Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate easy dessert that delivers big on chocolatey, fruity decadence, look no further than this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and no mixing bowls required, you’ll have a gooey, fudgy treat that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the bright, juicy pop of cherries. It’s the sort of bake that’s sure to turn any ordinary night into a special occasion, and is beloved at family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake comes from its simplicity—each ingredient lends something essential, creating layers of flavor and texture that feel much more impressive than the prep work involved. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why it matters:

• Cherry Pie Filling (1 21-ounce can): Brings tart sweetness, moisture, and that beautiful ruby red color that peeks through every slice.
• Chocolate Cake Mix (1 15.25-ounce box): The shortcut to a gooey, brownie-like dessert without the fuss; opt for your favorite brand or variety for a twist.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted (½ cup): Melts into the cake mix, helping it crisp up beautifully on top while keeping the interior soft and decadent.
• Almond Extract (1 teaspoon, optional): Just a splash adds a subtle floral note that brings out the cherry flavor even more.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup, optional): For the true chocoholics, these create gooey, melty pockets—try dark or white chocolate for variety.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Ensuring your dish is greased means every slice comes out easily, with minimal sticking and all those lovely fruit and chocolate layers intact.

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon the cherry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared dish and spread it out in an even layer. If you’re using the almond extract, drizzle it over the cherries now—it’ll heighten all the flavors and give your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake a little something extra.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix straight from the box evenly over top of the cherry layer. Don’t press it down or mix—just let it sit on top like a blanket. This is key for that signature layered “dump cake” effect with a crumbly, crisp topping.

Step 4: Pour on the Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter across the entire surface, doing your best to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. The butter will combine with the mix as it bakes, creating crispy edges and fudgy centers throughout your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

If you’re in the mood for extra decadence, sprinkle chocolate chips over everything. They’ll melt into gooey rivers amid the chocolate-cake crust—for some, this is the absolute best part!

Step 6: Bake

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top looks set, crackly, and slightly crisp. The cherries will bubble up and the chocolate will become irresistibly fudgy. Let your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake cool for 10–15 minutes before digging in so everything sets up a bit and doesn’t scorch your tongue!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Garnishes

Dress up each serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate. For color and crunch, sprinkle on toasted sliced almonds or a few fresh cherries if you have them.

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a dessert wine. For a party vibe, serve alongside a platter of fresh berries to brighten up your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or layer slices in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fresh cherries for an impressive trifle effect. You can even cut cooled slices into squares and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a fun bake-sale treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake keeps well for several days. Just allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To rewarm, simply microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) into a 325°F oven until heated through. A warm Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is pure comfort in a bowl!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, a vanilla or devil’s food cake mix works beautifully. You can even try spice cake mix for a slightly different spin on flavors.

Do I need to stir the layers before baking?

Nope, stirring defeats the magic of the “dump cake.” The layers will bake together into a perfect combination of gooey cherry and crumbly chocolate topping, so just layer and bake as directed.

Should the butter cover the entire surface?

Ideally, yes—the more evenly the butter is drizzled over, the more of the cake mix will bake into a delicious topping. But don’t stress if there are a few dry spots; the cherries will bubble up and help moisten those areas, too.

Is almond extract necessary?

It’s entirely optional. Almond extract adds a wonderful depth and amplifies the cherry flavor, but your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake will still be deliciously irresistible without it.

Can I double the recipe?

For a big crowd, you can absolutely double the recipe. Just use a larger baking pan or two dishes, and watch the baking time—sometimes it needs a few extra minutes when made in larger quantities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a no-fuss, totally crowd-pleasing treat, make this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake your new go-to dessert. It’s as easy as it is delicious, and every bite bursts with rich chocolate and juicy cherry goodness. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with how simple sweet happiness can be!

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