Why You’ll Love Death by Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

This cake is a chocoholic’s dream come true. It’s incredibly easy to throw together—no mixer needed—and packed with different chocolate textures and flavors. The warm fudge soaks into the cake for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the crushed cookies and mini chocolate chips add just the right amount of crunch. It’s make-ahead friendly and always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

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

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 ¾ cups milk
1 cup mini chocolate chips
2 cups hot fudge sauce, warmed
2 cups whipped cream (or whipped topping)
1 cup crushed Oreos (or chocolate cookie crumbs)
Additional chocolate chips and crushed cookies for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, and milk until the batter is smooth.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
Pour the warmed hot fudge sauce over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
Sprinkle with crushed Oreos and additional mini chocolate chips for garnish.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Peanut Butter Twist: Drizzle warm peanut butter over the cake before adding whipped cream.
Mint Chocolate Version: Add mint extract to the cake batter and use mint chocolate chips.
White Chocolate Option: Replace mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for contrast.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
Caramel Drizzle: Swap out the hot fudge sauce with caramel for a rich caramel-chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To enjoy warm, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds.
This dessert is not ideal for freezing due to the whipped cream topping, but you can freeze the unfrosted cake portion for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before finishing with toppings.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this cake?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled and covered until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Yes, a homemade chocolate cake will work just as well if you prefer to make it from scratch.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk gives the richest texture, but you can use 2% or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini?

Yes, but mini chocolate chips blend better into the batter and distribute more evenly.

Is the pudding mix prepared first?

No, add the dry pudding mix directly into the batter with the other ingredients.

Do I have to use hot fudge sauce?

Hot fudge sauce gives the best gooey result, but you can substitute with chocolate syrup if needed.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream gives a lighter, more natural flavor.

How do I poke holes in the cake?

Use the round handle of a wooden spoon or a similar tool to poke holes spaced about an inch apart.

Can I skip the chilling time?

Chilling helps the fudge set and improves the overall texture, but if you’re short on time, a 30-minute chill will still work.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

Make sure not to overbake it, and don’t skip the fudge step—it adds moisture and richness.

Conclusion

Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to prepare yet feels special enough for any occasion. With layers of gooey fudge, soft cake, creamy topping, and a crunchy finish, it offers everything a chocolate lover could ask for. Whether you’re baking for a party or treating yourself, this dessert is sure to be unforgettable.