There is nothing quite as utterly indulgent and wonderfully simple as this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe. It combines layers of rich chocolate pudding, moist cake mix, and melted butter topped with melty chocolate chips, resulting in a dessert that tastes like it took hours of effort but comes together in a snap. Whether you’re craving a quick after-dinner treat or a luscious potluck dessert, this recipe delivers deep chocolate satisfaction with minimal fuss and maximum wow. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe, it will become your new go-to for any chocolate craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe couldn’t be easier. The ingredients list is straightforward, but each one plays a starring role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, cakey, and chocolaty goodness.
- Chocolate cake mix: This forms the dry crumbly top layer, creating a crisp yet tender cake crust when baked.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Gives the base a luscious, dreamy chocolate layer with a smooth texture.
- Milk: Needed to bring the pudding mix to life, giving a rich consistency.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Poured over the cake mix to keep it moist and create that irresistible golden finish.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkle these on top to add bursts of melty chocolate with every bite.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect toppings that add creaminess and balance the rich chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for the cake to bake evenly and prevents any clean-up headaches later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together Pudding Mix and Milk
In a bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until it becomes smooth and thickened slightly. This luscious pudding base adds incredible moisture and flavor under the cake topping.
Step 3: Spread the Pudding Mixture in the Dish
Pour and carefully spread the pudding evenly across the prepared baking dish. This ensures every bite has the decadent chocolate pudding layer that’s so irresistible.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix Over the Pudding
Next, sprinkle the entire box of chocolate cake mix uniformly on top of the pudding layer. Do not mix or stir—this is what makes it a “dump” cake, and it allows the cake mix to bake into a crunchy, cakey topping.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter Over the Cake Mix
Evenly pour the ½ cup of melted unsalted butter over the dry cake mix, making sure to cover as much surface as possible. The butter melts into the mix, creating that golden, crispy crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Scatter 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top. These will melt into little pockets of chocolate heaven throughout the dessert.
Step 7: Bake Until Set and Crisp
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and crisply golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be absolutely delightful and make waiting nearly impossible.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate flavors with a touch of creaminess.
How to Serve Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The charm of this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe is how well it pairs with simple garnishes. A swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level by adding lightness and cooling contrast to the warm cake. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert is quite rich on its own, so pair it wisely. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart note that complements the chocolate decadence. For a cozy sit-down, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate makes an ideal companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in clear glass ramekins layered with extra whipped cream or drizzle warm caramel sauce for a delightful variation. You can also transform this into a layered trifle by combining cubes of the cooled cake with whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation perfect for special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it moist and fresh. It will last about 3 to 4 days and still taste delicious reheated or chilled.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, the cake maintains its texture and flavor for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This helps bring back the gooey melted chocolate and refreshes the crisp cake topping. Just be careful not to overheat, or it might dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix in this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic and rich, you can experiment with devil’s food or even a chocolate mint cake mix for fun variations, giving the dessert a new twist while keeping it delicious.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake after baking?
Since this cake contains pudding and butter, it’s best stored in the fridge if not consumed right away, especially in warmer climates, to maintain freshness and food safety.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses standard chocolate cake mix, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, look for a certified gluten-free chocolate cake mix and pudding mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
With some substitutions, yes! You can use a dairy-free cake mix, non-dairy pudding mix or make your own pudding, plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it vegan-friendly.
Why is it called a dump cake?
The name “dump cake” comes from the ease of preparation—simply dumping the ingredients into the dish without mixing. This creates distinct layers and a unique texture after baking, which makes it both simple and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a chocolate dessert that’s both decadent and effortless, you have to try this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself after a long day. Once you make it, I promise it will be one of your favorite quick warm desserts to bake again and again.
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Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and indulgent Chocolate Dump Cake is a simple, no-fuss dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. With layers of instant chocolate pudding, dry cake mix, melted butter, and chocolate chips baked to perfection, it’s a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and serves 10 people.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings (Optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Layer Pudding: Pour the pudding mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it to cover the entire bottom layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Be careful not to stir; keep the layers distinct.
- Butter Layer: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible. This helps the cake bake and create a crisp topping.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly across the top for extra chocolaty goodness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top looks set, golden, and crisp.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly. Serve warm topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers after adding the cake mix; this ensures a layered texture.
- Using room temperature melted butter helps it drizzle evenly over the cake mix.
- For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts on top before baking.
- This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can be reheated in the microwave.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
