Craving a decadent chocolate dessert that won't take forever to prepare? This easy chocolate dump cake is full of rich chocolatey goodness that will hit the spot!
Chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, melted butter, and chocolate chips come together in a matter of minutes and then bake in the oven into a delectable dessert that will have everyone asking for more!
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This easy chocolate cake recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! It's always a hit for parties and I love that it takes no time to throw together!
It's perfect for those times when you need a last minute weeknight dessert for the family or for feeding a crowd.
It tastes even better when drizzled in chocolate syrup and served up with a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream!
If you love this chocolate cake recipe, then you've got to try this chocolate cherry dump cake or for something fruity, you're going to love this strawberry dump cake!
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What is Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a type of cake that doesn't require any additional work! It comes together by simply dumping all the ingredients into the dish and giving them a quick stir!
The oven does all the work cooking up a rich, moist cake that's full of flavor. This chocolate version combines chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips with a few simple ingredients for the easiest dessert ever!
Try this lemon dump cake or easy peach cobbler recipe for other varieties of dump cakes!
Ingredients
When you're ready to make this quick chocolate cake with pudding mix, you will need:
- Chocolate cake mix: Any brand or variety of chocolate cake mix works! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate fudge, triple chocolate and devil's food.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: You must use instant chocolate pudding not the cook and serve.
- Butter: I find using melted butter works best in dump cakes as it cooks more evenly.
- Milk: I'm using whole milk but really any type of milk works fine including low-fat milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.
- Chocolate Chips: I prefer using semi-sweet chocolate chips.
See the recipe card for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Substitutions and Variations
Need to make some substitutions or want to change up your dump cake a bit? Here are some ideas and ingredients we know will work.
- Cake mix: You can use any type of cake mix you want! So feel free to get creative!
- Instant pudding: If you change up the cake mix you might also want to change up the pudding flavor too!
- Chocolate chips: You can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor or use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor. You can even use white chocolate chips for a black and white version of this dump cake with chocolate.
- Butter: You can swap the butter for oil but it may alter the flavor and texture of the baked cake.
- Add-ins: Sprinkle some shredded coconut or nuts onto the cake batter along with the chips.
Equipment
You don't need much to make this easy chocolate pudding cake. All you need for making it are these kitchen tools:
- Cooking Spray: To prevent the dump cake from sticking.
- 9x13 pan: This is the best size pan for this recipe.
- Liquid Measuring Cup: For melting and pouring butter
How to Make Chocolate Dump Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients and the equipment gathered, it's time to get started!
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, the ideal temperature for making this chocolate cake. It allows everything to bake nice and slowly without over-browning the top.
- Spray your baking pan so the cake doesn't stick.
- Add the first layer by sprinkling the boxed cake mix over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Next, sprinkle the pudding mix over the cake mix.
PRO TIP: Be sure to evenly spread the cake mix and pudding mix out in the baking dish even into the corners. Give it a shake after adding each to even it out.
- Pour the melted butter and milk over the cake mix and pudding.
- Then use a whisk or spoon to mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients together until fully mixed.
- Add the chocolate chips to the top of cake mix and bake the dump cake in the oven for about 35 minutes or until it's fully cooked.
Serving Ideas
Enjoy chocolate-flavored dump cake while it's still warm. In my opinion this is when it tastes the best. It also works to serve it room temperature.
Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite! Whipped cream also works.
Add a sprinkle of nuts or coconut over the top for a little bit of variation.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, the cake will stay fresh for a couple of days.
I find this cake truly tastes best freshly prepared. But if necessary, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it later it in the oven or microwave later.
Just keep in mind that reheating may slightly alter the texture.
Expert Tips and FAQS
Ready to make your own chocolate dump cake? Remember these tips so your cake cooks up properly.
- Spray the 9x13-inch dish before baking and don't forget the corners!
- Evenly distribute the cake mix and pudding into your pan.
- Use a liquid measuring cup to evenly distribute the butter and milk over the cake.
- Serve immediately after cooling slightly while the cake is still warm!
No, not really! It's best to use instant chocolate pudding mix because it dissolves quickly giving the cake the its texture. Cook-and-serve pudding may not work as well.
Yes, you can! However, the size of baking dish may change the baking time. Follow the instructions on the cake mix box for baking times for the size pan you are using. You can also use a toothpick to check for doneness by inserting it into the center of the cake.
Personally I think the cake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat it later. Keep in mind that reheating may slightly alter the texture.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card right below! You can also write a review in the comment section further down the page I always appreciate your feedback. And don’t forget to tag me @freshcoasteats in your photos on social media, I'd love to see your results!
Chocolate Dump Cake
Equipment
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Whisk or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 ounces
- ½ cup 1 stick of butter melted
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips semi-sweet or milk chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the boxed cake mix in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the pudding mix over the cake mix.
- Carefully pour the melted butter and milk over the cake mix and pudding.
- Use a whisk or spoon to mix until well combined.
- Top the batter with the chocolate chips.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm or room temperature.
Stephanie says
Yes - you are right this was so simple to whip up. The kids made it by themselves and we had a delicious chocolate dump cake for dessert.
Gloria says
What an easy dessert, especially when I am strapped for time. A chocolate lover's dream. Great for taking to bbq parties.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I’ve never made a dump cake before and this was the perfect one to start with! Easy and delicious. Will be making this one again.
Nora says
This chocolate dump cake is simply delightful! Quick, simple, and super chocolaty! Thank you!
Frankie says
A delicious dessert for the whole family to enjoy, and simple enough that anyone can make it - even me, and I am not the most confident of bakers. It really is as simple as dump and bake. Thanks so much for the recipe inspiration - we served the delicious chocolate dump cake with fresh raspberries from the garden and cream. Yum!