Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

If you’re a true chocolate lover, this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a dessert so rich, so gooey, and so irresistibly chocolatey that every bite feels like pure indulgence. The best part? You don’t need fancy baking skills or a long list of ingredients to make it. This dump cake is ridiculously easy—just mix, pour, and bake.

Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner, need a last-minute potluck dessert, or just want a foolproof chocolate fix, this cake has you covered. It’s packed with layers of chocolatey goodness: a soft, moist cake base, creamy pudding mixed right in, and pockets of melted chocolate chips that create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle some chocolate syrup on top, or enjoy it straight from the pan.

Now, let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this dump cake is how simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

• 1 box chocolate cake mix – The base of our cake, making this recipe easy and foolproof.
• 1 small box instant chocolate pudding – Adds extra moisture and a rich, creamy texture.
• 2 cups milk – Helps the pudding set and keeps the cake extra soft.
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor even more.
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips – The secret to those gooey, melted chocolate pockets.

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, and cocoa powder. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Then, slowly pour in the milk, stirring until everything is well combined. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want—it helps create that dense, rich texture we love in this cake.

Step 3: Pour and Sprinkle

Now, take your prepared baking pan and pour the batter in, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Next, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. As the cake bakes, these will melt into little pockets of chocolate, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Now that your cake is prepped and ready, it’s time to let the oven do the magic. Place the pan in the preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Since every oven is a little different, start checking around the 25-minute mark.

To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), your cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, let the cake bake for another 3-5 minutes and check again.

One of the best things about this cake is that it should be moist and slightly gooey—not dry. The pudding mix helps create that soft texture, while the chocolate chips melt into rich, chocolatey pockets throughout the cake.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set slightly while keeping that warm, melty chocolate consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is incredible on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, try serving it with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold, creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey cake.
• Whipped cream – Adds a light, airy contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate or caramel drizzle – Because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.
• Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a tart, refreshing contrast.
• Crushed nuts – Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

For the ultimate indulgence, serve the cake warm. The chocolate chips will still be melty, and the texture will be irresistibly soft.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this cake even further? Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

• Use different chocolate chips – Try dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor, or white chocolate for a fun twist.
• Swap the milk – Use half-and-half or evaporated milk for an even creamier texture.
• Add a little coffee – A teaspoon of espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Make it extra fudgy – Stir in ½ cup of hot fudge sauce before baking for an even more decadent dessert.
• Add crunch – Sprinkle in some chopped nuts or toffee bits before baking for extra texture.

This recipe is already incredibly easy, but these small tweaks can make it even more fun and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you get baking, here are some common questions about this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake to help you make it perfectly every time.

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While chocolate cake mix gives this dessert its ultra-chocolatey flavor, you can experiment with devil’s food cake, dark chocolate cake, or even brownie mix for a slightly different taste.

2. Do I have to use instant pudding mix?

Yes, instant pudding mix is key to the soft, gooey texture of this cake. Regular cook-and-serve pudding won’t work the same way, so make sure to use instant chocolate pudding.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! While it’s best served warm, you can make it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm it up in the microwave or oven.

5. Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in nuts, crushed cookies, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

6. What if my cake turns out too dry?

If your cake is dry, it may have been overbaked. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier. To fix a dry cake, drizzle warm chocolate syrup or a little heavy cream over the top before serving.

7. Can I use dairy-free milk?

Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind that using a thinner milk may slightly alter the texture of the cake.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Cake

If you love chocolate, this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s incredibly rich, unbelievably easy, and requires just a few pantry staples to come together. Whether you’re making it for a family dessert, a potluck, or just because you need a serious chocolate fix, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy.

Plus, the customization options are endless—switch up the chocolate chips, add toppings, or even serve it a la mode for a truly decadent treat.

Now it’s time to grab that cake mix and pudding and start baking! Don’t forget to share your experience—did you add any fun twists? Let us know in the comments!

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