Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both wildly indulgent and purrs with nostalgia, let me introduce you to Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. It’s the kind of magical recipe you can whip up when friends pop by unexpectedly, or when you want something chocolatey and fruity without fuss. Featuring luscious cherry pie filling topped with a rich blanket of chocolate cake, then finished off with melty pockets of chocolate and golden butter, every bite delivers pure comfort. Whether you’re a baking beginner or a dessert devotee, this cake is quick, easy, and guaranteed to get rave reviews around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake shine: just a handful of tried-and-true ingredients, each pulling their weight for maximum deliciousness. These are your starting points for a dreamy, chocolatey dessert that’s as simple as it is irresistible.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 ounces): The star of the show, bringing gorgeous color and juicy bursts of tart-sweet cherry flavor to every mouthful.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): Your shortcut to a moist, chocolatey crumb that bakes right on top—no mixing required!
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Poured over the cake mix, it transforms crumbs into a golden, crisp topping.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Sprinkle for extra chocolate richness and gooey surprises throughout.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional): The finishing touch—cool, creamy, and a wonderful contrast to the warm cake.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a swipe of butter. This little step ensures none of the cherry or chocolate goodness gets left behind when serving.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Open your can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly along the bottom of your prepared baking dish. These juicy cherries form the sweet, tart foundation and give every scoop its classic Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake burst of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Without mixing or fuss, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. You’ll want to cover the entire surface, as this layer transforms into deliciously soft cake with a slightly crisp top during baking.
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Pour your melted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible. The butter seeps down, creating those trademark pockets of crisp, rich cake—don’t worry if every single crumb isn’t soaked; it bakes up beautifully.
Step 5: Top with Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you want to level up the decadence, sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips across the top. As the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake bakes, they’ll melt into little pools of chocolate, making each bite extra special.
Step 6: Bake
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is set with irresistible crispy bits and the cherry filling gently bubbles along the edges. Let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Garnishes
No need to overthink this! Classic toppings like cool whipped cream or velvety vanilla ice cream make perfect partners to the warm cake. If you want to get fancy, dust with a little powdered sugar, or toss on some extra cherries for a pop of color.
Side Dishes
While the cake truly shines solo, you could serve it alongside a light fruit salad or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the richness. For grown-ups, a coffee or dessert wine pairing transforms it into something truly memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist. Or, layer scoops into mason jars to make parfaits with whipped cream, then top with chocolate shavings for a cute, layered treat that’s picnic-ready!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left (unlikely, but it happens!), just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Tucked into your refrigerator, it’ll stay delicious for up to three days—just bring it back to room temperature or gently warm before enjoying.
Freezing
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake actually freezes nicely! Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap individual pieces or the entire dish securely in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. You can freeze for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 30–40 seconds, or place the whole baking dish (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven until heated through. This brings back all the gooey cherry and crispy chocolate cake magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, you can try vanilla, devil’s food, or even white cake mix for a lighter twist. Each variation puts a new spin on this beloved Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes—simply substitute a plant-based butter or margarine, and be sure your cake mix and chocolate chips are dairy-free. The results are still deliciously decadent!
What if I don’t have cherry pie filling?
Feel free to get creative: raspberry or blueberry pie filling are stunning alternatives, and even apple works in a pinch. The basic method stays the same, and each fruit brings its unique flavor to the dump cake experience.
Can I prepare Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake in advance?
This dessert is best served fresh and warm, but you can certainly assemble it a few hours ahead of time and store it (unbaked) in the fridge. When ready, pop it into a preheated oven and bake just before serving guests.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
Look for the top to be mostly set and slightly crisp, with the cherry filling bubbling cheerfully at the edges. A few gooey pockets are normal, so don’t overbake or you’ll miss out on that essential moistness!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, easy, and undeniably crowd-pleasing, Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the answer. The contrast of fudgy chocolate and juicy cherries is truly irresistible. I hope you give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your friends will be asking for seconds!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent simplicity of a Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, a quick and easy dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherry in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the base: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Add the toppings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- You can use dark chocolate cake mix for a richer flavor or swap the cherry pie filling with raspberry for a twist.
- This cake is best served warm but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
