If you’re a true chocoholic or just searching for a crowd-pleaser that practically makes itself, the Chocolate Dump Cake is about to become your new go-to. With just a handful of pantry staples and barely any prep (we’re talking five minutes, friends!), this luscious dessert comes out of the oven loaded with gooey, melty chocolate. Every bite delivers a mix of velvety cake and pockets of melted chocolate chips — a texture and flavor combo that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth in record time. Whether you’re serving it at a big family dinner or just whipping it up to cure a late-night craving, Chocolate Dump Cake never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This super simple sweets lineup is what makes Chocolate Dump Cake both effortless and delicious. Each ingredient brings something special, so don’t skip a thing if you want that signature rich, gooey outcome.
- 1 chocolate cake mix: The shortcut star — it gives your cake a classic, fluffy structure with a deep cocoa base in a snap.
- 1 (3.9 oz) box chocolate pudding: Adds unbeatable silkiness and turns every bite decadently moist.
- 2 cups milk: Creamy and essential for making the pudding extra luscious and ensuring the cake bakes up soft and tender.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: These sprinkle over the top for chocolate pools and gooey bits in every serving.
How to Make Chocolate Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Getting your oven hot while you assemble the ingredients means you can slide your Chocolate Dump Cake right in the moment it’s ready — no wasted time, just more chocolatey goodness sooner!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and two cups of milk until it’s smooth and starts to thicken. The pudding adds a gorgeous moistness to the cake and gives it that signature fudgy bite.
Step 3: Stir in the Cake Mix
Without bothering to prep the cake mix separately, pour it (dry!) straight into your pudding mixture. Stir just until combined — no need to over-mix. You’re aiming for a thick, glossy batter that promises an irresistibly soft center.
Step 4: Transfer and Sprinkle
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure easy removal, then pour in your batter and smooth the top lightly. Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the surface, because more chocolate is always better in a Chocolate Dump Cake!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges pull away from the pan and the center is set (but still delightfully gooey). Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Dump Cake
Garnishes
Chocolate Dump Cake is delectable on its own, but a little something extra never hurts. Try a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to give it a dreamy finishing touch that takes each bite to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
Since the cake is so rich and chocolate-forward, simple sides are best. Pair it with a small bowl of mixed berries for a pop of freshness or enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk. These subtle accompaniments help balance out all that decadent chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a special occasion, scoop warm Chocolate Dump Cake into clear parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream and berries for individual desserts. Or, turn it into a sundae by topping with ice cream, caramel sauce, and a cherry for a crowd-pleasing twist. It’s flexible enough to dress up or down, depending on your mood!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a bit of Chocolate Dump Cake left? Just cover the pan tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay soft and fudgy in the fridge for up to four days — the flavors might deepen even more as it sits!
Freezing
Need to save some for later? Freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. When a chocolate craving hits, you’ll be ready!
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked magic, microwave a portion of Chocolate Dump Cake for 20–30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. It comes out deliciously soft, and the chocolate chips get gorgeously melty again.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla or another flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix gives you the richest flavor, feel free to experiment with vanilla, red velvet, or even devil’s food for a different twist on this Chocolate Dump Cake. Each creates a unique spin!
Do I have to use instant pudding mix?
Yes, instant pudding is best for this recipe since it thickens quickly and blends right into the batter. Cook-and-serve pudding won’t set the same way and may change the cake’s overall texture.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even peanut butter chips before baking to add a little crunch and extra depth of flavor to your Chocolate Dump Cake.
What size pan works best?
A standard 9×13-inch pan works perfectly. If you want a thicker cake, use a smaller pan and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For a thinner, crispier version, try a larger pan and check a few minutes early.
Can I make Chocolate Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pudding and chocolate chips are gluten-free. The results are just as decadent and rich, so everyone gets to enjoy a slice.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Dump Cake is one of those no-brainer desserts you’ll turn to time and again — it’s quick, universally loved, and always a hit at the table. Don’t let its simplicity fool you; every forkful is pure chocolatey joy. Invite some friends over, whip up a batch, and let the compliments roll in!
Print
Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Dump Cake, a simple yet luxurious dessert that combines the convenience of cake mix with the richness of chocolate pudding and chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 chocolate cake mix
Pudding:
- 1 (3.9 oz) box chocolate pudding
- 2 cups milk
Additional:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix Pudding: In a bowl, combine the chocolate pudding with milk. Stir in the dry cake mix until well blended.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a baking pan and pour the mixture into it.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 5m
- Cook Time: 35m
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
