Craving a rich, gooey chocolate dessert that’s effortless to make? This chocolate cake dump cake is your answer. My easy cake has just 5 simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
I love simple recipes, especially if they are chocolate. These are two of my family favorites: chocolate cake in a mug and cake mix waffles.
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Why this Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe is a Keeper
I love dump cakes because they’re so quick and easy to make. Make this cake the next time you want a sweet treat.
- Minimal Ingredients: If you’re a chocolate lover, you only need 5 pantry staples.
- No Mixing Bowls: Everything comes together in one cake pan.
- Quick Prep: Decadent chocolate cake is ready to bake in under 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Can I use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use semi-sweet, milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference.
Pro Tip for this Chocolate Dessert
Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to mix the layers once added to the pan. The “dump and bake” method creates the best texture.
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Ingredient Notes for Easy Chocolate Cake
To make this recipe, there are just a few easy ingredients that are needed. The best part is that they might be around your kitchen already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Use Chocolate Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand of boxed cake mix; In my experience, devil’s food cake or triple chocolate work great.
- Instant Pudding Mix: Creamy chocolate pudding mix adds richness and moisture.
- Milk: Whole milk is preferred for creamy, moist chocolate cake.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter enhances the flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic choice, but feel free to try milk chocolate chips or even white chocolate instead. Use the chips to top with the chocolate cake.
Variations and Substitutions for this Cake Mix Recipe
I like trying different variations of this recipe. If you loved it the first time, try adding different flavors.
- Add Nuts: Try this chocolate dump cake with chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle caramel sauce before baking.
- Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Marshmallow Topping: Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top before baking for a s’mores twist.
How to Make Chocolate Dump Cake
This easy triple chocolate dump cake comes together in just 3 steps. This recipe is absolutely perfect for beginner bakers.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk: Dump the dry cake mix in the dish, followed by the pudding mix. Add the milk and mix together.
- Top and Bake the Cake: Top with chocolate chips and evenly distributed butter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prep Ahead Suggestions to Make this Easy Dessert
Fudge dump cake can be prepared ahead of time to help streamline your baking process.
- Measure Ingredients: Have all ingredients pre-measured so that they’re ready to go.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease the 9×13 inch baking dish in advance to save time.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Easy Dump Chocolate Cake
There are a couple different ways you could make this recipe. Even if it isn’t traditionally bakes, the cake will still be delicious.
- Slow Cooker: Layer ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Individual Servings: Divide ingredients into ramekins for personal-sized desserts.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Cake
- Storing: Cover and refrigerate this easy chocolate dump cake for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or until heated through. Serve warm with ice cream.
- Using Leftovers: Serve with whipped cream on top or serve warm with ice cream if desired. You can also blend it with chocolate ice cream or vanilla ice cream to make a milkshake.
Common Questions About This Dump Chocolate Cake Recipe
Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
I love to top this recipe with ice cream, fruit syrups such as cherry or peach. Also, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter sauce or whipped cream.
Expert Tips for Making Chocolate Dump Cake
- Go Heavy on the Chips: Want extra gooey pockets of chocolate? Sprinkle a few more rich chocolate chips on top of the cake before baking.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes scooping easier.
- Try Flavor Layers: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon on top before baking to add an unexpected twist.
- Customize for the Crowd: Making this for kids? Toss in mini marshmallows. For adults, try adding a splash of bourbon or espresso powder for a deeper flavor.
- Keep It Simple: This recipe shines in its simplicity—avoid overloading it with too many extras on your first try so you get a feel for the classic version.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Add sweet cherries into the wet ingredients before you bake. Make sure they’re pitted cherries or use cherry pie filling.
- Serve With: Serve with Oreo Dump Cake, Pineapple Popsicles or Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes.
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Chocolate Cake Dump Cake
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Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces Chocolate cake mix, 1 box
- 3.9 ounces Instant chocolate pudding, 1 box
- 1 ½ cups Milk
- ½ cup Butter, cold, cut into pieces
- 12 ounces Chocolate chips, 1 bag
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
- Dump the cake mix into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the pudding mix on top of the cake mix.
- Drizzle the milk over the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Be sure there aren’t any pockets of dry mix left.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top.
- Arrange the butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm or cooled with ice cream, whipped cream or any of your favorite toppings.
Christina’s Notes
- Use Quality Mixes: Choose a chocolate cake mix and pudding mix you already love—since these are the base of the recipe, quality makes a difference.
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to mix the layers once added to the pan. The “dump and bake” method creates the best texture.
- Watch the Bake Time: Check for doneness starting at 35 minutes; it should be set but still a little gooey in the middle.
- Serve Warm: This cake is best when served warm—perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.