Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that’s as effortless as it is indulgent, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine luscious cherry pie filling baked under a blanket of rich devil’s food cake mix and golden melted butter, coming out of the oven with a perfectly crispy top and gooey, fruit-studded interior. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute treat or looking to impress with minimal effort, this recipe delivers all the joy and comfort of a classic homemade dessert without hours of fussing around. It’s a true celebration of chocolate and cherry flavors mingling beautifully in one easy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe shines because of its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a starring role. Each element brings texture, flavor, and that irresistible charm to the final cake, showing that you don’t need a long list to create something memorable.
- Cherry pie filling (2 cans, 21 oz each): Sweet, juicy cherries provide both moisture and natural sweetness that perfectly balance the richness of the chocolate.
- Devil’s food cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): This dry mix transforms into a chocolaty, cakey topping that crisps beautifully as it bakes.
- Butter, melted (¾ cup or 1 ½ sticks): Drizzled over the cake mix, this golden butter helps create that irresistible, crunchy crust and rich flavor.
- Optional whipped topping or vanilla ice cream: These creamy additions offer a cool contrast, bringing extra indulgence to every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make sure your dump cake comes out easily after baking. Setting your oven to the right temperature upfront ensures even baking and perfect texture.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Pour and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This juicy layer acts like a sauce, infusing every bite with that signature sweet-tart cherry flavor and moisture that keeps the cake deliciously soft underneath.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the cherry layer. Resist the urge to stir or mix—this layering is what creates the classic dump cake texture, with the dry cake mix baking into a crisp topping that contrasts delightfully with the soft fruit beneath.
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Slowly pour the melted butter over the entire surface, aiming to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter is crucial here because it melts into the dry mix, turning it into a crispy, rich crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is set, golden, and the edges bubble with cherry juices. The smell of warm chocolate and cherries filling your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Add Final Touches
After baking, let your dump cake rest for about 10 minutes. This waiting period helps the dessert set slightly, making it easier to serve. Add a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving to elevate the experience.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple yet delightful by topping your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe with a generous spoonful of whipped cream or a smooth scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh cherries or a sprinkle of shaved chocolate can also add a beautiful visual touch and a flavor boost that makes each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance its sweetness. For a more festive occasion, try serving it alongside a drizzle of raspberry sauce or a light fruit salad to add brightness and freshness to the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars—perfect for dinner parties or casual get-togethers. Layer a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of nuts on top for added texture and a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it just as good the next day when the flavors have had time to meld even more.
Freezing
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, cool completely and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Warm leftover dump cake gently in the microwave or oven to revive its ooey-gooey charm. If microwaving, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. In the oven, reheat at 300ºF until just warmed through and the top is crisp again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While devil’s food cake mix adds a rich chocolate flavor, you can experiment with yellow or even spice cake mixes for unique twists. Just remember the flavor combination with cherry filling might vary accordingly.
Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this treat suitable for gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can work in a pinch. However, oil won’t create the crispy topping that makes this dump cake so special.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Using dairy-free butter or margarine and a dairy-free chocolate cake mix will help you adapt this recipe. Also, choose toppings like coconut whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream for serving.
What if I want to add nuts or other mix-ins?
Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch. You can also mix dried fruit or mini chocolate chips into the cherry layer for a fun variation.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe truly proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that feels like a big, sweet hug. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring luscious cherry pie filling layered under a rich devil’s food cake mix and melted butter. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a quick and easy treat perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. Serve warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
Cake Layer
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
Butter
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for serving
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 clean-up.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across 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 over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible. This helps the cake mix absorb moisture and bake into a moist, rich topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. Bake until the top is set, slightly golden, and the edges are bubbling, indicating the fruit underneath is hot and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or peach if desired.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted to evenly distribute over the dry cake mix.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cake mix and verify the pie filling’s ingredients.
- The cake is best served warm but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
- Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking can add extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
