If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort dessert that’s easy to make yet absolutely indulgent, look no further than this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of luscious cherry pie filling mingling with rich chocolate cake mix, all brought together by a buttery finish and gooey chocolate chips. This throw-it-all-together-and-bake masterpiece is truly a lifesaver for busy days or spontaneous dessert cravings, delivering big flavor with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is delightfully simple. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tangy sweetness of the cherry pie filling to the deeply chocolaty cake mix that forms a perfect crumbly topping.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides a juicy, fruity base packed with tart-sweet cherries that complement the chocolate beautifully.
- Chocolate cake mix: Adds that rich cocoa flavor and fluffy texture without any extra effort.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake mix bakes into a golden, crispy crust with buttery goodness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top to infuse pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Vanilla extract: A splash to enhance and round out the flavors, although optional, it adds warmth to the dish.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step is key to ensuring your cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This juicy layer is the heart of the dump cake, giving it that signature burst of fruitiness.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries. Resist the urge to mix or spread it in too much — letting it sit on top like this creates that beautiful crumbly texture after baking.
Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, saturating it so the dry mix bakes into a crisp, buttery crust. This simple step is what transforms the dump cake from basic to extraordinary.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top for an extra layer of rich, melting chocolate that pairs perfectly with the cherries and cake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly with the cherry filling peeking through. Let it cool slightly before the next step.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top takes the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe to the next level. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can create a beautiful presentation and brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a robust cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a light dessert wine. For a more festive vibe, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced whipped cream or a tangy crème fraîche to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your dump cake warm in rustic, single-serving ramekins or cast iron skillets for a cozy, inviting look. Layer it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the dump cake. Wrap it securely with heavy-duty foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by placing slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warming in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Pair with cold ice cream for a warm-and-cool dessert contrast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be a lovely substitution, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch first to achieve the same thick, luscious filling consistency that canned pie filling provides.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and double-check that all other ingredients, especially the pie filling, are gluten-free as well.
Can I add nuts to the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled over the chocolate chips before baking add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and fruity layers.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you want a dairy-free alternative, melted coconut oil works wonderfully well in this recipe and lends a subtle tropical note that complements the cherries and chocolate.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
You’ll see golden brown edges, bubbling cherry filling around the sides, and the melted chocolate chips looking shiny. The top should be crisp but not burnt, signaling that it’s perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a must-try. Its effortless prep and incredible flavor combo make it an all-time favorite that’s perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Go ahead, whip one up soon—it’s guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an easy-to-make dessert perfect for chocolate and fruit lovers alike. Combining sweet cherry pie filling with rich chocolate cake mix and melty chocolate chips, this dump cake bakes into a warm, bubbly delight with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy treat, it requires just a few simple ingredients and about an hour to bake.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 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.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the entire can of cherry pie filling in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a juicy fruit base.
- Add Chocolate Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling to create the cake layer without mixing.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This will moisten the cake mix as it bakes and help it form a crisp top.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Vanilla: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top, then drizzle the vanilla extract across the surface for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving so it sets a bit and is easier to portion. Serve warm for a comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- For an extra indulgence, serve the dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pies like blueberry or apple for variation.
- If preferred, use salted butter but reduce added salt elsewhere in your meal.
- The vanilla extract boosts flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
