If there’s any dessert that’s the definition of pure joy with minimal effort, it’s this luscious Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe! Imagine rich, gooey chocolate mingling with tart, jewel-toned cherries, all bubbling together beneath a buttery, golden topping. With just a handful of pantry staples and five minutes of prep, you’ll have a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that screams “special occasion” but is easy enough for any night of the week. It’s my go-to when I want something decadent and fuss-free with maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I truly love about this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is how each ingredient does some heavy lifting in the flavor and texture department. Simplicity meets indulgence here, and every item has its moment to shine—don’t skip any unless you’re making it your own!
- Chocolate cake mix: The backbone of the recipe, delivering deep cocoa flavor and structure without needing eggs or oil.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet, syrupy cherries bring tang, juiciness, and that signature pop of color to each bite.
- Unsalted butter: Sliced and layered, it melts right into the cake mix, giving the top its craggy crisp edges and a tender crumb beneath.
- Almond extract (optional): Just half a teaspoon totally elevates the cherry flavor, making it taste berry-licious and slightly floral.
- Chocolate chips (optional): For the ultimate chocolate lover, a sprinkle on top melts into pockets of gooey, fudgy surprise.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch dish a quick coating of butter or nonstick spray. This will make serving so much easier later and ensure nothing sticks to the sides—especially important with all that glorious cherry filling!
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling right into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the cherries evenly from corner to corner. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in that optional almond extract now—it’s a game changer!
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take your dry chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry layer. This is the heart of the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. There’s no mixing involved—the magic happens in the oven, so resist the urge to stir!
Step 4: Add the Butter & Chocolate Chips
Dot the top of the cake mix with thin pats of unsalted butter, making sure you cover as much surface as you can. If you’re using chocolate chips, now’s your moment to shower them on—they’ll melt into melty chocolate spots as it bakes!
Step 5: Bake Until Set & Bubbly
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be set, slightly crisp, and the cherries will be bubbling up at the edges. Let it cool a bit before digging in so the juices can settle and each slice holds together.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This dessert is all about those little extra touches! Scoop it warm into bowls and add a big dollop of freshly whipped cream or a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few extra chocolate chips or shavings, or even a sprinkle of toasted almonds, will wow your guests and add both crunch and flair.
Side Dishes
Since Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is so rich, I love pairing it with lighter sides like fresh raspberries, blackberries, or a fruit salad. If you’re entertaining, a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk is always a classic partner for chocolate and cherries!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or layer crumbled cake with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for a fun twist. Feeling festive? Add a drizzle of cherry syrup or chocolate sauce to the plate before serving for that restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some) should be cooled to room temperature and then stored covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for dreamy next-day treats!
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Scoop portions into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, or zap gently in the microwave straight from frozen for a cozy midnight snack.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, or place the baking dish (covered with foil) in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The edges will get that lovely, just-baked texture all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Devil’s food or dark chocolate cake mix both taste amazing, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try vanilla or even red velvet for a fun twist on the traditional Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe.
Is fresh or frozen fruit okay instead of canned pie filling?
You can use frozen cherries, but you’ll want to add a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic pie filling’s thick texture. Fresh cherries work too—just pit them, toss with sugar, and maybe a little lemon juice for brightness!
Can I make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you definitely can! Prep everything just as described, then cook on low for 2 to 3 hours until the top is set and the cherries are bubbling. Super handy when your oven is already busy with other treats.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
No worries—this step is just a flavor booster, and your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe will still shine without it. You could try a splash of vanilla extract or simply let the chocolate and cherries do their thing on their own.
How do I get an extra-crispy topping?
For a bit more crunch, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. The nuts toast up as the cake bakes and add an irresistible contrast to the gooey, jammy cherries below.
Final Thoughts
I just know this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite quick-and-cozy dessert. It’s easy, indulgent, and such a crowd-pleaser—don’t be surprised if you find yourself whipping it up for every potluck and holiday dinner. Give it a try and let those chocolate-cherry aromas fill your kitchen!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries with this easy Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (sliced into thin pats)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the dish and spread evenly. If using, stir in the almond extract.
- Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling—do not stir.
- Top with butter and chocolate chips: Arrange the butter slices evenly over the top of the cake mix to cover as much surface as possible. If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can also make it in a slow cooker on low for 2–3 hours.
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
