If you have a sweet tooth and a craving for something incredibly simple yet irresistibly delicious, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine juicy cherries bubbling under a rich, chocolatey crust that comes together effortlessly with pantry staples. This dessert is perfect for those moments when you want to wow your guests or treat yourself without fussing over complicated steps. The combination of tart cherries and decadent chocolate creates a harmonious melody of flavors that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simplicity, but every ingredient plays an essential role in making this cake so memorable. From the bright cherry pie filling that lends a juicy sweetness to the chocolate cake mix that forms the luscious base, each component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and a pop of color that makes this dessert as beautiful as it is tasty.
- 1 can cherry pie filling: Adds a burst of tart sweetness and juicy texture that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: Creates a moist and tender cake layer that bakes up with a touch of chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures richness and helps create a crispy, golden topping with the cake mix.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolate that deepen the flavor profile and provide a lovely bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall taste with warm, aromatic notes balancing the fruit and chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish is key to ensuring that your cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly, ready to impress. This small step makes the whole process smoother and keeps your dessert looking its best.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This fruit layer is the foundation of the cake’s juicy flavor and adds that gorgeous red hue that makes this dessert so inviting.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Instead of mixing the batter, simply sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. This is the “dump” part that makes this cake so wonderfully easy, turning more traditional baking into a breeze.
Step 4: Drizzle the Melted Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. This step is crucial as the butter moistens the dry cake mix while helping to create a golden, slightly crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cherries below.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Top everything with semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness. As they melt during baking, these chips form delightful pockets of rich flavor throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dessert for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top looks golden brown and the edges are bubbling with juicy cherry goodness. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly
Allow the cake to cool for a little before serving. This lets it set just enough to make scooping easier while still warm enough to enjoy those gooey, melty chocolate and cherry layers in every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe even further, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or chocolate shavings can add a delightful crunch and extra visual appeal. These simple touches make each serving feel like a special celebration.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich espresso for a late afternoon treat. For something lighter, serve it alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to balance the richness of the cake with a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars, turning it into a charming single-serve dessert. You could also layer it with whipped cream and cherries to make a quick trifle that keeps all the flavors you love but adds an elegant flair perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the cake from drying out. It’s just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for effortless desserts the following evening.
Freezing
If you want to store your cake for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the cake into portions, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen pieces will stay fresh for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe back to life, reheat portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Warm cake with melty chocolate chips and juicy cherries is almost as good as fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll want to cook them down with sugar and a little cornstarch to create a similar thick, syrupy texture that holds the layers together perfectly.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt content in the dessert, but if you only have salted butter, it will still work. Just skip adding any additional salt elsewhere in the recipe.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor?
While chocolate cake mix provides that rich cocoa flavor needed here, you could experiment with a devil’s food mix or even a spice cake mix for a unique twist. Just keep in mind it will change the overall taste.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
You want the top to be golden brown and the cherry filling bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake layer (not the filling) should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and verify that your cherry pie filling is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe a try soon. Its effortless preparation combined with rich, comforting flavors makes it a dessert that’s both approachable and impressive. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you deserve a little sweet indulgence. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling with rich chocolate cake mix and melty chocolate chips. With minimal prep and just one pan, it bakes into a warm, gooey treat perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling (approximately 21 ounces)
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15 ounces)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add Cherry Layer: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish for a juicy fruit base.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix on top of the cherry filling, covering it completely.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix layer to moisten the batter and create a rich texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top to add melty chocolate pockets throughout.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set and be easier to slice.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or apple for different flavors.
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cake mix can enhance the overall flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy butter substitute.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
- If you prefer, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
