Description
This is the ultimate “throw it together” dessert that looks impressive but is effortless. Layers of instant chocolate pudding, rich chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and butter bake into a fudgy, crackly, chocolate-filled masterpiece that everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (dry, any brand)
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1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
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2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
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1½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, or mix of milk & dark)
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
Instructions
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Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make pudding layer: In the prepared dish, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Layer the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the pudding. Do not stir.
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Add chocolate chips: Scatter them evenly over the cake mix.
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Top with butter: Place thin pats of butter evenly across the surface.
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Bake: 35–40 minutes, until the top is crackly and edges are bubbling. The center may jiggle slightly—this is perfect.
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Cool slightly: Let sit 15–20 minutes before serving to let layers set.
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Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
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Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve, for the proper fudgy layer.
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Don’t stir the layers—this is what creates the cake/pudding dual texture.
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Thin slices of cold butter ensure an evenly golden, crisp top.
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Optional: Add espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.