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Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 52 reviews

This decadent Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake combines rich chocolate cake batter with luscious caramel sauce and a smooth homemade ganache topping. Easy to prepare and baked in one dish, this dessert features layers of gooey caramel inside a moist chocolate cake, topped with a silky chocolate ganache and optional crunchy toppings for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (approx. 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
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

For the Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings:

  • Chocolate shavings
  • Chopped nuts or toffee bits

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, eggs, whole milk, melted butter, baking powder, and sour cream until you achieve a smooth and uniform batter.
  2. Layer the Caramel: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Warm the caramel sauce slightly to loosen its consistency and then drizzle it evenly over the batter layer. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the caramel, spreading it gently to cover without mixing the layers.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Make the Ganache: While the cake bakes, heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot but not boiling, typically about 30-45 seconds. Add the semi-sweet chocolate chunks to the cream and let them sit for 1 minute to soften. Stir thoroughly until the ganache is smooth and glossy.
  5. Finish and Serve: After the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, pour the warm ganache evenly over the top and spread gently. Sprinkle with optional chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or toffee bits if desired. Let the ganache set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow flavors to meld and topping to firm.

Notes

  • Warming the caramel sauce before layering helps it spread more evenly and prevents it from sinking too much into the batter.
  • Do not overbake the cake to maintain a moist and tender crumb texture.
  • Ganache can be made ahead of time and gently reheated if desired.
  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and chocolate shavings.
  • Adjust optional toppings based on preference for crunch or additional flavor.