Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake is a delightful, no-fuss dessert that captures the rich flavors of German chocolate cake in a simple, layered casserole. With toasted pecans, coconut, and a creamy topping, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a comforting treat any time.

Ingredients
- 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 butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread the shredded coconut evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of the chopped toasted pecans over the coconut.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the coconut and pecans; do not mix.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 6: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the dry cake mix layer.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup pecans and the semisweet chocolate chips on top.
- Step 8: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set and slightly golden around the edges.
- Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans before chopping to enhance their flavor and add a deeper nuttiness to the cake.
- For a richer dessert, serve the cake warm topped with vanilla or coconut ice cream.
- Swap semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or caramel chips to try different flavor twists.
Storage
Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through. This dessert also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While devil’s food cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with chocolate or yellow cake mix for a different taste. Just keep in mind it will alter the classic German chocolate flavor.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting pecans is recommended as it enhances their flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can use them raw. The cake will still be tasty, just with a milder nutty flavor.
PrintEasy German Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe
This Easy German Chocolate Dump Cake recipe is a quick and delightful dessert featuring layers of coconut, pecans, and devil’s food cake mix topped with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, this no-fuss cake delivers rich, classic German chocolate cake flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups chopped toasted pecans, divided
- 1 package devil’s food cake mix (regular size)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
Wet Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when the assembled cake goes in.
- Prepare the Base Layer: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Spread the sweetened shredded coconut evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle 1 cup of the chopped toasted pecans over the coconut to form the base layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the package of devil’s food cake mix over the coconut and pecan layer, covering it completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Topping: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to mix well until fully combined and silky.
- Drop Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake mix layer. The topping won’t spread much before baking.
- Top with Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and the remaining ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans evenly over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden along the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving. Optionally, serve warm with ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
- Serving the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an extra special dessert experience.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator; the cake will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
Keywords: German Chocolate Dump Cake, easy German chocolate cake, no-fuss cake, coconut pecan dessert, cream cheese cake topping

