Looking for a quick, easy, and family-friendly dessert? This Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Inspired by comfortable, customizable dishes and balanced one-pot meals, it combines juicy cherries, rich chocolate, and a golden cake topping in a single pan. Everyone will love how effortless it is to make, yet how indulgent it tastes—proving that simple desserts can be truly unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious, this Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is a must-try. Unlike traditional layered cakes, this dump cake comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or casual family dinners. The combination of juicy cherries and rich chocolate cake mix creates a classic Black Forest flavor without all the fuss.
This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can use canned or fresh cherries, adjust the sweetness, or even add chocolate chips for extra richness. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Kids, adults, and dessert lovers alike will fall in love with the tender cake topping and gooey cherry filling.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake delivers comfort, convenience, and that homemade charm everyone craves. It’s the ultimate balance of ease and indulgence, proving that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Every ingredient in this Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience. The sweet-tart cherry pie filling forms a juicy, fruity base, while the chocolate cake mix adds a rich, tender topping that bakes up golden and irresistible. Adding melted butter ensures the cake topping turns slightly crisp on the edges while remaining soft and decadent inside. For chocolate lovers, chocolate chips or chunks can be sprinkled on top to intensify the chocolate flavor, making this dessert even more indulgent. Optional garnishes like whipped cream or shaved chocolate elevate the presentation and taste, turning this simple one-pan cake into a show-stopping dessert.
🛒 Ingredients:
- ▪ 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- ▪ 1 box chocolate cake mix (15 oz)
- ▪ ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ▪ ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
- ▪ Optional: whipped cream or shaved chocolate for garnish
This ingredient combination makes the Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake quick, easy, and full of classic Black Forest flavor.
How to Make This Recipe
Making a Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is surprisingly simple, which is why this recipe is so beloved. The beauty of this dessert is that you can “dump” the ingredients into a single pan and still get a luscious, bakery-style cake. The cherry pie filling provides a sweet-tart base, while the chocolate cake mix forms a tender, golden topping. Melting the butter and distributing it over the cake mix ensures a perfectly crisp yet soft texture. Adding optional chocolate chips creates an extra chocolatey layer, and garnishes like whipped cream or shaved chocolate elevate the dessert for serving. This easy process makes the Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake ideal for busy weeknights, holidays, or spontaneous family treats.
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions:
- ▪ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- ▪ Spread 2 cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
- ▪ Sprinkle 1 box of chocolate cake mix (15 oz) evenly over the cherries.
- ▪ Drizzle ½ cup melted butter over the cake mix.
- ▪ Optional: sprinkle ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks on top.
- ▪ Bake for 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- ▪ Let cool slightly, then serve with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.
This simple method guarantees every bite of your Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is rich, fruity, and indulgent.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake isn’t just about following the steps—it’s about using the ingredients wisely. The cherry pie filling provides natural sweetness and moisture, while the chocolate cake mix ensures a tender, fluffy topping. Butter is essential for a slightly crisp golden crust, and chocolate chips or chunks elevate the chocolate flavor for an extra indulgent touch. Using fresh cherries is also an option, but canned pie filling guarantees consistent sweetness and texture. Proper layering and even distribution of ingredients will ensure every slice of your Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake is perfectly balanced.
💡 Expert Tips:
- ▪ Use 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling for a juicy base.
- ▪ Spread 1 box chocolate cake mix (15 oz) evenly for consistent baking.
- ▪ Drizzle ½ cup melted butter to create a golden, crisp topping.
- ▪ Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks for extra chocolatey flavor.
- ▪ Garnish with whipped cream or shaved chocolate for a professional finish.
- ▪ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Following these tips ensures your Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake comes out perfectly every time.
FAQs
Q: Why are cherries used in Black Forest Cake?
A: Cherries provide the classic sweet-tart flavor that balances the rich chocolate in a Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake. They also add moisture and a vibrant, fruity base for the dessert.
Q: Can you use fresh cherries in Black Forest Cake?
A: Yes! Fresh cherries work beautifully, though canned pie filling is more convenient and ensures consistent sweetness and texture for your Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake.
Q: What cake mix is best for Black Forest Cake?
A: Chocolate cake mix is ideal, as it complements the cherries perfectly. Using a high-quality or dark chocolate mix intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Q: What kind of cherry is used in Black Forest Cake?
A: Traditionally, sour cherries like Morello cherries are used. Sweet cherries can be substituted, but you may need to adjust sugar levels to maintain balance in your Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake.
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This Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients—cherry pie filling, chocolate cake mix, and butter—you can create a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and full of classic Black Forest flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight treats, or special occasions, this dump cake is quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Serve it warm with whipped cream or shaved chocolate, and watch everyone fall in love with this effortless, unforgettable dessert.
Print
Black Forest Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Inspired by the classic Black Forest cake, this dump cake layers tart cherry filling with rich chocolate cake and a buttery topping. Quick to assemble yet perfect for a special dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box chocolate cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Optional: whipped cream or shaved chocolate for garnish
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cherry Layer: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
Cake Layer: Sprinkle dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Chocolate: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top if using.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and cherries are bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Cool slightly. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, mix 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the cake mix before sprinkling.
- You can substitute dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks for chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American