If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine luscious cherry pie filling bubbling beneath a layer of rich devil’s food cake mix, all beautifully tied together with golden melted butter. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, you get a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like it took hours to make. This cake has quickly become my go-to sweet treat for family gatherings or a cozy night in, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s so wonderful about this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role: the cherries bring fruity sweetness, the devil’s food cake mix adds that deep chocolate flavor and soft crumb, and the butter ties everything together with a rich, golden finish.
- Cherry pie filling: The star fruit component that bursts with sweet and tart flavors, creating a juicy base.
- Devil’s food cake mix: Provides that luxurious chocolate depth and fluffy texture effortlessly.
- Butter, melted: Drizzled over to give the cake a moist, golden crust and a buttery richness.
- Optional toppings (whipped topping or vanilla ice cream): Perfect for adding creamy contrast and a touch of coolness to balance the warm cake.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), so it’s ready to bake your dessert to perfection. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and is easy to serve later.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Layer
Carefully spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This juicy layer not only flavors the cake but keeps it wonderfully moist while baking.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, take the devil’s food cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherries. Don’t worry if it looks a bit dry now, the magic happens in the next step!
Step 4: Pour in the Butter
Drizzling melted butter over the dry cake mix is the secret to this dump cake’s famous texture. Try to cover as much of the surface as you can so the cake bakes to a crispy, buttery crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and the edges are bubbling with that gorgeous cherry filling peeking through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake rest for about 10 minutes to firm up just enough for easy slicing. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate comforting experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to elevate this dessert is with simple garnishes that complement its sweet and rich profile. Fresh whipped cream offers a light, airy contrast, while vanilla ice cream melts into the warm cake for a dreamy, creamy finish.
Side Dishes
This cake holds its own beautifully but can be paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a few handfuls of toasted nuts to add texture and balance the indulgence. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of dessert wine also makes a lovely companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, scoop individual servings into pretty glasses or mason jars and top with fresh cherries or a sprig of mint for a charming touch. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate or cherry sauce to make each serving look extra festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when the flavors are still fresh and the texture is delightful.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely and then wrap it securely in aluminum foil followed by a layer of plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm the whole pan in a 350ºF oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Adding a fresh scoop of ice cream before serving will revive that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries can definitely be used but you’ll want to add a little sugar and cornstarch to replicate the thick, sweet consistency of pie filling. Using canned filling is the easiest shortcut for this recipe’s classic texture and flavor.
What kind of butter is best?
Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dessert, but salted butter works well too and may even enhance the overall taste.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While devil’s food cake mix gives the perfect chocolate charm, you could experiment with other flavors like chocolate fudge or even spice cake for a unique twist, but it won’t be quite the classic Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since traditional cake mix and pie filling contain gluten. However, you can find gluten-free cake mixes and pie fillings to make an allergy-friendly version.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for a small group or family dessert night.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that combines simplicity and spectacular flavor effortlessly. It brings together sweet cherries, rich chocolate, and buttery crispness in a way that wins hearts every time. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved staple for your own sweet moments. Trust me, it will be love at first bite!
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an easy, decadent dessert combining juicy cherry pie filling with rich devil’s food cake mix, all baked to perfection with melted butter. Perfectly bubbly and topped with optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this crowd-pleaser requires minimal effort, making it an ideal treat for quick gatherings or comfort cravings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Whipped topping or whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the cherries, creating a uniform layer.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible, as the butter helps the cake mix bake into a moist, rich topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbly and golden brown, indicating the filling is hot and the cake topping is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or apple for variations.
- For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of melted butter.
- Make sure to cover as much cake mix with butter to avoid dry spots on top.
- Letting the cake cool slightly helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish to ensure even baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
