If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug and comes together in a snap, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Combining rich chocolate cake mix with luscious cherry pie filling, and topped off with butter that bakes into a golden, crispy crust, this recipe is impossible to resist. It’s fuss-free but delivers that perfect balance of gooey fruit and decadent cake, making it a beloved treat for any occasion, whether a casual weeknight or a festive gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few essential ingredients come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role in making the dish irresistibly moist, sweet, and beautifully layered.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides the rich, chocolaty base that transforms simple ingredients into something special.
- Cherry pie filling (2 cans): Adds juicy, sweet-tart cherries perfect for that classic fruit dessert feel.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup), sliced: Melts into the cake mix to create a crisp, golden topping with buttery goodness.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional): Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of melty chocolate heaven.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect for serving to add creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm cake.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your dump cake will slide out easily once baked and prevents any sticking.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Dump both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This juicy, flavorful layer is the heart of the cake and gives it that delicious cherry burst in every bite.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Next, evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix right on top of the cherry filling. The key here is not to stir—this layering method lets the cake mix absorb some of the cherry juices while forming that signature dump cake texture.
Step 4: Add Butter Slices
Dot the surface generously with thin slices of unsalted butter, making sure to cover as much area as possible. These butter pieces melt during baking and create a rich, crisp topping that’s absolutely dreamy.
Step 5: Optional Chocolate Chips
If you love extra chocolate (and who doesn’t), sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks over the top. These will melt slightly, giving delightful pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp, and you see the cherry filling bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the layers settle and flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Serve your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or a few fresh cherries adds a lovely crunch and pop of fresh flavor as well.
Side Dishes
This cake stands perfectly on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. If you’re hosting, consider offering a simple fruit salad for a fresh contrast, or a light, fruity sorbet alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving individual scoops layered in clear glass parfait cups, alternating spoonfuls of warm cake with whipped cream and fresh cherries. This adds a charming, elegant touch while showcasing all the layers beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe keeps well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven before serving to revive that fresh-baked taste and texture.
Reheating
Rewarm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the whole dish in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Adding a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on top creates an irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cherry pie filling with fresh cherries?
While fresh cherries can work, the canned pie filling has the perfect balance of syrup and fruit to keep the cake moist and flavorful. If you use fresh cherries, consider adding sugar and cornstarch to mimic the consistency and sweetness.
Is it necessary to use chocolate cake mix, or can I try another flavor?
Chocolate cake mix gives this dessert its rich depth and pairs beautifully with cherries. However, you can experiment with other flavors like devil’s food or even yellow cake mix for a different twist, though the flavor profile will change.
Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and double-check the cherry pie filling’s ingredients. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
What’s the secret to getting a crispy, buttery topping?
The key is thin slices of cold unsalted butter spread over the powdered cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts and crisps the top layer, creating that iconic dump cake texture you’ll love.
Do I have to use chocolate chips, or can I skip them?
Chocolate chips are optional but add a lovely extra layer of melty chocolate goodness. If you prefer a simpler version, the cake mix and cherries alone create a marvelous dessert worth savoring.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that requires minimal effort but yields stunning results full of warmth and comfort. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, turning an ordinary day into something special. I truly hope you give it a try and let it become a treasured favorite in your dessert collection as it is in mine.
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert combining rich chocolate cake mix and sweet cherry pie filling. With minimal prep and bursting with flavor, this no-fuss recipe delivers a warm, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Optional chocolate chips add extra indulgence, and serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates the experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into thin slices
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Evenly spread both cans of cherry pie filling over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a juicy base.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling, making sure not to stir so layers remain distinct.
- Top With Butter and Chocolate: Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or chunks on top for extra richness.
- Bake the Cake: Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is set, slightly crisp, and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a luscious finish.
Notes
- For enhanced cherry flavor, use cherry pie filling with extra cherries or add a splash of almond extract to the filling before assembling.
- This recipe can also be prepared in a slow cooker on low heat for 2 to 3 hours for a hands-off version.
