German Chocolate Dump Cake

This German chocolate dump cake asks very little of you. You don’t need to own a mixer, a piping bag or any special baking supplies used by professionals or people on reality baking shows. Just layer the ingredients—starting with sweet coconut and pecans—and pop it in the oven. The result is a chocolate cake with a gooey, crackly top and a soft middle full of surprises, including cream cheese and melted chocolate chips.

Dump cake recipes aren’t exactly the most elegant cake you’ll ever meet, but they more than make up for that with ease and flavor. This cake tastes like a fudgy brownie, cheesecake and candy bar, all baked into one messy, magnificent treat.

German Chocolate Dump Cake Ingredients

• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Pecans
• Devil’s food cake mix
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the base layer

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and 1 cup chopped toasted pecans into the baking pan.

Step 2: Add the cake batter

Prepare the devil’s food cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the pan.

Editor’s Tip: Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly over the coconut and pecans.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar. Stir in the chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 cup pecans.

Step 4: Swirl and bake

Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Cut through the batter with a knife to create a swirl pattern. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Editor’s Tip: The easiest way to make the swirl pattern is to drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter. Then, lightly drag a butter knife through the dollops and swirl gently for a marbled effect.

Taste Recipes

How to Store German Chocolate Dump Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, cover the pan tightly with storage wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, and thaw in the fridge before serving.

German Chocolate Dump Cake Tips

Taste Recipes

How should I serve German chocolate dump cake?

Serve German chocolate dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. For a little extra flair, sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped toasted pecans over each slice just before serving.

What mix-ins can I add to this German chocolate dump cake recipe?

Mix-ins like toffee bits or chopped dark chocolate are great additions to this German chocolate dump cake recipe. Try something like butterscotch chips for a different twist.

Can I make German chocolate cake with dark chocolate cake mix?

We make our German chocolate dump cake recipe with devil’s food cake mix, but you can use a dark chocolate cake mix to make the flavor deeper and slightly less sweet. It will balance nicely with the cream cheese and coconut layers. This is a good option for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.