German Chocolate Dump Cake: An Easy, Rich Chocolate Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

German Chocolate Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. This recipe takes all the beloved elements of classic German chocolate cake—rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans—and transforms them into an easy dump-and-bake dessert. There is no mixing bowl required, no complicated steps, and no advanced baking skills needed. I first tried this recipe when I needed a last-minute dessert for guests, and it quickly became a reliable favorite. The chocolate cake layer stays moist while the coconut-pecan topping becomes golden and slightly chewy, creating a wonderful contrast of textures. This dump cake is ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual family dinners. It delivers comforting, nostalgic flavor with a modern, time-saving twist.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

German Chocolate Cake Mix
The cake mix forms the base of the dessert and provides deep chocolate flavor with minimal effort. It ensures consistent results every time.

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
Pudding mix adds extra moisture and richness, helping the cake stay soft and tender after baking.

Sweetened Shredded Coconut
Coconut brings sweetness and chewiness, creating the signature topping associated with German chocolate desserts.

Chopped Pecans
Pecans add crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the coconut and chocolate.

Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a creamy texture as the cake bakes.

Unsalted Butter
Butter melts into the dry ingredients, creating a rich, golden topping and enhancing overall flavor.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the dry German chocolate cake mix across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the instant chocolate pudding mix evenly over the cake mix.

Scatter the shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the dry layers, distributing them evenly for consistent texture in every bite. Slowly pour the evaporated milk over the entire surface, allowing it to soak through the layers.

Slice the butter into thin pieces and arrange them evenly across the top of the cake. Do not stir the layers. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so the layers can settle.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10 to 12 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a baking time of about 50 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover German Chocolate Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Variations and Customizations

German Chocolate Dump Cake is easy to customize while keeping its signature flavor. For a richer chocolate base, I sometimes add chocolate chips between the cake mix and coconut layers. This creates extra pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.

You may substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred, or use a blend of both for added texture. I have also tested this recipe using dark chocolate cake mix, which creates a deeper, slightly less sweet flavor profile.

For a more traditional German chocolate taste, a small amount of caramel sauce can be drizzled over the top before baking. These variations allow you to tailor the dessert without complicating the recipe.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

German Chocolate Dump Cake is a rich dessert best enjoyed in moderation. It contains carbohydrates, fats, and sugars from the cake mix and topping. Portion size plays an important role, especially when serving with ice cream or whipped topping.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Even Butter Distribution
Spread butter evenly to avoid dry patches on the surface.

Do Not Stir
Layering is essential for proper texture and structure.

Cooling Time
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner servings.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate cake mix?

Yes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Do I need to mix the layers?

No, dump cakes work best when left unstirred.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to two months.

What can I serve with this cake?

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs well.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Use unsweetened coconut to slightly reduce sweetness.

Is this dessert very rich?

Yes, small portions are recommended.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for best flavor and texture.

Why is my cake dry on top?

Butter may not have been evenly distributed.

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, it is very simple and forgiving.

Conclusion

German Chocolate Dump Cake is an effortless dessert that delivers rich, classic flavor with minimal preparation. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or casual evenings, this recipe proves that great desserts do not need to be complicated. Once you try it, it is sure to become a dependable favorite in your dessert rotation.

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