At Eminent Recipes, I believe comfort food should be simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with family. This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is all of that and more—rich chocolate, tart cherries, and effortless prep come together in one cozy dessert. Whether you’re a busy parent or planning something sweet for a special occasion, this recipe is quick, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love desserts that are both indulgent and effortless, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a must-try. It’s the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet-tart cherries, baked into a soft, comforting cake that practically makes itself. One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is—classic versions can be made with just a few pantry staples, like cherry pie filling, chocolate cake mix, and butter, making it a true 3-ingredient cherry dump cake.
Despite its simplicity, it’s completely customizable. Add chocolate chips for extra richness, a touch of nuts for crunch, or even an egg to make it more decadent. It’s also a family favorite because it’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels, making it ideal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or last-minute dessert cravings.
Whether you follow the old-fashioned chocolate cherry dump cake recipe or try a modern variation from scratch, this dessert delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one pan.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making a perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. You’ll need just a few simple pantry staples, making this dessert approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers. Start with 2 cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling, which provide the sweet-tart fruit base. Then, add 1 box of chocolate cake mix (about 15 oz)—this forms the rich, chocolatey layer that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
For a touch of buttery goodness, use ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted, or slice it thinly and distribute over the top. Optional add-ins like ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate enhance the chocolate flavor even more. Once baked, serve your cake warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finishing touch.
This combination keeps the recipe simple yet customizable, whether you’re making a 3-ingredient cherry dump cake or experimenting with the best chocolate cherry dump cake recipe from scratch. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a quick, family-friendly dessert everyone will love.
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is as simple as it gets, yet the results are indulgent and comforting. Follow these steps for a perfect cake every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the cherry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish. This creates the sweet-tart foundation that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. No mixing needed—this “dump” method saves time and keeps things simple.
- Add the butter: pour melted butter over the top, or slice it thinly and scatter across the cake mix. This ensures a golden, moist texture as it bakes.
- Optional: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for extra richness.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges bubble slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
This versatile method works for the classic 3-ingredient cherry dump cake or an upgraded version with chocolate chips or eggs.
Expert Cooking Tips
To make the best Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe, a few insider tips go a long way. First, avoid the biggest mistake many bakers make: not evenly distributing the butter over the cake mix. Uneven butter can lead to dry spots or uneven baking. Melted butter works best for consistent coverage, but thin slices scattered evenly also do the trick.
Use high-quality cherry pie filling—either sweet or tart depending on your taste—and don’t stir it into the cake mix. The “dump” method works best when layers remain separate, creating pockets of flavor. For extra richness, consider adding mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to the top before baking.
Timing is key: bake until the edges bubble and the top is lightly golden. Overbaking can dry out the cake, while underbaking leaves the center too gooey.
Serving tips: this cake is delicious warm, straight from the oven, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also make it ahead and reheat—it still tastes fantastic. Following these tips ensures a moist, flavorful, and irresistible chocolate cherry dump cake, perfect for family meals or special occasions.
FAQs
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
A: The most common mistake is unevenly distributing the butter over the cake mix. This can lead to dry spots or uneven baking. Always pour melted butter evenly or scatter thin slices across the top for the best results.
Do chocolate and cherries go together?
A: Absolutely! The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart taste of cherries, making this combination a classic dessert favorite.
What is German chocolate dump cake?
A: A German chocolate dump cake typically features a chocolate cake mix layered with coconut-pecan filling, offering a gooey, nutty, and chocolatey dessert variation.
What kind of flour is best for cherry cake?
A: While traditional cherry cakes often use all-purpose flour, the dump cake method uses pre-made chocolate cake mix, which is already balanced for sweetness, texture, and rise.
Can I make a chocolate cherry dump cake with just 1 can of pie filling?
A: Yes, you can scale down for smaller portions, but the flavor and texture will be slightly less fruit-forward. For a rich, full-flavored cake, two cans are ideal.
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This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is proof that delicious, comforting desserts don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and endless customization options—like chocolate chips, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions. Whether you follow the classic 3-ingredient cherry dump cake or try an upgraded version from scratch, this recipe delivers rich chocolate, tart cherries, and warm, gooey goodness in every bite.
Don’t forget to explore other easy, family-friendly recipes at Eminent Recipes for more meals and desserts that bring comfort and joy to your table.
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This chocolate cherry dump cake is a decadent dessert with minimal effort. Sweet cherry pie filling is layered with rich chocolate cake mix and buttery topping, creating a fudgy, brownie-like treat. Perfect for potlucks, Valentine’s Day, or when your chocolate cravings hit hard.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box chocolate cake mix (about 15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (or sliced thin and placed on top)
Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Cherries: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir.
- Add Butter & Toppings: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Sprinkle with chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is set and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Extra Fudgy: Add a drizzle of hot fudge sauce on top before serving.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking.
- Black Forest Style: Add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the filling for a grown-up flavor.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Tastes great reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American