Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate caramel dump cake! This cake is like a warm hug on a plate – rich, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, which is perfect for when I have friends over or just need a little pick-me-up after a long day. I can’t help but get excited as I layer those luscious ingredients! Trust me, the combination of chocolate and caramel is a match made in heaven. You’ll love how it practically bakes itself while you kick back and relax. Seriously, if you’ve got 50 minutes to spare, you can have this delightful treat ready to impress everyone around you. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
To get started on this heavenly chocolate caramel dump cake, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
(Tip: Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot; you don’t want to cook the chocolate chips when you drizzle it on top!)
How to Prepare the Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Prepping for Baking
Alright, first things first! You’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it helps the cake bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I usually use a bit of cooking spray or butter—just enough to ensure our delicious cake doesn’t stick. Trust me, no one wants to deal with a stuck cake!
Layering the Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Start by pouring the chocolate cake mix into your greased dish. Spread it out evenly, and then it’s time to drizzle that sweetened condensed milk all over the cake mix. You can go a little wild here—just make sure it’s all covered. Next, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top; it’s going to create such a luscious layer. Now for the chocolate chips—sprinkle them generously on top; I like to think of this step as adding little pockets of chocolatey goodness! Finally, drizzle that melted butter over everything. Don’t skimp here; it’s what brings that gooey texture we all crave!
Baking Process
Time to pop this beauty into the oven! Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and you’ll know it’s close! To check if it’s done, give it a gentle shake. If the center isn’t jiggling too much and the edges look set, it’s ready to come out. Remember, it will continue to firm up a bit as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a touch soft right out of the oven. Let it cool for a few moments before diving in!
Tips for Success
To really nail that perfect chocolate caramel dump cake, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the melting process for your butter; it should be just melted and not bubbling hot. This ensures that the chocolate chips stay intact and don’t melt into oblivion before baking. Also, feel free to mix in some chopped nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick! If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips. And remember, serving this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a game changer—it just takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness! Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different caramel sauces; the options are endless and can add a unique twist to your dessert adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind that nutrition facts can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. That said, here’s what you can typically expect per slice of this decadent chocolate caramel dump cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 5g
So, whether you’re indulging a little or sharing this treat with friends, just remember to enjoy it in moderation—and don’t forget the ice cream on top for that added joy!
FAQ about Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this chocolate caramel dump cake is that it can be made in advance. You can prepare the cake and layer all the ingredients in your baking dish, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, so it bakes evenly. You can also bake it ahead of time and store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days—just reheat a slice in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate it even more, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for that indulgent touch, or sprinkle some chopped nuts for crunch. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a nice tart contrast as well. The options are endless, and you can really customize it to your taste!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Definitely! If you’re looking to switch things up, you can try using a different cake mix, like vanilla or red velvet, for a fun twist. For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cake mix. If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can use evaporated milk mixed with a bit of sugar as a substitute. You can also swap the chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that each substitution might alter the final taste slightly, but that’s part of the fun of baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Decadent layers of chocolate and caramel create an irresistible flavor combination.
- Only a few simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible.
- Serves a crowd—great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Deliciously gooey texture that gets even better with a scoop of ice cream.
- Customizable with toppings like nuts or extra chocolate for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your chocolate caramel dump cake is super simple! Just let the cake cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. Trust me, warming it up brings back that gooey, melty goodness! If you have more cake than you can eat, you can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Variations of Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations for this chocolate caramel dump cake! For a fruity twist, try adding a layer of sliced bananas or chopped apples beneath the chocolate cake mix—just imagine that warm fruit mingling with the chocolate and caramel! You could also drizzle some peanut butter over the top before baking for a delightful chocolate-peanut butter combo. If you want to up the crunch factor, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans—this will add a lovely texture contrast. And for those who love a bit of spice, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne can create an exciting kick! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect flavor combo!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this decadent chocolate fudge cake recipe!
Imprimer
Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake: 5 Reasons to Indulge Now
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and easy chocolate caramel dump cake.
Ingrédients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the chocolate cake mix into the baking dish.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake mix.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Drizzle melted butter over everything.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can add nuts for extra crunch.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: chocolate caramel dump cake, easy dessert, chocolate cake
