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If you are craving a dessert that combines luscious fruitiness with rich, chocolatey sweetness in the easiest way possible, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect marriage of tart cherry pie filling and decadent devil’s food cake mix, all brought together with buttery goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but requires almost no effort. Whether you need a quick dessert for a busy weeknight or a comforting treat to share with friends, this dump cake delivers layers of flavor and texture with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that shine individually and work beautifully together. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the moist, gooey, and flavorful magic that is the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe.
- Cherry pie filling (2 cans, 21-ounce each): Provides a sweet and tangy fruit base that keeps the cake moist and bursting with flavor.
- Devil’s food cake mix (1 box): Adds a rich chocolate layer that contrasts perfectly with the cherries and gives the dessert its signature texture.
- Butter (1 cup, melted): Ensures the cake mix becomes a delightfully crisp, golden topping that bakes into a luscious crust.
- Whipped cream: A light, creamy topping that complements the cake’s sweetness wonderfully.
- Additional cherries for topping: Adds a fresh, decorative touch and an extra burst of cherry flavor on top.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, open your cans of cherry pie filling and spread both evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This juicy layer will be the luscious core of your dump cake.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the devil’s food cake mix evenly over the layer of cherries, creating a dry, crumbly blanket. This step is the start of the magic as the cake mix soaks up the juices and butter to form the cake layer.
Step 4: Pour on the Melted Butter
Carefully drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible, as this fat melts into the dry cake mix and creates a crisp, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the fruit below.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling and the top has turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Once out of the oven, allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the filling thicken slightly for easier slicing and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
For the perfect finishing touch, serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh cherries on top. This simple serving suggestion elevates the experience and adds freshness.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to get creative by adding shaved chocolate, chopped nuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These garnishes add texture and a touch of elegance to your dessert.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to create a decadent dessert plate. Fresh fruit or coffee also make excellent accompaniments without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars topped with whipped cream and cherries. Layering it with ice cream in a parfait glass is another delightful way to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe, simply cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen with a little time, making each bite even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the dump cake freezes well. Wrap it securely in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, place individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. Serve with fresh whipped cream to revive its homemade charm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries can be used but will require added sugar and thickener like cornstarch to mimic the pie filling consistency. The canned filling simplifies preparation and guarantees that signature texture and sweetness.
Is it necessary to use devil’s food cake mix?
Devil’s food cake mix gives the perfect rich chocolate flavor, but you can experiment with other chocolate cake mixes if preferred. Avoid mixes with additional fillings or frostings for best results.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensuring the pie filling is gluten-free, you can enjoy this dessert without gluten. Just double-check all labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.
What does the “dump” in dump cake mean?
The term “dump cake” refers to how you simply “dump” the ingredients into the pan without any mixing. It’s a no-fuss method that results in a delicious layered dessert.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake?
Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans between the cherry layer and cake mix adds a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves desserts that are effortless yet irresistible. The beautiful combination of juicy cherries and deep chocolate, wrapped in a buttery crust, makes it a guaranteed hit every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a delightfully easy dessert combining sweet cherry pie filling with rich devil’s food cake mix. With minimal prep and simple layering, this dump cake bakes into a luscious, moist treat topped with whipped cream and fresh cherries, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21-ounce each)
Cake
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 cup butter (melted)
Topping
- Whipped cream, for serving
- Additional cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the two cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform base layer.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the entire box of devil’s food cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling, covering the fruit completely.
- Pour Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible to moisten the dry cake mix.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly for easier serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh cherries for an extra burst of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to check doneness by inserting into the cake; it should come out mostly clean with some moist crumbs.
- For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
