Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Dump Cake is a game-changer because it combines the convenience of a mix-based dessert with the homemade taste of rich chocolate pudding and chocolate chips. The hot water poured on top creates a unique, gooey texture beneath a slightly set cake surface—no complicated steps, just incredible flavor. It’s quick to prep, requires no fancy equipment, and yields a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
– 1 box chocolate cake mix
– 1 box chocolate pudding mix
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup hot water
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the batter without stirring.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the dish.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Use Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top before baking and swirl lightly for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Add Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Frosting Option: Top with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for an extra indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a pan without much mixing, creating layers that bake into a moist, textured cake.
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Yes, but the texture and ease may vary since boxed mixes are formulated for consistent results.
Why do you pour hot water on the batter?
The hot water melts the pudding and chocolate chips beneath the cake batter, creating a gooey, fudgy layer.
Can I substitute the pudding mix with homemade pudding?
Homemade pudding won’t have the same thickening agents, so it might affect the final texture.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Not with traditional cake mix. Use gluten-free cake and pudding mixes to make it gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be set and the edges start pulling away from the pan, though the inside remains moist.
Can I add fruit to this cake?
Yes, berries or chopped cherries can be added, but it may alter baking time and moisture content.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for any occasion, offering rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner baker or looking for a quick dessert fix, this recipe promises indulgence in every bite. Try the variations to make it your own, and enjoy a warm, comforting treat anytime.
Chocolate Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Dump Cake is an easy, rich, and moist chocolate dessert with a fudgy texture, made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 box chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the top of the batter without stirring.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the dish.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Use dark chocolate chips for richer flavor.
Try a peanut butter swirl by adding spoonfuls on top before baking.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge.
Reheat in microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
