If you’re craving a dessert that combines rich chocolate with juicy bursts of cherry, the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This effortlessly delightful treat layers luscious cherry pie filling with a decadent chocolate cake mix, all brought together by melted butter and sprinkled chocolate chips, creating a moist, bubbly, and irresistible cake. It’s perfect for those times when you want something indulgent but without the fuss – just dump, drizzle, and bake for an impressive dessert that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of how surprisingly simple yet well-chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays an essential role: the tart sweetness of the cherry filling, the deep cocoa flavor of the chocolate cake mix, and the richness from butter and chocolate chips, all melding into one harmonious dessert.
- Cherry pie filling: Brings juicy fruitiness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Chocolate cake mix: Acts as the cake’s foundation, providing a rich, chocolaty crumb with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps crisp the top, creating that signature golden crust.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Infuse pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake for extra indulgence.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle warmth that ties everything together.
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 ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out cleanly, making both baking and serving a breeze.
Step 2: Add the cherry layer
Spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This fruity layer will create that juicy base that perfectly complements the chocolate topping.
Step 3: Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix
Next, evenly distribute the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry layer. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—it’s going to bake into a moist, fluffy topping.
Step 4: Drizzle with melted butter
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. This step is what transforms the dry mix into a beautifully golden, crisp crust that contrasts with the soft filling below.
Step 5: Sprinkle on chocolate chips
Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top for those gooey, melty chocolate pockets you’ll find throughout every bite.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Let your cake cool slightly before slicing. This helps everything set nicely and makes serving easier, while ensuring the flavors meld beautifully together.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments such as fresh berries or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For more celebratory occasions, serve alongside a rich chocolate espresso sauce or a light citrus glaze to cut through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins topped with fresh mint or cherries. Alternatively, layer the cake with whipped cream in a trifle dish for a stunning dessert centerpiece that lets everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy the next day, often tasting even better as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then warm slightly before serving to restore that just-baked charm.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the entire cake in a 300°F oven until heated through. This brings back the delightful gooey texture and melded flavors, making every bite feel fresh and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
While fresh cherries can be delicious, the canned cherry pie filling in this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe provides that perfect syrupy sweetness and consistency needed to keep the cake moist and flavorful. If you want to use fresh cherries, consider making a quick cherry sauce first.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness of the cake, but if you only have salted butter on hand, just omit adding any extra salt to your recipe. The difference won’t be huge, but unsalted butter is preferred for balance.
Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix for another flavor?
You can experiment with different cake mixes, but chocolate and cherry are a classic combination in this recipe. Using vanilla or spice mixes will change the flavor profile substantially, which might still be tasty but won’t have the same impact.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure the cherry pie filling is gluten-free as well. This swap works perfectly in this dump cake recipe without sacrificing the rich, moist texture.
What’s the best way to serve this cake warm?
Serving your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce makes the dessert extra special and comforting, especially on chilly days or after a long week.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is pure magic in a dish, effortlessly combining beloved flavors and textures that are sure to bring smiles around any table. Whether for a casual family dessert or a simple party treat, it’s an easy recipe worth having in your back pocket for when you want to bake without the fuss and with maximum flavor impact. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a favorite you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a delightfully simple and flavorful dessert featuring a luscious layer of cherry pie filling topped with rich chocolate cake mix and chocolate chips. With minimal prep and a single baking dish, it’s perfect for quick entertaining or an indulgent weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Layer cherry filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a fruity base layer.
- Add cake mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix uniformly over the cherry pie filling, making sure there are no large gaps for even coverage.
- Drizzle butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix. This helps moisten the cake and create a rich texture once baked.
- Top with chocolate chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips across the top to add extra chocolate flavor and a delightful melty texture.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture bubbles around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let it set and enhance flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use a high-quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
- Adding vanilla extract enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors but can be omitted if desired.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
