If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich combination of fruit and chocolate, then this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. It’s the perfect mix of luscious cherry pie filling layered under a tender, chocolatey cake topped with melty chocolate chips. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to put together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Trust me, once you experience the warm, gooey magic of this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your baking arsenal forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dessert shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role: the cherries add sweet-tart juiciness and beautiful color, the chocolate cake mix creates a moist, rich base, and the melted butter brings everything together for a golden, crispy top. The chocolate chips add just the right touch of melty indulgence that makes every bite feel like a treat.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides the sweet and tangy fruit layer that is bursting with flavor and moisture.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation for the chocolatey top layer; no need to mix or bake separately.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cake mix bake into a crisp yet tender surface.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Sprinkle on top for pockets of gooey, melty chocolate that elevate the dessert.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle hint of warmth and depth to balance the richness of chocolate and cherries.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the cake slices out neatly and doesn’t stick to the pan. This prep step is quick but crucial for easy serving later.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This layer will simmer and bubble up as the cake bakes, infusing the top layers with juicy cherry sweetness and vibrant color.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Chocolate Cake Mix
Next, pour the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling. Don’t worry about mixing it in or stirring; resist the urge! This dry layer will transform with the butter to form the perfect chocolate crust.
Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly on top of the dry cake mix. This step ensures the cake cooks to golden perfection with a crispy, buttery top that contrasts perfectly against the juicy cherries underneath.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top. As they bake, they’ll melt into little pockets of chocolatey goodness that take the cake to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Bake the cake for about 45 to 50 minutes. The edges will turn golden brown, and you’ll see bubbling around the cherries, which means all the flavors are coming together beautifully.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes. This rest time lets everything set just enough so when you scoop your first piece, it holds together nicely while still warm and irresistible.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a classic touch, serve your warm Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and add a pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake is quite rich on its own, but pairing it with a simple fruit salad or a cup of hot coffee or tea complements the dessert flavors perfectly. For festive occasions, try serving with a glass of sparkling red wine to celebrate the cherry and chocolate combination.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of serving it directly from the baking dish, try layering chunks of the cake in dessert cups with extra cherry pie filling and whipped cream. You can also turn it into a trifle by alternating cake pieces and cherry layers in a glass bowl for a beautiful, layered effect that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The cake stays moist and delicious for about 3 to 4 days and can be easily reheated when you want a quick treat.
Freezing
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for making ahead for parties or busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge, then warm individual slices in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes. This helps restore the cake’s soft texture and warm, gooey cherry filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can make your dump cake more natural and less sweet. Just remember to cook them with some sugar and cornstarch beforehand to mimic the consistency and sweetness of pie filling.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake after baking?
Because the cake contains fruit filling, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage. Just bring slices to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix with another flavor?
While the chocolate cake mix perfectly complements the cherries, you could experiment with devil’s food or even yellow cake mixes for a different twist. Just keep in mind the chocolate adds a rich contrast that’s hard to beat.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and verify that your pie filling is gluten-free to craft a delicious version that works for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why is it called a dump cake?
The name comes from how simple it is to make: you literally “dump” the ingredients into the pan and bake, without needing to mix or fuss over layers. This ease makes it a favorite for busy bakers and beginners alike.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a rich, fruity dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Its perfect combination of juicy, sweet cherries and layers of decadent chocolate cake will quickly become a family favorite. I encourage you to try it for your next special occasion or even just a cozy weekend treat—you won’t regret it!
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
A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake featuring luscious cherry pie filling layered with dry chocolate cake mix, topped with melted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 box 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 cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a juicy and flavorful base.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry layer, covering it completely.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, which helps to moisten the dry mix and create a crumbly topping texture.
- Top with Chocolate Chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolaty richness and texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving, so the layers set and the dessert becomes easier to slice and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings to customize the dessert.
- Using cold butter and cutting it into pieces instead of melted can create a different crumb topping texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat gently before serving.
