Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser: Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. Seriously, if you need a dessert that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen but actually took about 10 minutes to throw together, this is it. Think of it as the chocolate cake version of a cobbler, but even simpler. I always make this when I’m short on time but craving something decadent. It’s the perfect answer to those late-night chocolate cravings, especially when you’ve got cherries on hand. This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. Is this aMy Grandma used to make a similar apple version. I have never had any. Is this my updated take?
What is a chocolate cherry dump cake?
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is basically magic in a pan. It’s one of those recipes where you literally “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish, give it a little mix (or not!), and bake it until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Think of it as the lazy baker’s dream dessert. It’s essentially a combination of cake mix, canned cherry pie filling, and melted butter, creating a sweet, moist, and intensely flavorful treat. The name comes from the super simple method—dump, spread, bake! Don’t let the simplicity fool you, though; the result is a surprisingly sophisticated dessert. It reminds me of a black forest gateau, but without all the fuss.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do you love about this book?Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.How easy is it to make a homemade pizza? I’m a complete beginner in the kitchen. This recipe is foolproof.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet, slightly tart cherries is just heavenly. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and the textures are amazing. The cake is moist and tender, while the cherries add a juicy chewiness.
- Ridiculously simpleIt takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Just dump the ingredients, spread, and bake. I’m not kidding – this is my secret weapon when unexpected guests arrive.
- Budget FriendlyWhat are some of the best ingredients in your pantry? What are the stars of the show? Canned cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix. What are some of the best treats that won’t break the bank?
- Super Versatile:Can you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? What is chocolate glaze? This cake is also great for potlucks, parties, or any occasion where you need a quick and easy cake. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of dark chocolate never hurts.
What is a lifesaver? Chocolate cherry delight? Is it impossible to mess up a recipe? Is this a showtopper that always gets rave reviews?
How do you make a chocolate dump cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is as easy as 1-2-3. You literally dump the cherry pie filling into a baking dish, sprinkle the chocolate Cake Mix on top, drizzle with melted butter, and bake! It’s almost embarrassing how simple it is. The magic happens in the oven, where the ingredients meld together into a moist, delicious, and surprisingly impressive dessert. I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy (and tasty) this can be!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
* 1 can cherry pie filling – Don’t drain it! You need all that juicy goodness.
* 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate Cake Mix – I prefer devil’s food, but any chocolate will work. Just make sure it’s a standard size.
* 34 cup (1 12 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – Use real butter for the best flavor. What makes a difference?
12 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, but you can skip them if you want.
For Serving (Optional):
What’s a cake without an extra indulgence?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This is super important to prevent the cake from sticking. I always do this first so I don’t forget!
Step 2: Dump Cherry Pie Filling
Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. What’s the best way to dump a potato on the bottom of the pan? No need to be delicate!
Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Do not overmix the dry chocolate cake mix with the cherry pie filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface as much as possible. If it looks like a lot of cake mix, don’t worry, it will all come together in the oven. How do you break up a dry mix?
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to distribute it evenly so that all the cake mix gets moistened. This is what creates that amazing, buttery crust. I sometimes use a fork to gently push the dry mix into the melted butter to ensure it’s all getting soaked up.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the cake. I love the added crunch, but it’s totally optional.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. What is the best way to get a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs? How long do you bake in your oven? I usually start checking it around 30 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
How do I remove a cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving? How do I set up a cake?
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What is the best way to enjoy a fresh baked cake the next day?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to make a Chocolate Dump Cake? What are What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: sourdough.
What is a simple dessert? A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason! The cold ice cream melting over the warm cake is pure bliss. Whipped cream is another great option, especially if you want something a little lighter. I sometimes add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra indulgence.
For a Potluck:Serve the cake warm from the baking dish, with a bowl of whipped cream for serving. It’s casual, easy, and always a hit. I like to bring a can of cherries on the side so people can add more if they want!
For a Special Occasion:Dress it up with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, and fresh mint. What is the best way to serve cherries Serve it with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or chocolate gelato for an extra fancy touch. A glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee pairs well.
For a Cozy Night In: Grab a slice, curl up on the couch with a blanket, and enjoy! It’s the perfect comfort food for a relaxing evening at home. I love to have it with a cup of hot cocoa or a latte.
My family usually devours this cake in one sitting, but if there are leftovers, it’s delicious cold straight from the fridge! It’s so versatile and satisfying. You really can’t go wrong with this dessert!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
While this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is incredibly easy to make, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect result every time:
Butter Matters: Use real butter, not margarine. The butter adds a richness and flavor that margarine just can’t match. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot, or it could start to cook the cake mix.
Even Coverage: Make sure the dry cake mix is evenly distributed over the cherry pie filling. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and you don’t end up with any dry spots. I like to use a fork to break up any clumps of cake mix before drizzling the butter over it.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Check it frequently after 30 minutes and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and bubbly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Remember that the cake will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Experiment with Flavors: While I love the classic chocolate and cherry combination, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your own tastes. Try using a different flavor of cake mix, such as vanilla, yellow, or spice cake. You can also use different types of pie filling, such as apple, blueberry, or peach. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix can also add a warm, cozy flavor.
Nuts or No Nuts: If you’re using nuts, toast them lightly before adding them to the cake for a more intense flavor. You can also use different types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions: Get creative with your toppings! In addition to vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, you can also top the cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few fresh cherries. A dollop of mascarpone cheese or a scoop of chocolate gelato would also be delicious.
I’ve learned over time that the type of baking dish also makes a difference. I’ve found that a glass dish yields the best results – more even baking and a perfectly golden crust. And one time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted. It was still good, but definitely had a saltier, tangier flavor. Now I always double-check!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. However, it’s best to refrigerate it if you want to keep it fresh for longer.
Refrigerator Storage: The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, stored in an airtight container. This is my preferred method, as it helps to maintain the cake’s moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, transfer the cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Reheating: To reheat the cake, you can microwave it for 30-60 seconds per slice, or until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. If you’re reheating the entire cake, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out.
I’ve found that the glaze (if you add one) tends to get a little sticky if you freeze it, so I prefer to add it after thawing the cake. But honestly, it’s delicious either way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit. If you’re looking for a simple dessert that will impress your friends and family, this is it. The rich chocolate cake, the sweet and tart cherries, and the buttery crust create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other dump cake variations, like my Apple Dump Cake or my Peach Dump Cake. They’re all just as easy and delicious!
I can’t wait to hear how your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy baking!
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box devil's food cake mix
- 2 cans cherry pie filling each can approximately 21 oz
- 0.5 cup butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the cherry pie filling into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
