German Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe – Easy, Gooey, and Full of Flavor

German chocolate dump cake is a super simple dessert that tastes like something you’d get from a fancy bakery.

It’s rich, chocolatey, and filled with gooey layers of coconut and pecan goodness.

What makes this cake really special is how easy it is to make—you don’t need to mix batter or dirty a lot of bowls.

Just dump the ingredients into a dish, bake, and enjoy!

This cake is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dessert but don’t have time to fuss.

It’s also great for family gatherings, holidays, or just when you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

The combination of chocolate cake mix, sweetened coconut, crunchy pecans, and creamy condensed milk creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

Let’s walk through how to make this delicious treat step by step.

Ingredient

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix (dry)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
• Optional: chocolate chips or chocolate syrup for topping

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While it heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.

This keeps the cake from sticking and helps make clean-up easier later on.

Step 2: Layer the Coconut and Pecans

Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.

Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans right on top of the coconut.

These two layers will become the gooey, nutty base of your cake after it bakes.

It may look simple now, but just wait until it comes out of the oven!

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Open your box of German chocolate cake mix and pour it straight into the dish, right over the coconut and pecans.

Do not mix it—just spread it gently with a spoon or your hands so it covers the whole surface.

This is where the “dump” part of the name comes in—no mixing bowls needed!

Step 4: Pour the Condensed Milk and Butter

Now open the can of sweetened condensed milk and slowly pour it over the dry cake mix.

Make sure to drizzle it evenly across the top so that every bite has some of that creamy sweetness.

Then, do the same with the melted butter.

This will help moisten the cake mix as it bakes and give the cake a soft, rich texture.

Step 5: Mix the Pudding and Add on Top

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until it’s smooth and slightly thick.

Pour this mixture gently over the top of everything in the baking dish.

It might look a little messy at this point, but that’s totally okay—it’s going to bake into something amazing.

Step 6: Bake and Finish with Whipped Topping

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and a little puffy, and you can see some bubbly goodness around the edges.

Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 20 minutes.

After it cools a bit, spread a layer of whipped topping over the whole cake.

You can also add chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even more coconut and pecans if you want to dress it up.

Final Thoughts

German chocolate dump cake is the kind of dessert that makes people say “wow” after the first bite.

The coconut and pecans on the bottom become caramelized and chewy, while the pudding and whipped topping make the top soft and creamy.

And since everything is layered right in the dish, you save time and dishes while still making something that looks and tastes amazing.

This recipe is a fun way to introduce kids or beginner bakers to homemade desserts.

There’s no mixer needed, and it’s almost impossible to mess up.

Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a potluck, or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab a spoon and dig in—this German chocolate dump cake is comfort food at its finest.