If you’re craving the decadent, gooey, nutty flavors of classic German Chocolate Cake but don’t have hours to spend on layers and scratch frosting, the German Chocolate Dump Cake is your culinary hero. This dessert lives up to its name—you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, and the oven does all the magical work, creating a rich chocolate cake top and a warm, caramel-like coconut-pecan layer on the bottom.
This recipe is incredibly popular because it delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss. Here is a simple, go-to recipe for the perfect German Chocolate Dump Cake.
📝 Ingredients List
The genius of the dump cake is in its simplicity, relying on pantry staples and a few key flavors.
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix (standard 15.25 oz size)
- 1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans, lightly toasted (optional, but highly recommended for flavor!)
- 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips (or milk chocolate, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/2 cup Water (or milk, for a richer cake)
🕒 Timing: Quick Prep, Easy Bake
| Step | Time Estimate | Notes |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes | Literally just dumping and spreading ingredients. |
| Bake Time | 35 – 45 minutes | Baking time can vary based on your oven and pan material. |
| Cooling Time | 15 minutes | A brief rest allows the gooey filling to set up slightly. |
| Total Time | Approx. 1 hour | A super-fast dessert from start to table! |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions
No mixing bowls or electric mixers needed! This is as easy as dessert gets.
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to $350^\circ F$ ($175^\circ C$). Lightly grease a $9 \times 13$-inch baking dish.
2. Create the Gooey Base Layer
Sprinkle the shredded coconut and the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Add the Caramel Layer
Drizzle the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the coconut and pecans. Do not stir! The coconut and pecans will bake into a thick, gooey German chocolate layer.
4. The Cake Mix Layer
Carefully and evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry Devil’s Food Cake Mix over the top of the condensed milk layer. Try to get an even coating across the entire pan. Do not stir.
5. Add Moisture and Chocolate
- Drizzle the water (or milk) evenly over the dry cake mix.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, trying to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. The butter helps activate the cake mix and creates a rich top crust.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the entire top.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are bubbling, the top crust looks set, and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out mostly clean (you’ll still have a gooey bottom layer, so aim for the cake top to be set).
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack before serving. This allows the gooey coconut-pecan layer to slightly thicken, making it easier to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
The best way to enjoy a German Chocolate Dump Cake is warm!
- Classic Pairing: Serve with a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or a dollop of fresh, lightly sweetened Whipped Cream. The cold, smooth contrast is perfect.
- Extra Caramel: Drizzle a touch of caramel sauce or even a little extra condensed milk over the top of each serving.
- Coffee Time: Serve alongside a rich, strong cup of coffee or espresso.
💡 Common Mistakes & Tips
- Don’t Stir! This is the golden rule of dump cakes. Layering is what creates the distinct cake top and gooey bottom. Stirring will turn it into a regular cake batter.
- Using Cake Mix Water: You may find small pockets of dry cake mix after baking. This is common! If you notice any dry spots halfway through baking, you can lightly mist the dry areas with a spray bottle of water or place a few small pats of butter on them.
- Toasting the Pecans: Take 5 minutes to lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. This intensifies their nutty flavor and makes a huge difference in the final product.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
A: Yes! While Devil’s Food is traditional for German chocolate flavor, you can use German Chocolate Cake Mix (for extra coconut/pecan flavor), Fudge Chocolate Cake Mix, or even a Yellow Cake Mix for a less intense chocolate flavor that still showcases the coconut-pecan topping.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is high in moisture and gets even gooier when chilled! Reheat individual servings slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Q: Is this the same as German Chocolate Frosting?
A: It mimics the flavor profile of the classic German Chocolate Frosting (coconut, pecans, and caramel-like sweetness) by allowing those ingredients to caramelize on the bottom of the pan, which then bakes under the chocolate cake. It gives you the frosting flavor without the work of making it!
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