate chips into the batter for extra richness.
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Replace caramel with dulce de leche for a creamier center.
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Serve warm with ice cream for a lava cake effect.