Death by Chocolate Dump Cake

The Ultimate Chocolate Lover’s Dream

If you’re craving an incredibly rich and gooey chocolate dessert, look no further than this Death by Chocolate Dump Cake! This dessert is the ultimate indulgence, with layers of chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and chocolate pudding, all baked into a warm, ooey-gooey masterpiece. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make—just dump the ingredients in, and let the magic happen in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Chocolate Overload: This cake is packed with all things chocolate—chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and chocolate pudding.
Easy to Make: No mixing or fancy techniques required—just dump the ingredients in the pan, and let the oven do the rest.
Decadent and Gooey: The perfect combination of cake and pudding creates a gooey, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, party, or just a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress!

Ingredients

& Their Role:

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – The base of the cake, providing the rich chocolate flavor.
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix – Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
1 cup chocolate chips – Extra chocolate in every bite for a true chocolate lover’s delight.
1 1/2 cups water – The liquid needed to help combine the ingredients and bake the cake.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
1 cup milk – Makes the pudding mix creamy and smooth.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

For the Topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream – For a luscious, creamy topping that complements the chocolate cake.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake.
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional) – For garnishing and an extra touch of chocolate flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

Step 2: Assemble the Cake

In the prepared baking dish, dump the chocolate cake mix evenly over the bottom. Do not prepare the cake mix as directed on the box; just pour it straight in as dry mix.
Next, dump the instant chocolate pudding mix evenly on top of the cake mix.
Add the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
In a separate bowl, whisk together water, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the dry ingredients in the pan. Do not stir—the dry ingredients will absorb the liquid as it bakes, creating a deliciously gooey layer.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set and the cake begins to bubble around the edges.
The cake should be soft and gooey in the middle, with a slightly crisp top. It’s okay if the center is a little wobbly; this will firm up as the cake cools.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

While the cake is cooling, make the whipped cream topping. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the freshly whipped cream over the top of the warm cake.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder over the whipped cream for extra chocolate flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Pro Tips for the Best Death by Chocolate Dump Cake:

Use High-Quality Chocolate: For an even richer taste, use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate instead of the standard semi-sweet chips.
Don’t Stir the Ingredients: When adding the liquid, do not stir the cake or pudding mix. This will help create the signature gooey texture of this dessert.
Add More Toppings: Feel free to add more chocolate toppings, such as chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or crushed cookies, to customize your cake.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings:

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the cake.
Fresh Berries: For a contrast of freshness, serve with a handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee or espresso for the perfect balance of sweet and bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time! Bake the cake and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can then reheat it before serving and top with whipped cream.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A2: Yes, you can use different cake mixes, such as devil’s food cake or chocolate fudge cake, for a slightly different flavor.

Q3: Can I use homemade chocolate pudding instead of the instant mix?
A3: While the instant pudding mix is easier for this recipe, you can make homemade chocolate pudding and use it instead. Just make sure it’s the right consistency before pouring it over the cake.

Conclusion: A Chocolate Lover’s Dream Come True

This Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate chocolate dessert that’s easy to make, super indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich cake, gooey pudding, and melty chocolate chips, it’s sure to satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy!