Easy Chocolate Dessert Cake

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This simple 5-ingredient dessert combines chocolate cake mix, pudding, and chips for a rich, gooey cake. Just layer and bake - no mixing required.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:29:03 GMT
A close-up of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate sauce drizzling over the top, resting on a wooden plate surrounded by chocolate crumbs. Pin it
A close-up of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate sauce drizzling over the top, resting on a wooden plate surrounded by chocolate crumbs. | recipesim.com

Easy Chocolate Heaven

After countless potlucks I've found that simple desserts often get the most praise. This chocolate dump cake never fails with just five ingredients and minimal effort. The layers create this incredible mix of textures from gooey pudding to melty chocolate chips.

No Fuss Favorite

The genius of this cake is how the layers work together while you do almost nothing. Just layer pour and bake. It's become my go to when I need a quick dessert for unexpected company or late night chocolate cravings.

Five Simple Ingredients

  • Butter: Let it cool after melting.
  • Cake mix: Plain chocolate works best.
  • Pudding mix: Creates that gooey center.
  • Whole milk: Makes everything extra rich.
  • Chocolate chips: They melt into pools of goodness.
A close-up of a moist chocolate cake topped with a glossy, melted chocolate glaze, with a spoonful of cake crumbling off. Pin it
A close-up of a moist chocolate cake topped with a glossy, melted chocolate glaze, with a spoonful of cake crumbling off. | recipesim.com

Let's Layer It Up

Get Ready
Grease your pan sprinkle in that cake mix.
Layer Two
Add the pudding mix right on top.
The Magic Step
Pour your butter milk mixture over everything.
Quick Mix
Just a light stir to blend the layers.
Final Touch
Shower it with chocolate chips.
Time to Bake
Let it get all gooey and wonderful.

My Best Tips

Skip cake mixes with pudding in them they get too gooey. Don't worry about mixing too much the messier the better. Those gooey spots when it's done that's exactly what you want. Heat your knife for clean slices.

Mix It Up

Try sprinkling nuts or coconut on top. Dark chocolate chips make it extra rich. Devil's food cake gives it deeper flavor. My family loves it with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Keep It Fresh

Keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. I often freeze portions for chocolate emergencies. Just warm it up in the microwave or oven until it gets gooey again.

A piece of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting is being lifted by a wooden spoon, surrounded by crumbled cake and chocolate chips. Pin it
A piece of moist chocolate cake with rich chocolate frosting is being lifted by a wooden spoon, surrounded by crumbled cake and chocolate chips. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called a dump cake?

It's called a dump cake because you simply dump the ingredients into the pan in layers - no mixing or complicated steps required.

→ Can I use a different flavor cake mix?

Yes, but keep the pudding chocolate for best results. Devil's food or dark chocolate cake mix work particularly well.

→ Why shouldn't the butter be hot?

Hot butter can curdle the milk when combined. Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing with milk for best results.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can make it ahead and reheat individual portions. It's best served warm, especially with ice cream.

→ Do I need to mix everything together?

No, just a light whisking to incorporate ingredients. The magic happens during baking when everything melds together.

Conclusion

A rich, chocolatey dessert that's incredibly easy to make. Perfect for chocolate lovers who want a quick, delicious treat without complicated preparation.

Chocolate Dump Cake

A rich chocolate cake made by layering cake mix, pudding, and chocolate chips. Just dump, pour and bake for an impressive dessert.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9x13 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted but not hot (1 stick or 113 grams).
02 1 box chocolate cake mix.
03 5.1 ounces instant chocolate pudding.
04 2 ½ cups whole milk.
05 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 01

Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray and preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Sprinkle chocolate cake mix evenly in dish, followed by chocolate pudding mix.

Step 03

Add milk to cooled melted butter to prevent curdling.

Step 04

Pour milk/butter mixture on top of dry ingredients.

Step 05

Use whisk to mix slightly - just enough to incorporate for even baking.

Step 06

Sprinkle entire bag of chocolate chips across top.

Step 07

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Step 08

Serve warm with ice cream.

Notes

  1. Butter should be melted but not hot to prevent milk from curdling.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 casserole dish.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 463
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 6 g