Irresistible German Chocolate Dump Cake That Will Steal the Show

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite indulgences: German Chocolate Dump Cake. If you’ve never tried this decadent dessert, you’re in for a treat. This cake is a no-fuss, rich, gooey, chocolate lover’s dream that combines the flavors of classic German chocolate cake with the ease of a “dump and bake” method.

I promise you, this is the kind of recipe that wins hearts at potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. And the best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples to make it happen.

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Overview of Recipe Content

What it is:
German Chocolate Dump Cake is a layered, gooey dessert where shredded coconut, pecans, and cream cheese meet a devil’s food cake mix for a rich, fudgy delight.

Why you’ll love it:

• No complicated steps—just layer and bake!
• Sweet, nutty, and chocolaty all in one bite.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd.

What it tastes like:
Imagine a molten chocolate cake meets coconut-pecan frosting… gooey, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Health/Nutritional Benefits:
Okay, this isn’t “diet food,” but it is pure comfort food. A small slice goes a long way, and the pecans bring in heart-healthy fats.

Ingredients:

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• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups chopped toasted pecans, divided
• 1 package devil’s food cake mix (regular size)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips

Tools Needed:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Suggested Substitutions & Additions:

• Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer.
• Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.

How to Make German Chocolate Dump Cake

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1. Prep your dish. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the coconut & pecans. Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly in the dish, followed by 1 cup of pecans.
3. Mix the cake. In a bowl, prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and pour over the coconut/pecan layer.
4. Whip the cream cheese filling. Beat softened cream cheese, melted butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Dollop this mixture over the cake batter.
5. Add the chocolate chips. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top along with remaining pecans.
6. Bake. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the cake is set but still gooey in the center.
7. Cool & serve. Let it cool slightly before digging in—this cake is meant to be enjoyed warm!

What to Serve with German Chocolate Dump Cake

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• A dollop of whipped cream.
• Fresh berries for a pop of brightness.
• A hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Toast your pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Don’t overbake! You want a gooey center.
• Use parchment paper for easy clean-up if you’re worried about sticking.
• Let the cake rest for 15 minutes before serving so the layers set slightly.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that gooey texture.

General Information

This cake isn’t authentically German—it actually gets its name from German’s Sweet Chocolate, invented by Samuel German for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. Over the years, it morphed into the coconut-pecan cake we know and love today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

Do I need to use devil’s food cake mix?
Not necessarily—you can use German chocolate cake mix, chocolate fudge, or even yellow cake mix.

Can I make it without nuts?
Absolutely, just skip the pecans for a nut-free version.

Does this cake need frosting?
Nope, the gooey layers act like a built-in frosting!

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Dump Cake is pure indulgence and ridiculously easy to make. With its gooey chocolate layers, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut, it’s a dessert worth sharing (though you may want to keep it all for yourself!).

If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy these recipes from my kitchen:

• Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Until next time, happy baking, friends! 💛

Interactive Elements

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I’d love to see your creations! If you try this German Chocolate Dump Cake, leave me a review in the comments and share your photo on Pinterest at Poulef Recipes or tag me on Instagram.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 12 servings)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Sugar	Fat	Sat. Fat	Fiber	Sodium
420	5g	48g	36g	24g	12g	3g	180mg

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