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.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe – Best Easy Dessert (2025)

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

Scale

🛒 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