Chocolate Dump Cake

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Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that brings rich, gooey chocolate flavor straight to your plate with minimal effort. Just like its name suggests, all you need to do is “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and bake. No mixing bowls, no complicated steps—just layers of chocolate goodness that bake into an irresistibly soft, melty center, topped with warm chocolate chips that stay slightly molten even after cooling.

This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. It combines the simplicity of a box cake mix with the decadence of chocolate pudding and chips, creating a texture that’s somewhere between a brownie and a lava cake. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute get-together, craving a late-night treat, or looking for a dessert that’s impressive but insanely easy, Chocolate Dump Cake is your answer.

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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Dump Cake

• Ridiculously Easy: No mixing, sifting, or whisking—just layer and bake.
• Minimal Cleanup: Only one pan needed from start to finish.
• Gooey & Rich: Every bite is warm, melty, and packed with chocolate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, parties, or just treating yourself.
• Customizable: Add nuts, marshmallows, or a caramel drizzle for extra flair.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and boxed ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect Warm or Cold: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or chilled—still amazing.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

Making Chocolate Dump Cake is wonderfully simple, but having the right tools helps everything go smoothly and ensures the best results.

• 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: This is the heart of the operation. The size ensures even baking and prevents overflow while the depth keeps the gooey layers intact.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key, especially when layering dry and wet ingredients like pudding mix and milk.
• Spatula or Spoon (Optional): You won’t need to stir, but a spatula helps smooth out ingredients slightly or spread out the chocolate chips evenly.
• Oven Mitts: This cake comes out hot and bubbly—protect your hands when removing it from the oven.
• Oven Thermometer (Optional): If your oven tends to run hot or cool, an oven thermometer will help keep the temperature accurate for even baking.

You won’t need a mixing bowl, electric mixer, or whisk, which makes this recipe ideal for beginner bakers or anyone short on time.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow any refrigerated items (like milk or butter if used) to come to room temperature for better distribution.
• Grease the Pan Lightly: A light spray of nonstick cooking spray ensures easy serving and cleaner edges.
• Even Layers Matter: Spread dry cake mix evenly over the pudding layer to ensure consistent baking and prevent dry pockets.
• Don’t Stir: It might feel strange, but resist the urge. The magic of this cake comes from the layers baking together undisturbed.
• Check for Doneness: The edges should be set, but the center can still look slightly soft—that’s the gooey sweet spot you’re aiming for.

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Ingredients for This Chocolate Dump Cake

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. No fancy extras—just pure chocolate comfort.

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – the foundation for the cake layer, rich and chocolaty.
• 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix – adds a thick, creamy texture and amplifies the chocolate flavor.
• 2 cups whole milk – activates the pudding mix and adds moisture throughout the cake.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – helps create that irresistible crispy-chewy top layer.
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – scatter over the top for melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bites in every spoonful.
• Nonstick cooking spray – to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Optional add-ins: a pinch of sea salt for contrast, a handful of chopped nuts for crunch, or mini marshmallows for a rocky road vibe.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.

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Step 2: Add the Pudding Layer

Pour the instant chocolate pudding mix into the bottom of the dish. Add 2 cups of whole milk directly into the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to gently combine them until smooth and evenly spread across the bottom.

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Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the pudding layer. Do not stir. Just make sure the dry mix covers the pudding mixture fully, going all the way to the edges of the pan.

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Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. You can use a spoon to drizzle it slowly across the surface to avoid creating dry patches. It won’t cover every spot, but that’s okay—it will bake in beautifully.

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Step 5: Top with Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible for gooey chocolate in every bite.

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Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the center looks mostly set but still soft.

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Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the pudding layer settle slightly while still staying warm and gooey.

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Notes

• Serve Warm for Maximum Gooeyness: Chocolate Dump Cake is at its best fresh out of the oven or gently reheated. That melted chocolate chip topping is unbeatable.
• Customize to Your Cravings: Feel free to stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even shredded coconut before baking.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream over a warm slice is chef’s kiss—perfect for dessert lovers.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Stirring the Layers: Resist the urge to mix. The beauty of a dump cake lies in the way each layer bakes into the next naturally.
• Uneven Cake Mix Distribution: Make sure the cake mix is spread evenly over the pudding layer to prevent raw patches or floury spots.
• Dry Butter Pouring: Pour the melted butter slowly and cover as much of the surface as possible to help the top crisp up without leaving dry spots.
• Overbaking: Baking too long can make the cake dry out. Look for bubbling edges and a soft center.
• Using Cook-and-Serve Pudding: Only use instant pudding mix. Cook-and-serve versions won’t set correctly in this recipe.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Letting the cake rest helps the pudding layer thicken slightly—rushing to slice can make it overly runny.
• Using Cold Milk or Butter: Room temperature ingredients incorporate better and bake more evenly.
• Not Spraying the Pan: Even though it’s a moist cake, skipping the nonstick spray can lead to sticking, especially at the corners.

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What to Serve With Chocolate Dump Cake?

8 Delicious Pairing Ideas

Pairing Chocolate Dump Cake with the right extras can turn a simple dessert into an unforgettable treat. Here are 8 tasty additions to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.
2. Whipped Cream – A dollop on top adds lightness and balances the rich chocolate.
3. Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas add color and a fruity tang.
4. Espresso or Coffee – The bold bitterness of coffee enhances the deep cocoa flavors.
5. Salted Caramel Drizzle – A light drizzle over the top adds a buttery-sweet finish.
6. Chopped Toasted Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts add crunch and earthiness.
7. Mint Leaves or Mint Ice Cream – Fresh mint adds a refreshing, bright note to each bite.
8. Baileys or Kahlúa Cream – For adults only: a splash of creamy liqueur alongside makes for an indulgent pairing.

Each of these brings out a different dimension in the cake, whether you’re going for contrast, richness, or freshness.

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Storage Instructions

Chocolate Dump Cake stores surprisingly well—perfect for leftovers or make-ahead desserts.

• Room Temperature: If you’re serving it the same day, you can loosely cover the dish and leave it at room temp for up to 8 hours.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Yes, it freezes! Once cooled, portion into slices, wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds, or pop the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 12 Servings)

These values are estimates and can vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: 410
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 34g
• Protein: 5g
• Serving Size: Approximately 1 square (1/12 of the cake)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, you can try devil’s food, fudge, or even red velvet cake mix for a twist. Just make sure it’s a standard 15.25 oz box.

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Do I have to use instant pudding?

Yes. Instant pudding is crucial because it sets up quickly during baking. Cook-and-serve pudding won’t deliver the same texture and may result in a runny base.

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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and confirm your pudding and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.

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Can I add other toppings?

Definitely. Mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or even a peanut butter swirl can take this cake to the next level.

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Does it taste good cold?

Yes! While warm and gooey is amazing, this cake also firms up a bit when chilled and tastes like a decadent chocolate truffle dessert.

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What’s the best way to reheat it?

Use the microwave for individual servings (20–30 seconds) or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

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Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake it a day in advance and reheat it just before serving. The texture will stay moist and rich.

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Is this cake kid-friendly?

Very much so! It’s sweet, soft, and mess-free to serve. Kids will also enjoy helping dump in the ingredients—just supervise during oven use.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. It comes together in minutes, bakes into a warm, gooey masterpiece, and satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this dessert never fails to impress with its rich flavor and minimal cleanup. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to comfort cake.

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