The Sweetest Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Ever Made

Baking a delightful chocolate cherry dump cake can transport you to dessert paradise with minimal effort.

Sweet cherries nestled between layers of rich chocolate create a magical combination.

Unexpected simplicity defines this classic treat that requires almost no preparation time.

Kitchen novices and experienced bakers alike adore how quickly this dessert comes together.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in every single bite.

Pantry staples transform into a decadent masterpiece that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it.

Ingredients For Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy layer that creates the fruity foundation of the dessert.

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that transforms into a rich, chocolatey cake topping.

• Butter: Melted butter helps create a moist and golden cake topping.
• Walnuts, Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the dessert.
• Chocolate Chips: Extra chocolatey morsels that provide additional richness and sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: An optional creamy accompaniment that complements the warm cake.

How To Bake Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spread The Cherry Base

Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the baking dish. Use a spatula to create an even, beautiful red layer across the bottom.

Step 3: Rain Down The Chocolate Mix

Open your chocolate cake mix and gently sprinkle the dry powder all over the cherry filling. Don’t mix or stir – let the layers stay separate.

Step 4: Butter Waterfall

Melt your butter until it’s silky smooth. Drizzle the golden liquid evenly across the entire cake mix surface. Make sure to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.

Step 5: Optional Flavor Boosters

• Chopped walnuts
• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cherry filling bubbles with joy.

Step 7: Cool And Indulge

Let the dump cake rest for a few minutes. Serve warm and top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for ultimate deliciousness.

Tips To Perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain excess liquid from cherry pie filling to ensure a crisp, not mushy cake base.
• Boost Chocolate Flavor: Dust cake mix with cocoa powder before adding for an intense chocolate taste.
• Create Crunch Topping: Toast nuts before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or margarine for a lactose-free version of the dessert.
• Serve Smart: Let cake rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.

Fun Variations For Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake: Replace regular chocolate cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation.
• Vegan Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use vegan chocolate cake mix, and choose dairy-free vanilla ice cream for serving.
• Almond Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake: Replace walnuts with sliced almonds, add almond extract to cherry filling for enhanced nutty flavor.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake: Use sugar-free cherry pie filling, sugar-free chocolate cake mix, and monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional ingredients.

Pairings That Match Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Elevate Dessert Richness: Pair this chocolate cherry dump cake with a robust port wine, highlighting the deep fruit and chocolate notes with a luxurious, velvety finish.
• Creamy Contrast Creation: Top the warm cake with vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture balance the rich, warm cake while creating a delightful temperature contrast.
• Nutty Espresso Complement: Serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and brings out the cake's deep chocolate and cherry undertones.
• Textural Garnish Boost: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty depth that enhances the cake's existing nut and chocolate elements.

Storing Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Right

• Store leftover chocolate cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 15-20 second intervals until warm, checking temperature to avoid overheating.
• Warm refrigerated cake in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Serve with fresh vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Yes, you can swap cherry pie filling with other flavors like blueberry, apple, or peach. Just ensure the fruit filling complements the chocolate cake mix.

• Do I need to mix the ingredients?

No, this is a dump cake where you layer ingredients without stirring. The baking process will naturally blend the ingredients.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! Dump cakes are incredibly simple, requiring minimal baking skills. Just layer ingredients and bake – it’s foolproof.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake in advance and reheat it before serving. It stays delicious for 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Magic

• Simplify Baking: Transform complicated dessert-making into a stress-free experience with minimal preparation steps and basic ingredients anyone can handle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delight family and friends with a rich chocolate and cherry combination that satisfies sweet cravings without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Quick Comfort Treat: Create a warm, gooey dessert in less than an hour with straightforward instructions and standard pantry ingredients, perfect for sudden dessert cravings.
• Versatile Serving Option: Elevate the dump cake's appeal by pairing with vanilla ice cream or serving as a comforting standalone dessert for casual gatherings or spontaneous celebrations.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Scrumptious chocolate cherry dump cake brings effortless dessert magic straight from home kitchens to your table. Sweet cherries and rich chocolate meld into a simple, irresistible treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by generously coating with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Distribute cherry pie filling across the entire bottom of the dish, creating an even, smooth layer that covers all corners.
3. Gently cascade the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling, ensuring complete and uniform coverage without mixing the layers.
4. Methodically drizzle melted butter across the entire surface of the cake mix, aiming to saturate as much of the dry mix as possible.
5. Enhance the texture and flavor by sprinkling chopped walnuts and chocolate chips evenly across the top layer.
6. Position the baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the cake to bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown crust and the cherry filling becomes vibrantly bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let the dump cake rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and cool slightly before serving.
8. Complement the warm dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Easily swap cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries for a more natural flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cake mix varieties like devil’s food or dark chocolate for richer taste variations.
• Reduce butter quantity by 25% to create a lighter version without compromising texture.
• Transform this dessert into a gluten-free option by using certified gluten-free cake mix and checking pie filling ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 378 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg