Chocolate Dump Cake

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Rich, gooey, and ridiculously simple to make—this Chocolate Dump Cake is the kind of dessert you pull together when you’re short on time but craving something indulgent. Imagine a warm, fudgy cake with melty chocolate chips hidden inside, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure heaven in every bite!

The best part? No mixers or complicated steps. Just layer, bake, and dig in. Whether you’re making dessert for a last-minute dinner party, a birthday, or a cozy movie night, this dump cake delivers maximum chocolate satisfaction with minimum effort.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Works Best for a Dump Cake?

For a foolproof Chocolate Dump Cake, you’ll want to use a devil’s food cake mix or a dark chocolate cake mix. These varieties create a deep, rich chocolate base that pairs beautifully with the melted chocolate chips and butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a triple chocolate cake mix with built-in chips for even more decadence.

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Ingredients for the Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate Cake Mix
This is your base. It brings the structure, sweetness, and rich cocoa flavor without the need to mix from scratch.

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
Adds extra moisture and a custardy texture, making the cake ultra fudgy.

Milk
Instead of water, milk deepens the flavor and gives the pudding mix a luscious consistency.

Butter
Melted butter creates that signature gooey, buttery richness on top. It also helps the cake bake evenly.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
For those pockets of melty chocolate in every bite. You can also mix in milk or dark chips based on your preference.

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream (Optional)
These are finishing touches, but they balance the richness with a cool and creamy contrast.

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How To Make the Chocolate Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding layer. Do not stir.

Step 4: Layer with Butter

Drizzle melted butter over the entire surface of the dry cake mix, covering as much as possible. This will help form that gooey, crackly top layer.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Scatter the chocolate chips over the top for an extra hit of melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top looks set and slightly crisp. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

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How to Serve and Store Chocolate Dump Cake

This cake is at its absolute best when served warm right out of the oven. The chocolate is molten, the top is crackly, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream just takes it to another level.

To store leftovers, let the cake cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it fresh.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely. If you want to experiment, try red velvet, vanilla, or even spice cake for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the chocolate pudding and chips will still dominate the flavor.

Do I have to use chocolate chips?

Nope! You can swap them with white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even peanut butter chips.

Can I use plant-based milk or butter?

Yes, almond milk or oat milk work well. And you can use vegan butter too—just make sure it’s one that melts evenly.

Why is my dump cake dry?

Dry spots usually mean the butter wasn’t spread evenly or there wasn’t enough liquid. Try using more butter or drizzling it slowly to cover all the dry mix.

Can I freeze Chocolate Dump Cake?

Sure can. Once cooled, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

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Want More Chocolate Dessert Ideas?

If this Chocolate Dump Cake hit the sweet spot, you might fall in love with these other cocoa-filled creations:

• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread for a rich, moist slice of breakfast bliss.
• Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Deep Fried Oreos when you’re craving crunchy-meets-creamy.
• No Bake Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie for something fruity and chocolatey.
• Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake if you want to level up your dump cake game.
• Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies for a classic comfort treat.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add caramel drizzle? Maybe sprinkle on sea salt? I’d love to hear your twist on this chocolaty delight.

Sharing your results helps others make it better too. Let’s bake smarter—together.

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