Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining rich chocolate, toasted pecans, and creamy coconut in one simple dish. With minimal prep and no mixing bowls required, it’s a perfect dessert for busy home cooks craving a sweet treat.

Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans, divided
- 1 package devil’s food cake mix (regular size)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the shredded coconut and 1 cup of the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the devil’s food cake mix evenly over the coconut and pecan layer.
- Step 4: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cake mix layer, spreading as evenly as possible.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly on top.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.
- Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the layers set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, add a handful of chopped walnuts or substitute half the chocolate chips with butterscotch chips.
- Use sweetened coconut for a sweeter cake or unsweetened for a less sweet alternative.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the topping.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving to soften the cream cheese topping.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with chocolate fudge or a similar rich chocolate cake mix, but devil’s food cake gives the best classic flavor.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans first?
Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and crunch, but if you’re short on time, you can use them raw. Toasted pecans do improve the taste significantly.
Print
Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake is a simple and indulgent dessert that layers sweetened coconut, toasted pecans, and devil’s food cake mix with a rich cream cheese topping. It comes together quickly with minimal prep and baking time, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake topped with chocolate chips and nuts – perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans, divided
- 1 package devil’s food cake mix (regular size)
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dump cake.
- Layer Coconut and Pecans: Spread the shredded coconut and 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, forming the base layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the entire package of devil’s food cake mix evenly over the coconut and pecans to create the next layer.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar into the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until well combined and smooth.
- Drop Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring coverage across the surface.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the semisweet chocolate chips and the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped toasted pecans evenly over the top of the cream cheese dollops.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set and lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
- This cake is rich, so small portions are ideal for indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Keywords: German chocolate dump cake, easy cake recipe, dump cake, chocolate cake, dessert, cream cheese cake

