Are you in the mood for a super easy yet indulgent chocolate dessert that practically bakes itself? If so, then this Chocolate Dump Cake is exactly what you need!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent, fudgy cake that’s loaded with rich chocolate flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.
This recipe is perfect for busy bakers or anyone who loves the idea of a no-fuss, one-pan dessert. You don’t need to worry about mixing ingredients or layering cake batters—just dump everything into your baking dish, and let the oven do the rest.
Plus, this cake has the irresistible combination of a dense, gooey texture and a crisp, golden top. What’s not to love?
Ingredients List
To make this easy and mouthwatering Chocolate Dump Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
These ingredients create the perfect balance of texture and flavor, with the rich chocolate cake mix and pudding giving the cake its moist and fudgy consistency. The semisweet chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, making each bite even more irresistible.
Required Kitchen Tools
For this Chocolate Dump Cake, the tools you’ll need are minimal but essential for an easy, smooth baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard baking dish is ideal for this recipe. It ensures the cake bakes evenly and gives you that perfect, shareable-sized portion.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when measuring ingredients like milk, butter, and chocolate chips.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: You’ll need something to evenly distribute the cake mix and butter over the pudding mixture.
- Oven Mitts: Always have a pair of oven mitts on hand to safely remove the cake from the oven.
Cake Preparation
One of the best things about this Chocolate Dump Cake is how effortless it is to prepare. There’s no mixing, no layering, just dump and bake. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—this dessert packs a big punch when it comes to flavor!
Mixing the Ingredients
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures that your Chocolate Dump Cake doesn’t stick to the dish and makes cleanup easier. - Layer the Cake Mix
Open your package of chocolate cake mix and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You don’t need to mix it with any liquid yet—just let the dry cake mix form the base layer. - Add the Pudding Mix
Next, sprinkle the instant chocolate pudding mix over the cake mix. Again, no need to stir! Just spread the pudding mix as evenly as possible over the cake mix layer. - Pour the Milk
Slowly pour the whole milk over the cake and pudding mixture. You don’t need to stir it in—just make sure the milk covers the dry mix. The milk will combine with the cake and pudding layers as the cake bakes, resulting in a fudgy texture. - Add the Butter
Take your cold, unsalted butter and cut it into small pieces. Distribute the butter pieces evenly across the top of the cake and pudding mixture. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, helping to form a rich, golden crust on top. - Top with Chocolate Chips
Finally, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips evenly across the top of the cake. These chocolate chips will melt into the cake, adding pockets of gooey chocolate throughout.
Baking the Cake
Once you’ve layered everything in the baking dish, it’s time to get baking! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the edges are pulling away from the sides of the dish.
Don’t be alarmed if the cake seems a little jiggly in the center—that’s just the pudding mix setting and creating a delicious, gooey filling. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Decoration
Once your Chocolate Dump Cake is out of the oven and cooled slightly, it’s time to serve up this irresistible dessert! The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—no fancy decorations are required to make it mouthwatering. However, there are some great ways to enhance the presentation and flavor, if you’re feeling a little extra.
How to Serve
- Scoop and Serve Warm: The best way to enjoy this cake is warm, right out of the oven. The top is slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and gooey. Serve it in generous portions straight from the baking dish or scoop out individual servings using a large spoon.
- Pair with Ice Cream: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy cake. You can also try it with whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Top with Fresh Fruit: For a pop of color and a refreshing twist, add some fresh berries on top. Strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced bananas work great with the rich chocolate flavor.
- Drizzle with Chocolate Syrup: If you’re craving even more chocolate, drizzle a little chocolate syrup over the top. It adds a glossy finish and boosts the chocolatey goodness.
Additional Toppings
While this Chocolate Dump Cake is amazing on its own, here are a few toppings you can experiment with to make it even more indulgent:
- Chopped Nuts: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast to the soft, fudgy cake.
- Marshmallows: If you’re a fan of s’mores, sprinkle some mini marshmallows on top of the cake during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let them melt into the cake for a toasted marshmallow flavor.
- Sprinkles: For a fun and festive touch, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or chocolate sprinkles on top just before serving.
Serve in Style
Since this Chocolate Dump Cake is so easy to make, you can serve it at nearly any occasion. It’s perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a quick dessert for a weeknight treat. Its simple yet delicious flavor makes it an instant crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this Chocolate Dump Cake is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. While this dessert is best served fresh, it will stay delicious for a few days if stored properly. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh:
How to Keep Chocolate Dump Cake Fresh
- At Room Temperature: If you have leftover cake, simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep the cake fresh and moist, so you can enjoy it for a little longer. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want to store it for a bit longer, you can keep the Chocolate Dump Cake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also store individual servings in airtight containers for convenience.
Freezing Chocolate Dump Cake
If you want to freeze your Chocolate Dump Cake for an even longer shelf life, here’s what you need to do:
- Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cool before freezing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Wrap and Seal: Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to ensure it’s well sealed. You can also freeze individual slices for easier access later.
- Freeze: Place the wrapped cake in the freezer and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Reheating Tips
If you’ve stored your Chocolate Dump Cake in the fridge or freezer and want to enjoy it warm, reheating is simple:
- Microwave: For individual servings, pop a slice in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Add a scoop of ice cream for that perfect warm-and-cold contrast.
- Oven: For larger portions, reheat the cake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, covering it loosely with foil to prevent the top from overbaking.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Dump Cake recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves a rich, chocolatey dessert without all the fuss. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan treat that delivers all the indulgence you crave with minimal effort. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream, topped with fresh fruit, or drizzled with chocolate syrup, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.
Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip it up any time you’re craving something sweet. Don’t forget to store your leftovers properly to keep the cake fresh for several days, or freeze it for an easy treat whenever the mood strikes.
So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the magic of this Chocolate Dump Cake unfold. You won’t regret it!
