Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s deliciously comforting, look no further than this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. This classic treat combines gooey cherry pie filling with a rich chocolate cake topping, all coming together in a single baking dish with minimal prep. With bursts of sweet-tart cherries under a decadent, buttery chocolate crust, it’s the ultimate indulgence for both casual weeknights and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is in its short ingredient list — each item is a superstar in delivering big flavors with little effort. Every ingredient lends a special touch, from bright and fruity to rich and chocolaty, ensuring you get beautiful color, unbeatable taste, and the perfect texture in each scoop.
- Cherry Pie Filling: The heart of the cake, this offers juicy cherries and a hint of tartness, creating that signature fruity base.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Delivers all the structure and rich, cocoa flavor while keeping things wonderfully simple.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Brings the cake together and gives that beautifully crackly, indulgent top layer.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (optional): For an extra hit of melty chocolate and texture, sprinkle these over the top before baking.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This stops any stubborn sticking and guarantees easy serving later, so don’t skip this step. The oven should be fully preheated by the time you’re ready to put your cake in.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the filling, making sure it covers every corner for cherry flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Open up your box of chocolate cake mix and distribute it evenly over the cherries. Don’t stir! Just shake or sprinkle the dry mix so it completely covers the fruit layer. This sets the stage for that irresistible cake crust.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the mix as possible — the butter is what turns the dry mix into a luscious, craggy cake topping. A few dry patches are okay; these usually soak up the cherry juices beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you love extra pockets of gooey chocolate, now’s the time to sprinkle on the semisweet chocolate chips. This step isn’t mandatory for a perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, but it truly takes decadence to new heights.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and slightly crispy. The cherry filling will be bubbling around the edges, and the smell will be absolutely irresistible. Let the cake cool for just a few minutes before serving — it’s best warm, when the chocolate chips are still a little melty.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is an unbeatable classic, melting into the warm cake and creating a luscious sauce. If you want to echo more cherry flavor, add a few maraschino cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Even a dollop of whipped cream is enough to make every plate look extra special!
Side Dishes
Since Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is so rich and chocolatey, keep your sides refreshing and simple. Try a fruit salad with tangy citrus, or offer a cup of black coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. For a dinner party, you can pair it with a slightly tart sorbet as a palate cleanser before dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For your next potluck, scoop the warm cake into small mason jars for charming individual servings. If you’re feeling festive, layer squares with ice cream and chocolate shavings for a trifle-inspired twist. Or, go old-school and serve straight from the baking dish with a big spoon — sometimes rustic is best!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled squares or the whole cake (in the dish) in both plastic wrap and foil. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked flavor and warmth, reheat individual servings of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or bake covered at 350°F until heated through. For a slightly crisp top, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate is a classic with cherries, you can swap in vanilla, white, or even devil’s food cake mix for a fun twist on the traditional Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.
Is it necessary to use both cans of cherry pie filling?
Two cans ensure a generous, saucy fruit layer, which is important for the right texture. If you use just one, the cake may turn out a bit dry, but you could supplement with a cup of fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer more texture.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Certainly! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds add a pleasant crunch. Sprinkle them over the cake mix with your chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture in your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix — everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free. Just double-check your pie filling and chocolate chips to be sure, especially if you’re serving anyone with celiac disease.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for a set, slightly crisp top with bubbling cherry filling around the sides. If the cake mix appears powdery in spots, a few more minutes in the oven or a drizzle of extra butter helps everything bake together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia and sheer chocolate-cherry joy of a homemade Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake — simple enough for beginners but so delicious even seasoned bakers come back again and again. If you’ve never tried this comforting classic, now’s the perfect time to bring a little extra sweetness to your table.
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, a simple yet scrumptious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake mix and sweet cherry pie filling. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a pinch!
Ingredients
Cherry Filling:
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
Chocolate Cake Layer:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
Butter:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries, covering completely.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a black forest-inspired treat.
- You can also add a splash of almond extract to the cherry pie filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
