What’s the sweetest way to end a weeknight dinner? This easy homemade chocolate caramel dump cake is a family favorite, featuring rich caramel and gooey chocolate, served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. Save this idea for your next dessert night.

chocolate caramel dump cake with vanilla ice cream on top and drizzled in caramel

Introduction

Imagine a dessert so decadent, it’s as if a chocolate cake, caramel sauce, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream all came together in perfect harmony. Welcome to the world of the chocolate caramel dump cake, a culinary masterpiece that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and satisfaction. This delightful treat is perfect for anyone looking to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Using everyday ingredients and requiring no advanced culinary skills, this recipe is a game-changer for dessert lovers of all levels.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and creamy vanilla ice cream creates a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. The best part? All the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance and taste, the chocolate caramel dump cake is incredibly easy to prepare. It requires minimal cooking skills and can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The dump cake’s rustic, homemade appearance belies its sophisticated flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Your guests will be amazed by the depth of flavors and textures, all achieved with minimal fuss and effort.

Key Ingredients

The chocolate caramel dump cake relies on a few key ingredients to achieve its signature flavor and texture. These include a box of chocolate cake mix, a can of caramel sauce, a pint of vanilla ice cream, and some chopped nuts or sea salt for added crunch and texture. For those looking for substitutions, consider using different types of nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to add a unique twist to the recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using a different flavor of ice cream, such as strawberry or cookie dough, to create a unique variation.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your ingredients by chopping any nuts or sprinkles you plan to use and setting them aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, some melted butter, and a splash of milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Pour the batter into a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 3: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cake batter, making sure to cover the entire surface. You can use as much or as little caramel as you like, depending on your personal preference. Sprinkle some chopped nuts or sea salt over the top of the caramel for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. To serve, scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream over the top of the warm cake and drizzle with additional caramel sauce, if desired.

Handy Tips

To ensure the cake cooks evenly, make sure to rotate the baking dish halfway through the cooking time.
If you find the caramel sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or heavy cream. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, you can heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds to thicken it.
Consider using high-quality ingredients, such as real vanilla extract and high-cocoa-content chocolate, to elevate the flavor of the cake.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure the cake cooks evenly and doesn’t overcook. The ideal temperature for baking the cake is 350°F (180°C), and the cooking time should be around 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the chopped nuts or sea salt sprinkled over the top of the caramel sauce. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to chop the nuts finely and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the cake. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or toppings, such as chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon, to create a unique texture and flavor combination.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To make the cake more visually appealing, consider drizzling the caramel sauce in a decorative pattern over the top of the cake.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the cake batter and caramel sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
For an extra-decadent treat, consider adding a scoop of hot fudge or whipped cream to the top of the cake, in addition to the vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Storage Tips

The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat the cake, simply microwave it for a few seconds or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes.
Consider storing the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give the chocolate caramel dump cake as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative tin or container and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You could also add some chopped nuts or sprinkles to the top of the cake for extra visual appeal. For a more rustic look, consider wrapping the cake in parchment paper or a paper bag and tying it with twine.

Flavor Variations

Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the cake for an extra boost of flavor.
For a unique twist, try using different types of nuts or seeds, such as chopped pecans or sesame seeds, to add texture and flavor to the cake.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using a different flavor of ice cream, such as strawberry or cookie dough, to create a unique variation.

Troubleshooting

If the cake is too dry, consider adding a splash of milk or heavy cream to the batter to moisten it.
If the caramel sauce is too thick, try thinning it out with a splash of milk or heavy cream.
If the cake is overcooked, consider reducing the cooking time or temperature to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer.
Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, the cake contains gluten due to the chocolate cake mix. However, you can try substituting the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

The chocolate caramel dump cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers of all levels. With its rich, indulgent flavor and ease of preparation, it’s the perfect treat to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of the chocolate caramel dump cake for yourself!

Caramel Chocolate Dump Cake