If you’re the kind of person who believes there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, then this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is about to be your new favorite dessert. Imagine layers of rich chocolate cake, velvety pudding, and melty chocolate chips all baked together into one gooey, decadent masterpiece. It’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but in reality, it’s one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make.
What makes this cake even better? There’s no complicated mixing, folding, or layering. As the name suggests, you literally dump everything into a baking dish, bake it, and enjoy. It’s the perfect dessert for last-minute gatherings, cozy nights in, or when that chocolate craving hits hard. And trust me, it will hit hard after just one bite of this fudgy goodness.
Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Dump Cake
- Super Easy to Make – No fancy baking skills required. Just mix, dump, and bake!
- Extra Fudgy & Gooey – Thanks to the pudding mix, this cake turns out ultra-moist with a melty chocolate center.
- Minimal Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples.
- Customizable – Add nuts, marshmallows, or espresso powder for even more indulgence.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a special celebration, this cake is always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, here’s everything you’ll need to make this ridiculously good Death by Chocolate Dump Cake:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix – Any brand works great. Use your favorite!
- 1 small box instant chocolate pudding (3.9 oz) – This is the secret to that ultra-rich texture.
- 2 cups milk – Whole milk is best for extra creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate all work!
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Decadence:
- ½ cup chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
- ½ cup mini marshmallows – For little pockets of gooey sweetness.
- ¼ cup espresso powder – Deepens the chocolate flavor for true chocoholics.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
Before we start assembling our cake, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give it time to fully preheat. This ensures even baking and the perfect texture.
While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easier serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Pudding Layer
Now for the step that makes this cake extra special—the chocolate pudding layer.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thick. This should take about a minute or two. Then, let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can thicken slightly.
Why is this step important? The pudding layer adds an incredible moistness to the cake and creates that gooey, almost molten texture in the center. Without it, the cake wouldn’t be nearly as rich or indulgent.
Step 3: Assemble the Dump Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembling the cake! And true to its name, it’s all about dumping the ingredients into the dish.
Here’s how to layer everything:
- Dump the Cake Mix – Open your chocolate cake mix and evenly spread it across the bottom of the greased baking dish. No need to mix it!
- Pour the Pudding – Take your prepared chocolate pudding and pour it over the cake mix, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle Cocoa Powder – Lightly dust the cocoa powder over the top for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips – Generously scatter the chocolate chips across the top. They’ll melt into little pockets of chocolatey goodness.
At this stage, if you want to add in any of the optional mix-ins—like nuts, marshmallows, or espresso powder—now is the time! Just sprinkle them on top and get ready for the magic to happen in the oven.
Death by Chocolate Dump Cake: The Ultimate Easy, Fudgy Dessert
Now that our Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is perfectly assembled, it’s time to bake it to gooey perfection. If you’re already drooling just looking at that rich pudding and all those chocolate chips, just wait until your kitchen fills with the scent of warm, melted chocolate. This is the kind of dessert that brings everyone running to the kitchen.
Let’s dive into the next steps to get this cake from the oven to your plate—because trust me, you’re going to want to dig in as soon as possible.
Step 4: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Once your cake is fully assembled, place it into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
How to Know When It’s Done:
- The edges should be firm and pulling slightly away from the sides of the dish.
- The center should look set but still have a slight jiggle—this is what gives it that gooey, molten texture.
- If you prefer a more molten cake, bake for only 30 minutes. If you want a firmer cake, go for the full 35 minutes.
Pro Tip for Extra Gooeyness:
For an ultra-molten center, bake for five minutes less than the recommended time. The pudding will stay extra soft and fudgy, creating a lava cake-like texture. Just be prepared for a truly rich, indulgent experience!
Step 5: Let It Cool (Just a Little!)
As tempting as it is to scoop this cake straight from the oven, letting it rest for 10 to 15 minutes is essential. This allows the layers to settle and makes serving much easier.
If you try to scoop it immediately, you’ll get more of a chocolate pudding mess (which, honestly, isn’t the worst thing). But for a perfect balance of gooey and structured, a little patience goes a long way.
How to Serve Death by Chocolate Dump Cake
This cake is best served warm, right after it has cooled just enough to set. Here are a few ways to take it to the next level:
Classic & Simple:
- Just grab a spoon and dig in!
Extra Indulgent Toppings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
- Whipped cream – Light and airy, it balances out the richness.
- Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce – Because why not add even more decadence?
- Crushed nuts – Adds a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting makes it look bakery-worthy.
This cake is already a chocolate lover’s dream, but these toppings take it over the top.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare with this cake), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pudding helps keep it moist!
- Reheat: Microwave a serving for 20-30 seconds to bring back the warm, gooey texture.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Death by Chocolate Dump Cake: The Ultimate Easy, Fudgy Dessert
At this point, your kitchen probably smells like a chocolate lover’s paradise, and if you haven’t already grabbed a spoon to dive in, you have incredible self-control. This Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is everything a chocolate dessert should be—rich, gooey, and irresistibly indulgent.
Before we wrap things up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions, expert tips, and final thoughts to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! While chocolate cake mix is the classic choice for this recipe, you can switch it up with flavors like devil’s food, dark chocolate, or even red velvet for a fun twist.
2. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?
If you don’t have instant chocolate pudding, you can substitute it with a homemade pudding mixture made from cornstarch, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. However, instant pudding is what gives this cake its signature gooey texture, so it’s highly recommended.
3. Can I make this cake in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, follow the same layering steps, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours. The result will be just as gooey and delicious!
4. Can I use water instead of milk?
You can, but whole milk adds extra creaminess to the pudding layer. If you must use water, consider adding a little melted butter for richness.
5. Why is my cake still too gooey in the center?
This cake is meant to be soft and fudgy, but if it seems too undercooked, try baking it for an extra 5-10 minutes. Just remember—it’s not supposed to have a traditional cake-like texture all the way through.
6. Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes! This recipe is super flexible. Some great add-ins include:
- Peanut butter chips for a chocolate-peanut butter twist
- Crushed Oreos for extra crunch
- A sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness
- Chopped candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s for even more decadence
Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Make This Cake
If you love chocolate, this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is a must-try. It’s rich, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a holiday, or just because you need some serious chocolate therapy, this recipe never disappoints.
The best part? No fancy baking skills required. Just dump, bake, and enjoy.
If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear if you added any fun mix-ins or creative twists. And if you really want to impress, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—you won’t regret it. Happy baking!
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Death by Chocolate Dump Cake
Description
If you’re a chocolate lover, this rich and gooey Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is pure indulgence! With layers of chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and melty chocolate chips, every bite is fudgy perfection. Best of all? It’s super easy to make—just mix, dump, and bake!
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix – Any brand works great!
1 small box instant chocolate pudding (3.9 oz) – Adds moisture and richness.
2 cups milk – Whole milk preferred for extra creaminess.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
1 ½ cups chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white!
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Decadence:
½ cup chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans for crunch.
½ cup mini marshmallows – For gooey pockets of sweetness.
¼ cup espresso powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor!
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Mix the Pudding Layer
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and thick.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to set slightly.
3️⃣ Assemble the Dump Cake
Dump the Cake Mix: Evenly spread the chocolate cake mix across the bottom of the greased dish.
Pour the Pudding: Pour the prepared chocolate pudding mixture over the cake mix, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the cocoa powder over the top.
Add Chocolate Chips: Scatter the chocolate chips generously over the top.
💡 Optional: Add in nuts, marshmallows, or espresso powder for extra richness!
4️⃣ Bake to Gooey Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly gooey.
⏳ Pro Tip: For an extra molten center, bake 5 minutes less!
5️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm for an ultra gooey, melty chocolate explosion!
Notes
✅ Top with Vanilla Ice Cream – The contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream is irresistible! 🍨
✅ Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – Because more chocolate is always a good idea. 🍫
✅ Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy perfection.
✅ Pair with Coffee or Milk – The ultimate comfort dessert. ☕🥛
This Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream—rich, gooey, and dangerously delicious. Enjoy! 🍫🔥
