Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly easy to make—no mixing or pre-prep needed
Rich, chocolatey flavor with a moist, cake-like texture
A great dessert for any occasion, especially when you’re in a time crunch
Only a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry
Perfect for chocolate lovers and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box of chocolate cake mix (preferably a fudge or dark chocolate variety)
1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk
1/2 cup of butter (melted)
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but recommended for extra chocolate richness)
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In the baking dish, dump the dry chocolate cake mix, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Pour the sugar and chocolate chips (if using) over the cake mix.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
Pour the evaporated milk over everything in the dish, but do not stir. The ingredients will settle during baking to create a cake-like texture on top with a gooey, fudgy bottom.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are slightly golden. The center should be soft and gooey, but not liquidy.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Servings and timing

Serves about 8-10 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: You can mix in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or add marshmallows for a more s’mores-like flavor.
Frosting: Top with a layer of whipped cream or chocolate ganache after baking for an extra rich dessert.
Other cake mixes: Try using a white, yellow, or even a red velvet cake mix for different flavor profiles.
Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream, like vanilla or mint chocolate chip, for a decadent treat.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it for up to a week.
Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to warm it up.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk is preferred for its richness, but you can substitute with regular milk or heavy cream. The texture may be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! You can experiment with different cake mixes, like vanilla, spice cake, or even caramel, to create different flavor profiles.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake should be golden brown around the edges, and the center should be soft but not liquidy. You can test it by gently pressing the top to see if it springs back.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Is this cake gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the cake mix. However, you can try a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make it gluten-free.

Can I add more chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can add as many chocolate chips as you like, or even mix in some milk chocolate chips for a different flavor.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a different size baking dish, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you use a smaller pan, check the cake earlier to prevent overbaking.

Can I add fruits to the cake?

Yes! Fresh raspberries, strawberries, or even bananas would complement the chocolate and add a fruity twist.

Can I make this without sugar?

You can substitute sugar with sugar alternatives such as stevia or erythritol for a lower-sugar version, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I make this cake in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make a dump cake in a slow cooker. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it to low, and cook for 2–3 hours or until the top is set and gooey.

Conclusion

Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert for chocolate lovers. With minimal ingredients and no complicated steps, this gooey, rich dessert is sure to become a favorite. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, family nights, or anytime you need a chocolate fix, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is delicious!