If you love the brilliant combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, you are in for a treat with this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe! It’s a wonderfully simple dessert that feels like a decadent celebration with every bite, yet comes together in just minutes. Imagine luscious cherry pie filling nestled under a blanket of devil’s food cake mix, all baked to bubbly perfection and crowned with melty butter. This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy sweet fix, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe means gathering a few simple ingredients that each play a vital role in making this dessert so irresistible. From the bright pop of cherry filling to the rich chocolate cake mix and silky melted butter, every element contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this effortless delight.
- Cherry pie filling: Two 21-ounce cans provide that juicy, fruity sweetness and beautiful ruby color that make this cake sing.
- Devil’s food cake mix: A 15.25-ounce box delivers a rich, chocolatey layer that crisps on top and stays tender beneath.
- Butter: Three quarters of a cup (1 ½ sticks) melted, adding luscious moisture and helping the cake crisp evenly.
- Optional whipped topping or vanilla ice cream: Perfect for adding creamy coolness when serving, though totally optional.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking—it’s a simple step that makes all the difference when serving up this luscious cake later.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling
Next, dump those cans of cherry pie filling right into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. This juicy layer forms the flavorful base of the cake and infuses every bite with bright cherry goodness.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the cherries. Resist the urge to stir! This dry layer will create the perfect crumbly, chocolatey topping that contrasts beautifully with the gooey fruit beneath.
Step 4: Drizzle the Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying your best to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter melts into the cake mix during baking, giving it a rich crumb and golden finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dump cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is set and the edges are bubbling with cherry juice. The aroma filling your kitchen will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle, which makes scooping easier. For the ultimate indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped topping right on top.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped cream instantly transforms this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe from simple to spectacular. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts or grated chocolate on top.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweet and tart flavors. If you want to keep things light, fresh berries or a crisp salad complement the richness of the cake beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layer with additional cherries or chocolate shavings between spoonfuls for a picture-perfect presentation that’s as delicious as it is charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld beautifully after a day, making it even more delicious the next day. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake either before or after baking. If freezing before, cover the assembled unbaked cake tightly and bake directly from the freezer, adding extra baking time. If freezing leftovers, portion the cake into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Adding a little scoop of ice cream on top right after reheating makes for an irresistible treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries can definitely be used, but you’ll want to cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic the texture and sweetness of pie filling. The canned filling just makes things super simple and consistent.
Is it necessary to use devil’s food cake mix?
Devil’s food cake mix provides that rich chocolate flavor that makes this dessert unique. You could experiment with other chocolate cake mixes or even brownie mixes, but devil’s food gives the best balance with the cherry filling.
Why is melted butter important in the recipe?
Melted butter soaks into the cake mix while baking, creating a crisp, golden crust and adding moisture so the cake isn’t dry. It’s a key step for the classic dump cake texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the devil’s food cake mix for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just make sure the cherry pie filling you use is gluten-free as some brands add thickening agents that contain gluten.
How can I make this dessert more decadent?
Try adding chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips over the cake mix before drizzling the butter for extra gooey chocolate bursts. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a drizzle of cherry syrup on top after baking also takes it to the next level.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels fancy but is so incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a warm, comforting, and indulgent treat that will wow your family and friends every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the perfect harmony of chocolate and cherry in your very own kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy-to-make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake combines sweet cherry pie filling with rich devil’s food cake mix, topped with buttery goodness and baked to perfection. It’s a quick dessert option that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, perfect for weeknight treats or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Whipped topping
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will serve as the juicy fruit base of the dessert. Then sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the top of the cherries, creating a crumbly layer that will bake into a cake topping.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, taking care to cover as much of the cake mix as you can. The butter helps to create a moist, rich texture and allows the cake mix to bake properly.
- Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the top is set to a cake-like texture and the edges around the dish become bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the dessert to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for added creaminess and flavor contrast.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Ensure the butter is fully melted and evenly drizzled for the best texture.
- This dessert is best served warm but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven before serving.
