Can I use a different type of chocolate for this dump cake?

Yes, you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each will slightly change the sweetness and intensity of the final cake.

Is coarse sea salt essential for this recipe?

Coarse sea salt is recommended for its texture and flavor contrast which enhances the caramel. If unavailable, you can use fine sea salt sparingly, but avoid table salt to prevent overpowering saltiness.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely. The dump cake can be prepared, baked, and cooled ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving if desired to restore gooey textures.

What can I serve alongside this chocolate caramel dump cake?

This rich dessert pairs well with light options such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance its intense flavors. For more dessert pairings, visit our Butter Pecan Fudge recipe.

Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Description

🍰 Delight in this gooey, indulgent chocolate cake, layered with rich caramel and finished with a touch of sea salt for a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors.
🍫 Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix (approx. 4 oz)
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 package chocolate cake mix
1 1/2 cups chopped caramels or caramel candies
Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter, sliced into 1/4-inch squares
Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13-by-9-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups of cold milk for about one minute. Add the chocolate cake mix and stir until smoothly combined.
3. Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Sprinkle the chopped caramels over the batter and add a little coarse sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.
5. Dot squares of butter evenly over the top of the batter.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. While the cake is cooling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.
9. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake, and let it set.
10. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence, if desired.

Notes

🧂 Sprinkle coarse sea salt lightly to balance the sweetness with a delightful contrast.
🍫 Ensure the cake is thoroughly cooled before drizzling the melted chocolate for a perfect finish.
🌡️ Warm the caramel or chocolate chips slightly if needed to make drizzling easier.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: Varies, typical for a rich chocolate and caramel dessert
Sugar: n/a
Sodium: n/a
Fat: n/a
Saturated Fat: n/a
Unsaturated Fat: n/a
Trans Fat: n/a
Carbohydrates: n/a
Fiber: n/a
Protein: n/a
Cholesterol: n/a