First off, thank you — really. If you’re here reading this, chances are you love chocolate. Like, really love chocolate. And you’re in good company, because today I’m sharing a dessert that’s rich, gooey, over-the-top decadent, and downright irresistible: Death by Chocolate Dump Cake.
This cake is a celebration of all things chocolatey and indulgent — and it’s stunningly easy to make. With layers of pudding, cake, fudge, whipped cream, and cookies, it’s basically the dessert equivalent of a warm hug and a mic drop. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called “Death by Chocolate” — it’s that intense. But hey, what a way to go, right?
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What Is Death by Chocolate Dump Cake?
This is not your average dump cake — it’s a five-layer chocolate explosion that’s as easy as mix, bake, dump, and chill. It starts with a chocolate cake base, made extra rich with pudding and chocolate chips. Then, once baked and cooled, you poke it full of holes and drown it in hot fudge (yes, really). Add a layer of whipped cream and top with crushed Oreos and chocolate chips for good measure.
It’s moist, creamy, crunchy, chocolaty… and completely over-the-top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍫 One-bowl batter — no fancy tools required
- 🍫 Rich, layered texture — warm fudge + soft cake + whipped cream = magic
- 🍫 Make-ahead friendly — actually gets better after chilling
- 🍫 Feeds a crowd — great for potlucks, parties, and holidays
- 🍫 No frosting fuss — dump, layer, chill, done!
What Does It Taste Like?
In a word: heavenly.
- The cake is soft, moist, and chocolate-packed thanks to the pudding mix.
- The hot fudge soaks into every bite, creating pockets of warm, molten sweetness.
- The whipped cream layer keeps it light and fluffy.
- The crushed Oreos and chips add just the right crunch.
It’s like a lava cake, pudding cup, and chocolate sundae got together and created the ultimate dessert baby.
Benefits of This Chocolate Bombshell
- Minimal prep with maximum reward
- Made from easy-to-find ingredients
- Easily doubled or halved
- Delicious warm, cold, or room temp
- Always a showstopper on the dessert table
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1¾ cups milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 cups hot fudge sauce, warmed
- 2 cups whipped cream (or whipped topping like Cool Whip)
- 1 cup crushed Oreos (or chocolate cookie crumbs)
- Additional chocolate chips and crushed cookies, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Microwave-safe bowl (for warming fudge)
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
Feeling creative? Try these twists:
- Swap milk with half-and-half for an even richer cake.
- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor.
- Add a splash of espresso to the batter to enhance the chocolate.
- Mix peanut butter chips or caramel bits into the batter.
- Top with chocolate shavings, ganache drizzle, or fresh raspberries for flair.
How to Make Death by Chocolate Dump Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Chocolate cake mix
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
Whisk until smooth. Then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
3. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before moving on.
4. Poke & Pour
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cooled cake.
Then pour warm hot fudge sauce over the top, letting it seep into the holes.
💡 Pro tip: Aim for 20–30 holes spaced evenly for ultimate fudge distribution!
5. Add the Whipped Cream
Once the cake is cool and the fudge is soaked in, spread whipped cream evenly over the top.
6. Top with Goodies
Sprinkle crushed Oreos and extra chocolate chips on top.
Add more fudge drizzle or a dusting of cocoa powder if you’re feeling fancy.
7. Chill and Serve
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let the layers set.
Slice, serve, and prepare for rave reviews.
What to Serve With This Cake
Honestly? It’s a showstopper on its own. But if you want to go the extra mile:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A mug of strong coffee or espresso
- A glass of cold milk or chocolate milk
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or melted peanut butter
Tips for Chocolate Cake Success
- Let the cake cool fully before adding fudge and whipped topping to avoid melting.
- Use a warm fudge sauce, but not scalding hot — you want it pourable.
- For cleaner slices, chill overnight before cutting.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days — if they last that long!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Make-ahead: This cake is BETTER the next day. Make it the night before and chill until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a homemade cake mix?
Yes! Use any chocolate cake recipe you love — just keep the pudding and milk ratio consistent for that fudgy texture.
Can I skip the fudge sauce?
You can, but then it’s not really Death by Chocolate, is it? 😏
Can I use whipped topping instead of real whipped cream?
Absolutely! Cool Whip works perfectly and holds up well in the fridge.
Is this cake too rich for kids?
Most kids love it — but you can reduce the amount of hot fudge and toppings if you want to tone it down a bit.
In Summary…
This Death by Chocolate Dump Cake is not just a dessert — it’s a chocolate experience. It’s gooey, creamy, crunchy, and completely over the top in all the right ways. And best of all? No layers to frost. No mixers required. No fuss.
Just mix, bake, dump, chill, and enjoy a slice of pure chocolate bliss.
More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Lava Mug Cakes (5-minute dessert!)
- Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies
- Chocolate Pudding Oreo Parfaits
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Stuffed Cupcakes
Share Your Slice! 🍫
Tried this cake? I’d love to see your delicious creations!
📸 Tag me on Instagram or Pinterest with your chocolaty masterpiece.
💬 And don’t forget to leave a comment and review below — your feedback helps other dessert lovers find this recipe too!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
Here’s to going all-in on chocolate — no regrets, just forkfuls of fudge! 🍫🍰
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