If you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t want a lot of fuss, this easy chocolate dump cake recipe is your answer. It’s rich, gooey, and comes together with almost no effort—just dump, bake, and dig in.

Chocolate dump cake in a bowl with ice cream and caramel drizzle.

I love how dump cakes can be tailored to any season or craving. My lemon blueberry dump cake is a go-to in spring and summer, and the cozy 3-ingredient apple dump cake is always on repeat in fall. But this one? This one is for all year long—because there’s never a bad time for chocolate.

A close-up view of a spoon scooping into freshly baked chocolate dump cake. The surface is densely covered with melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, and the cake appears soft and gooey underneath.

Also known as Death by Chocolate Dump Cake, it’s similar to my chocolate cherry dump cake recipe, but this version skips the fruit and doubles down on the chocolate. We’re talking cake mix, pudding mix, and a generous helping of chocolate chips for the ultimate spoonable dessert.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and maybe a little caramel sauce or hot fudge if you’re feeling fancy. It’s quick, comforting, and impossible to mess up.

Why you’ll love this chocolate dump cake

Quick to prep with only 5 ingredients.
Great for newer bakers who want to impress.
No mixer, mixing bowls, or fancy tools needed.
It’s loaded with 3 kinds of chocolaty goodness.
Rich, gooey texture that pairs perfectly with ice cream.

Ingredients for Chocolate Dump Cake

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Chocolate cake mix – I used Duncan Hines but any brand works. Just use the dry mix—ignore the box instructions.
Instant chocolate pudding – Do not make the pudding. Just sprinkle in the dry pudding mix.
Whole milk – Adds richness and helps the pudding set.
Butter – Melted. Salted or unsalted butter are fine for this cake.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Mini or regular size. Since there is a ton of chocolate flavor in this cake, there is also enough sweetness. I think using milk chocolate chips would make it too sweet, but you decide.

How to Make a Chocolate Dump Cake

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Four-step collage showing the process of making chocolate dump cake.

Dump the chocolate cake mix into a prepared 9×13 baking dish. Then, sprinkle the instant pudding mix overtop.
Pour the milk over the dry ingredients and gently whisk to combine.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks underdone in the center– that’s the chocolate pudding!

Enjoy while it’s warm and gooey!

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate dump cake recipe is plenty delicious on its own—don’t be surprised if you end up eating it straight from the dish. For a little extra, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Want to go all out? Drizzle with caramel or hot fudge and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Spoon holding a bite of chocolate dump cake and ice cream.

Storage

Fridge: Store covered in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps for 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Recipe Tips

Stir gently—overmixing creates a dense texture.
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set slightly.
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even baking.
Don’t skip the nonstick spray—it gets sticky!
Want it extra gooey? Add a few more tablespoons of milk.

Additions and variations

Swap the semisweet chocolate chips. Try toffee chips, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips.
Add mix-ins. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would be great, as would crushed candy canes for Christmas or chocolate eggs for Easter.
Use different flavors. Make a different version of this recipe using a different flavor of cake mix or pudding.
Extra rich: Use dark chocolate chips or drizzle hot fudge after baking.

Chocolate dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

More Chocolaty Desserts

Recipe

Bowl of chocolate dump cake with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe

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Chocolate Dump Cake

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 5

Cook: 45

Total: 50

This easy chocolate dump cake is a rich, gooey dessert made with boxed cake mix, instant pudding mix, and chocolate chips. Just dump, bake, and enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

▢ 15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix
▢ 5.1 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
▢ 2 ½ cups whole milk
▢ ½ cup butter melted
▢ 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread the chocolate cake mix into the pan in an even layer.
15.25 ounce chocolate cake mix
Top with the instant chocolate pudding mix.
5.1 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
Pour milk over the dry ingredients. Gently whisk to combine.
2 ½ cups whole milk
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake.
½ cup butter
Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Bake for 40-45 minutes (don’t worry if it looks underdone– that’s the chocolate pudding!). Serve warm and enjoy.