Fudgy Chocolate Dump Cake

A fudgy chocolate dump cake is a super easy dessert that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum chocolatey goodness. Here's a basic recipe and some variations:

Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups milk (or strong brewed coffee for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread the dry cake mix and the dry pudding mix.
3. Add Liquid: Pour the milk (or coffee) evenly over the dry mixes. Do not stir.
4. Sprinkle Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
5. Pour Melted Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface. Again, do not stir.
6. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
7. Cool: Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Variations:

• Peanut Butter Chocolate: Sprinkle peanut butter chips along with or instead of chocolate chips. You can also swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter over the top before baking.
• Mocha: Use strong brewed coffee instead of milk for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
• Mint Chocolate: Use mint chocolate chips and/or add a few drops of peppermint extract to the milk.
• Coconut Chocolate: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top along with the chocolate chips.
• Double Chocolate: Use a devil's food cake mix and a dark chocolate pudding mix.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the top before baking.
• Top with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Caramel Chocolate: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the dump cake after it comes out of the oven.
• Cherry Chocolate: add a can of cherry pie filling over the dry ingredients before the liquid and butter are added.

Tips for Success:

• Don't Stir: The key to a dump cake is to layer the ingredients without stirring. This creates a fudgy, gooey texture.
• Even Distribution: Make sure the dry ingredients, liquid, chocolate chips, and melted butter are evenly distributed for consistent baking.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The center should be mostly set.
• Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.

Enjoy your fudgy chocolate dump cake!