1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Evenly sprinkle cake mix in the prepared dish and evenly sprinkle the pudding mix over the top.

2. In a medium bowl combine the milk, melted butter, and espresso powder (if using). Pour milk mixture over the cake mix mixture.

3. Use a whisk to just begin to combine the ingredients. (There will still be areas of dry mix. This is ok.)

4. Evenly top with chocolate chips. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until set. Serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

How to Store Leftover Chocolate Dump Cake

Store the cooled chocolate dump cake in a covered dish in the refrigerator, or sliced in an airtight container for up to one week. Do not store this dump cake on the counter as it will spoil faster. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then heat in the microwave or a preheated 350°F oven until warmed throughout before serving. Taking a few minutes to reheat the cake is well worth it to revive that fudgy texture.

Fudgy Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe Variations

To change up this fudgy chocolate dump cake, consider these additions and substitutions:

• Cake mix: Devil's food cake mix will create the most chocolatey, fudgy result, but you can swap with any preferred mix (or one you have on hand).
• Extracts: Add vanilla, orange, almond, peppermint, or other favorite extracts for additional depth.
• Spice: For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger.
• Booze: Add a splash of Grand Marnier, rum, or bourbon for a boozy kick.
• Fruit: Dot the batter with fresh or frozen cherries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Mix-ins: Sprinkle in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chopped candy bars, pretzels, or crumbled cookies for an even more decadent result.
• Toppings: Finish the baked cake with a drizzle of caramel, melted dark chocolate, chocolate ganache, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flair.