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Chocolate Dump Cake

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close up shot of chocolate dump cake being picked up from a pan with a large wooden spoon
This decadent chocolate dump cake is impressive looking, delicious tasting and a quick dessert you can put together any day of the week.
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Table of Contents
  1. Chocolate Dump Cake Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
  4. How to Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE
  9. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This chocolate dump cake is full of rich chocolate, three yummy kinds to be exact. Chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, and chocolate chips are baked together to create this amazingly moist cake. The best part is that you just pour all of your ingredients into the pan, bake, and enjoy; with only five simple ingredients, it couldn’t be easier than this.

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Love this old-fashioned chocolate dump cake recipe? Try our other favorite dump cakes, including our chocolate cherry dump cake recipe that combines cherry pie filling with rich chocolate cake.

close up shot of chocolate dump cake being picked up from a pan with a large wooden spoon

Chocolate Dump Cake Ingredients

chocolate dump cake raw ingredients that are labeled

You will need:

  • ½ cup of unsalted butter (1 stick, 113 grams), melted but not hot
  • 1 box of chocolate cake mix
  • 1 (5.1-ounce) box of instant chocolate pudding
  • 2 ½ cups of whole milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

PRO TIP:

When buying the cake mix, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.

Substitutions And Additions

Toppings: Chopped candy, nuts, toffee chips, or other types of baking chips (peanut butter chips) would also be great sprinkled on top. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for a more gooey flavor.

Chocolate chips: You could also substitute dark chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chips in this easy dump cake recipe.

Cake Mix: You could use either a plain chocolate cake mix or a devil’s food cake mix for this recipe for an even richer chocolate flavor.

How To Make This Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

STEP ONE: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly in the dish.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You’ll want to use a 9”x13″ pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11″ x 7″ pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.

STEP TWO: Sprinkle the instant chocolate pudding mix evenly across the cake mix.

pudding mix being topped over cake mix in a pan

STEP THREE: Add the milk to the melted butter – make sure the butter is at room temperature and not hot, so the milk doesn’t curdle.

melted butter in a measuring cup

STEP FOUR: Pour the milk/butter mix on top of the cake and pudding mix.

milk and butter being poured on top of cake mixture in a pan

STEP FIVE: Use a whisk to mix slightly – you don’t need to stir entirely, but you do want it slightly incorporated so that it bakes evenly.

ingredients being mixed together in a pan

STEP SIX: Sprinkle the entire bag of chocolate chips across the top.

chocolate chip being poured on top of cake mixture in a pan

STEP SEVEN: Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.

PRO TIP:

Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done. 

after cake is baked in a pan

How to Serve

Make this chocolate pudding dump cake even more indulgent by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.

Enjoy a glass of our iced tea, raspberry iced tea, sweet peach iced tea, or our southern strawberry sweet tea to wash this delicious cake down.

What about non-chocolate options such as cherry dump cake, peach dump cake and blueberry dump cake?

Storage

IN THE FRIDGE: Store this easy chocolate cake in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

IN THE FREEZER: Store this chocolate chip dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to serve it, then bake at 350°F for 10 to 20 minutes until it’s warmed back through.

close up overhead shot of chocolate dump cake with chocolate chips on top in a pan

Dump cakes are so easy because you pour the dry ingredients and wet ingredients together in a single pan and bake; no mixing is required.

Next to our brownie cake, this must be one of the easiest chocolate cake recipes out there. That also means no dishes afterward, which is fantastic in my book!

This chocolate brownie dump cake, full of all that heavenly chocolate, will be an easy dessert you can make time and time again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is an easy cake in which the recipe calls for the ingredients to be dumped into the baking pan and baked. Usually, they use a boxed cake mix and a handful of additional ingredients.

Can you make chocolate dump cake ahead of time?

You can make chocolate dump cake up to 2 days ahead of time. Since it is best served warm, make sure to warm it up again before serving.

How to serve chocolate dump cake?

This moist chocolate cake is an easy recipe that is completely customizable. Sprinkle whichever sweet toppings you wish, including coconut, toffee bits, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or nuts. You could also add frosting, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top and a scoop of ice cream on the side.

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close up shot of chocolate dump cake being picked up from a pan with a large wooden spoon

Chocolate Dump Cake

4.98 from 69 votes
This decadent chocolate dump cake is impressive looking, delicious tasting and a quick dessert you can put together any day of the week.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted but not hot (1 stick or 113 grams)
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 5.1 ounces instant chocolate pudding
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray and preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix evenly in the dish.
  • Sprinkle the instant chocolate pudding mix evenly across the cake mix.
  • Add the milk to the butter – make sure the butter isn’t hot, so the milk doesn’t curdle.
  • Pour the milk/butter mix on top of the cake and pudding mix.
  • Use a whisk to mix slightly – you don’t need to stir entirely, but you do want it slightly incorporated so that it bakes evenly.
  • Sprinkle the entire bag of chocolate chips across the top.
  • Place in the oven to bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
  • Serve warm with ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 495mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 334IU | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 4mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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    Comments

  1. Tracy says

    5 stars
    I can’t imagine I wouldn’t like this!!! Can it be made in a crockpot? High or low and for how long?

  2. Elizabeth says

    5 stars
    I made this last night for my husband’s office and you would not believe the rave reviews I am getting! All guys and not all chocolate lovers but they all love this one! I told him to give out the recipe because they (or their wives) do not need to be experienced in the kitchen to make this one…it could not be easier! I covered it and stored it in the refrigerator overnight and they are cutting a piece and popping it into the microwave for a bit to warm/gooey it up. The only thing to make it better would be a scoop of vanilla ice cream. P.S. We may or may not have tasted it before sending it in and it was absolutely incredible!

    • Layne Kangas says

      Hi, Donna – this is how we suggest storing leftovers. Enjoy!

      IN THE FRIDGE: Store this easy chocolate cake in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

      IN THE FREEZER: Store this chocolate chip dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight when you want to serve it, then bake at 350°F for 10 to 20 minutes until it’s warmed back through.

  3. Jen Salas says

    How do you stop the butter & milk from curdling? Is the milk supposed to be room temp? Help I really wanna try this recipe

  4. Allyson says

    Looks decadent and perfect for a chocolate craving! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty. Southern Sunflowers

  5. Teresa R Plowman says

    5 stars
    This is by far the best dessert I’ve had and I am not a chocolate lover! Well now with this cake I can say I am a chocolate lover!!

  6. Vida says

    5 stars
    This recipe is great for a kids sleepover during movie time snack! Adding peanut butter chips was so scrumptious! The cake taste like a gooey reeses peanut butter cup! Yummy! Thank you spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com

  7. Jan'l Adair says

    I have made a lot of dump cakes in my time but never chocolate. Can’t wait to try this. I would use the dark chocolate chips since that is what my family likes.

  8. Magdalena Lubbe says

    5 stars
    I have never bake a dump cake before.
    I am going to try this recipe for sure it look delicious

    Regards
    Magdalena

  9. Donna says

    I have made a few varieties of dump cakes. I think this one would be great with chopped chocolate peanut butter cups on top in place of chips! Yum!

  10. Anna says

    5 stars
    I have make a dump cake but it didn’t come out very good , I love chocolate , I can’t wait to make this .

  11. Teddie says

    4 stars
    Would definitely try dark chocolate.
    Maybe try coconut and almonds as topping like an Almond Joy Nar!

  12. Colleen says

    5 stars
    I will make this today! What I enjoy about your site, you show each step which is terrific. Thank you!

  13. Kristin Threlkeld says

    5 stars
    I’ve made several dump cakes before and they’re always a hit. I think this would be fantastic with cheesecake pudding mix, caramel bits, and coconut…maybe a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving! Sounds delicious as is, as well!

  14. Wendy says

    5 stars
    This cake was my first dump cake and it is delicious! I’ll definitely make it again!! Thank you for sharing it.

  15. Nancy A. says

    5 stars
    This chocolate cake looks absolutely delicious and decadent!! I have never made a dump cake, but I am going to make this one. My daughter and I would be in heaven!! I think the addition of chocolate chips would be great addition.

  16. Cathy says

    5 stars
    I HAVE made dump cakes before – but only with fruit. This was amazing, especially served with ice cream – we liked it with chocolate chip ice cream – or mocha chip!

    I think the cheesecake pudding would “lighten” the chocolate a bit and the dark chocolate chips would be heavenly. My family (all but one) is dark chocolate all the way!

    I wonder if a mix of chocolate chips and toffee chips would be great – or maybe the already created for us “Heath” bar chips?

    Thanks for the recipe.

  17. Lori Pennington says

    5 stars
    Chocolate dump cake is the bomb diggity I make it with oreo pieces it is to die for we love it on any occasion 😋

  18. Melissa says

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to make this cake for my family! It looks so easy and delicious! I would definitely like to try it with white chocolate chips and/or cream cheese.

  19. Carla Dotson says

    5 stars
    Haven’t made this but will be trying it! It looks absolutely delicious! Especially me being a chocolate lover! Lol. I think I will white chocolate chips on it as well to give it a little contrast.

  20. Olivia says

    5 stars
    I love how easy this looks! I’ve never tried to make a dump cake before. Since it’s a moist cake will it still leave chocolate on a toothpick test? How do you know it’s really done?

  21. Tiffany Whiteside says

    • Have you ever made a dump cake before? No, I haven’t tried it but it looks really good. I am going try it.

  22. Susan May says

    5 stars
    This cake is rich, moist & unbelievably wonderfully good. My grandkids love it better than my usual chocolate cake. I will definitely keep this receipt very handy. Thank you!!!

  23. Tiffany Boll says

    5 stars
    I have to make this. But I am going to try adding with chocolate chips. Mini marshmallows and butterscotch chips. I think that combo would be amazing!

  24. Theresa Krier says

    5 stars
    Hi, I have never tried making a dump cake before but I think my husband would love this since he is a chocoholic. Thank you !

  25. Pat Scott says

    5 stars
    Yes, I have made dump cakes, but always of the fruit variety. Cherry pie filling with pineapple are a favorite. This really sounds good. I’d probably go with some caramel sauce or caramel bits. Butterfinger bits would be good! Oh the things you could do with chocolate!

  26. Cynthia Olivero says

    5 stars
    Have you ever made dump cake before?
    No, I have never made dump cake before.
    I believe another question was about using dark chocolate?
    Since I love dark chocolate I would definitely think that would be a delicious option.

  27. Doris McCann says

    I have made many Dump Cakes, but not one quite like this. It sounds really good. I will try this one for sure. Love Dump Cakes because they are fast and easy to make and always so good. I serve mine with Cool Whip or Ice Cream.

  28. Emily Kasper says

    5 stars
    Cheesecake pudding makes everything better, so that would be a delicious addition to this recipe! Yummmm!!

  29. Meredith says

    5 stars
    Great recipe as is. I tried it with a box of German chocolate cake mix, a box of coconut cream instant pudding, and added chopped pecans along with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. My family of German chocolate cake lovers enjoyed it!

  30. Stephanie says

    5 stars
    I am looking forward to trying this recipe with cheesecake pudding because honestly who does not like cheesecake😋😋😋

  31. Pam says

    5 stars
    I’ve never made a dump cake before. I made hundreds of cakes over the years but this recipe seems so easy.

  32. Jackie says

    5 stars
    This sounds like a great cake but my problem is that I like to make things like this when I make it for Church suppers. I tried to copy the 2X and 3X recipes so that I would be able to do that but it did not work. I was able to get the 1X recipe but not the other 2. This would be OK for my family but not for my church family. On second thought it might not be enough for my family. My husband is a chocoholic.

  33. Jackie says

    5 stars
    I was just thinking that I could add nuts, white chocolate chips, filled chocolate chips, Carmel chips and a lot more. It could be made so many ways that I could make a different version and not repeat it all year. I could also put cherry pie filling it it also . I better stop I am making myself hungry.

  34. Sherri says

    Has anyone tried adding pecans ir walnuts to this recipe? My family loves anything chocolate with nuts!!
    Thank you,
    Sherri

  35. Teresa says

    5 stars
    I’ve never made a dump cake but I’m definitely going to try this for one of our cookouts! Chocolate dump cake with homemade vanilla ice cream!

  36. Teresa says

    5 stars
    I’ve made many dump cakes, but usually with fruit. I think I’d love to add mint chocolate chips for a fun flavor!

  37. Dorothy says

    5 stars
    I have made dump cakes before.
    I am going to make this as the recipe states.
    The next time I make it, I will try it with cheesecake pudding and dark chocolate.

  38. Lynn Velier says

    5 stars
    Never made a dump cake like this before. I would add cheesecake pudding to it & invite a bunch of people over to eat it. It would give me a migraine for sure even though it would taste great I’m sure!

  39. Cynthia L Crawford says

    5 stars
    Looking forward to trying this recipe.. It sounds delicious! I have made box cakes and added pudding to the mix, and they turn out to be so moist!

    • Kassi says

      I used almond milk and margarine and it turned out fine, I assume that’s what earths own is? I’m from Canada

  40. Morgan says

    5 stars
    Yummy! My kids would would be thrilled if I add some mini m&ms to it! I might make one for the grown ups with dark chocolate 🤤

  41. John says

    5 stars
    I used half ‘Evaporated Milk’ and half ‘Half and Half’ in this recipe for a richer flavor!
    I’m going to try Yellow Cake Mix and Banana Pudding the next time I make this!

  42. Chasity Miller says

    5 stars
    Just made this. Was very easy and very moist. Will definitely make this again. Delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

  43. Tyler says

    5 stars
    I’ve never had something like this before so I didn’t know what to expect. Was too chocolately for me but if that’s what you’re after this is for you. Couldn’t be easier!

    • Layne Kangas says

      Hi, Lynnae – I would suggest making two 9×13 pans instead of doubling in one pan, I don’t think it will bake up right if it’s combined into one dish. Enjoy!

  44. April says

    5 stars
    This cake is so good! And so easy to make! I mixed the wet and dry ingredients in a bowl then dumped in pan and then just topped with milk chocolate and semi sweet chips… the consistency of the cake is phenomenal… will definitely make again!

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