Sweet & Rustic Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when a chocolate cherry dump cake lands on my plate, promising pure dessert magic.

Layers of rich chocolate mingle with tart cherries in this effortless treat.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this rustic masterpiece.

Pantry staples transform into a decadent dessert that surprises everyone at the table.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed for this delightful creation.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will fall in love with its simplicity.

Let’s uncover how a few ingredients can create such an irresistible comfort classic.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Perfection

• Tackle in Minutes: Super quick dessert that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: No complicated mixing or baking skills required, making it ideal for beginner bakers or those who want a stress-free dessert experience.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines classic flavor combinations of chocolate and cherries that everyone loves, creating a nostalgic and satisfying treat for all ages.
• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream, this dessert adapts to different preferences and can be a showstopper at potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides a juicy foundation for the cake.

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient dry mix that creates the cake's rich chocolate flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter that helps bind the cake mix and adds richness to the dessert.
• Chopped Walnuts, Chopped Pecans: Optional crunchy nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional sweet morsels that add extra chocolate indulgence.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A cool and creamy complement to the warm chocolate cherry dump cake.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cherry Base

Open your cherry pie filling and spread it smoothly across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure it creates an even, tempting layer that will peek through later.

Step 3: Blanket with Chocolate

Grab your chocolate cake mix and gently shower it over the cherry filling. Don’t mix or stir – let the dry mix sit prettily on top of the bright red cherries.

Step 4: Drench with Liquid Gold

Melt your butter until it’s silky and smooth. Carefully pour the golden liquid over the entire surface of the cake mix, ensuring you cover as much of the dry mix as possible.

Step 5: Add Extra Excitement

• Chopped walnuts
• Crunchy pecans
• Chocolate chips

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cherry filling starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Serve and Indulge

Pull the cake out and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop some vanilla ice cream alongside if you want to take this dessert to the next level. Dive in while it’s warm and enjoy the magical combination of chocolate and cherries!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Prevent Cake Mix Clumping: Sift the chocolate cake mix before sprinkling to ensure even distribution and prevent dry patches.
• Control Sweetness Level: Use a tart cherry pie filling for a balanced flavor if you prefer less sweetness in the dessert.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Toast nuts before adding to create a deeper, more complex crunch and richer nutty flavor.
• Serve Temperature Matters: Warm the cake slightly before serving to maximize the gooey texture and release intense chocolate and cherry aromas.
• Quick Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for traditional butter to make the recipe dairy-free and equally delicious.

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake: Replace regular chocolate cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Berry Chocolate Variation: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berry filling and use dairy-free butter alternative to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cherry Delight: Utilize sugar-free cherry pie filling and sugar-free chocolate cake mix for a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Nutty Chocolate Cherry Crumble: Add almond flour and coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and texture, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Pair Perfectly with Creamy Delights: Serve this rich chocolate cherry dump cake alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream for a classic temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully together.
• Create Beverage Harmony: Complement the dessert's sweet and tart profile with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a smooth port wine, which will enhance the deep chocolate and cherry notes.
• Elevate with Coffee Companions: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's sweetness, providing a bold counterpoint that highlights the dessert's complex flavors.
• Enhance with Whipped Indulgence: Top the warm dump cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of cocoa powder to add an elegant, airy texture that balances the cake's dense richness.

Storing Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Properly

• Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen cake in refrigerator overnight. Warm at 300F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.
• Warm individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries work, but you’ll need to cook them first with sugar and cornstarch to create the right consistency for the dump cake.

• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling cherry filling around the edges. The cake mix should look set and slightly crisp when it’s done baking.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. It stays delicious for 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate cherry dump cake brings pure dessert magic to your table with minimal effort. Rich chocolate and sweet cherries combine in a rustic, comforting treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) chocolate cake mix

Fruit Layer:

• 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) cherry pie filling

Toppings and Extras:

• 1 cup (227 grams / 8 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch dish with grease and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Create a smooth, even foundation by spreading the cherry pie filling across the entire bottom of the greased dish.
3. Distribute the dry chocolate cake mix uniformly over the cherry layer, ensuring complete coverage without mixing the ingredients.
4. Generously drizzle melted butter across the cake mix surface, aiming to cover as much of the dry mixture as possible.
5. Enhance the texture and flavor by scattering chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips over the top layer.
6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cherry filling.
7. Remove from the oven and let the dessert rest for a few minutes to set, allowing the layers to slightly cool and stabilize.
8. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• Swap cherry pie filling with fresh cherries during summer for a more vibrant, homemade taste and reduced sugar content.
• Mix chocolate cake mix with gluten-free alternative for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring equally delicious results.
• Boost nutritional value by sprinkling sliced almonds or chia seeds on top for added protein and texture.
• Create a lower-calorie version by using light butter and reducing chocolate chip quantity without compromising rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg