When it comes to indulgent, chocolatey desserts, few can compete with the heavenly delight that is Death by Chocolate Dump Cake. This ultra-rich, fudgy masterpiece is a chocolate lover’s fantasy brought to life—loaded with layers of intense chocolate flavor, gooey texture, and melty morsels in every bite. Best of all? It comes together with minimal effort and pantry staples, making it the ultimate no-fuss, maximum-reward dessert.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just need a self-care treat after a long day, this dump cake never disappoints. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers and decadent enough to impress even the most discerning dessert aficionados.

Why You’ll Love Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

This cake is unapologetically rich. It’s gooey like a brownie, soft like a pudding cake, and filled with melty chocolate chips that turn every bite into a warm, molten surprise. What’s more, it’s called a dump cake because of the super simple method: dump, mix, bake, and enjoy.

Perfect For:

Busy bakers who want a showstopping dessert with no complicated steps.
Chocoholics who can never get enough cocoa.
Potlucks and parties, where a crowd-pleaser is essential.
Date nights or girls’ nights, when dessert deserves to be the main event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this chocolate lover’s dream:

1 box chocolate cake mix – any brand will work, but Devil’s Food or Dark Chocolate adds extra richness.
1 small box Instant Chocolate Pudding – not the cook-and-serve kind.
2 cups milk – whole milk is best for a creamy texture, but 2% works too.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder – for that extra chocolate punch.
1½ cups chocolate chips – semisweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate work beautifully.

Note: This cake is so simple because you don’t need eggs, butter, or oil. The pudding and milk combo brings all the moisture you need.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make Death by Chocolate Dump Cake, you don’t need any fancy tools:

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or wooden spoon
Non-stick cooking spray or butter (for greasing the pan)
Oven mitts (because this baby bakes up hot and gooey!)

How to Make Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or a light coat of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:

The chocolate cake mix
The instant pudding mix
Cocoa powder

Add in 2 cups of milk and stir gently until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick, smooth, and rich in color.

Step 3: Pour & Top

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the chocolate chips across the entire surface. These will melt into the top as the cake bakes, creating a luscious chocolate layer.

Step 4: Bake & Enjoy

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only melted chocolate (but no raw batter). Let it cool slightly before serving—if you can wait!

Tips for the Best Results

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until combined to keep the texture fudgy and moist.
Try different chocolate chips. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter, while dark chocolate adds intensity.
Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
For an even more molten center, slightly underbake and serve warm.

Variations & Swaps

This dump cake is a great base for all kinds of fun flavor combos:

1. Peanut Butter Lovers’ Version

Add a swirl of peanut butter to the batter before baking, or use peanut butter chips in place of chocolate chips.

2. Mint Chocolate Twist

Use mint chocolate chips or add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the batter for a holiday-ready dessert.

3. Mocha Madness

Substitute ½ cup of the milk with cooled brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor.

4. Death by White Chocolate

Swap the chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks and top with a drizzle of white chocolate ganache.

How to Serve Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

This cake is at its best when served warm, with a spoon or spatula to scoop out the gooey portions. It pairs beautifully with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream and berries
A drizzle of hot fudge or caramel
Crushed Oreos or chocolate shavings for garnish

It also makes a perfect partner to a bold cup of coffee, espresso, or even a glass of red wine or Baileys for a grown-up treat.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (not likely, but it’s possible!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds for that warm, gooey texture. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! While chocolate is classic, you can use devil’s food, German chocolate, or even red velvet for a fun twist.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try using a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Just ensure the pudding mix you use is compatible with non-dairy milk.

What kind of pudding should I use?

Always use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve. The texture and consistency will not work the same otherwise.

Is this cake supposed to be gooey?

Yes! The center will be soft and almost molten, especially when warm. That’s the magic of a dump cake—it’s like cake and pudding in one!

Can I add frosting?

You can, but it’s not necessary. This cake is rich enough on its own. If you do want to add something, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of ganache is perfect.

Final Thoughts

Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is pure indulgence in every bite. With a name like that, you know you’re in for a rich, decadent experience. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a celebration, or just because you need something sweet and comforting, this cake delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, and simplicity.

Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

Death by Chocolate Dump Cake: A Rich, Decadent Dessert Dream