Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake

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Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake

This Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert for chocolate lovers. It captures all the classic flavors of traditional German chocolate cake—rich chocolate, gooey sweet filling, coconut, and crunchy pecans—but requires only minutes of prep and zero special skills. Simply mix, dump, bake, and enjoy!

Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting dessert with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

  • 1 box (approx. 15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut–Pecan Topping

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Cake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • Cake mix
  • Water
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk or beat with a hand mixer until the batter is smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Coconut–Pecan Topping

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla.

Once combined, remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until fully coated.
This mixture should be thick, glossy, and spoonable.

4. Add the Topping

Spoon the coconut–pecan mixture evenly over the chocolate cake batter. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly—the topping will naturally melt and sink into the cake as it bakes.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the cake is set and the edges are bubbly.
A toothpick inserted into the cake portion should come out clean.

6. Cool and Serve

Cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the topping to firm slightly, creating that classic gooey texture.

Serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs exceptionally well with:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • A drizzle of chocolate syrup

Tips for the Best Dump Cake

  • Don’t skip the vanilla in either layer—it boosts the flavor and gives the cake a homemade taste.
  • Toast the pecans for extra nutty richness.
  • If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the coconut to ¾ cup.
  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, stir 2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the cake mix before adding wet ingredients.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator:

Store covered for up to 4 days. The topping stays wonderfully gooey.

Freezer:

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in the microwave before serving.

Variations

  • German Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake: Add ½ cup caramel bits or drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before adding the topping.
  • Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with toasted oats or omit entirely.
  • Extra-Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for pockets of melted chocolate.

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