Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for busy parents and beginners! This chocolate cherry dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert. It combines rich chocolate and tart cherries with minimal effort, offering maximum flavor. Perfect for satisfying those quick dessert cravings, this recipe is a true no-fuss delight you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

You’re going to adore this chocolate cherry dump cake for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time in the kitchen.
You only need three main ingredients to create this delicious dessert.
It offers a perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate and wonderfully tart cherries.
This crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
It’s highly versatile, allowing for easy customization with various toppings.
This classic chocolate cherry dump cake is a guaranteed no-fail recipe for any baker.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create this irresistible chocolate cherry dump cake:

Cherry pie filling: 2 cans (21 oz each), for a generous fruit base.
Devil’s food cake mix: 1 box (Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Devil’s Food Cake Mix is recommended), providing rich chocolate flavor.
Melted butter: 3/4 cup, to create a delicious, moist topping.
Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream: Optional, for serving.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. While devil’s food cake mix creates a deep chocolate cherry dump cake, a German chocolate or even a simple chocolate fudge cake mix works well. Feel free to experiment with other fruit pie fillings like apple, peach, or blueberry for a different twist. If you need an alternative to butter, margarine or coconut oil can be used, though butter provides the best flavor and texture.

Equipment

This incredibly simple chocolate cherry dump cake requires minimal kitchen equipment:

9×13 inch baking dish (3-quart): Essential for baking.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking.
Measuring cups: For precise ingredient amounts.
Small bowl: To melt the butter conveniently.

Instructions

Creating your delightful chocolate cherry dump cake is as easy as promised. Just follow these straightforward steps:

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish or casserole with cooking spray. This prepares your pan for the delicious chocolate cherry dump cake.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure it forms a consistent layer.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Gently shake the pan side-to-side to help distribute the cake mix smoothly over the fruit.
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the dry cake mix. Tilt the pan carefully to encourage the butter to cover as much of the top surface as possible. This helps moisten the cake mix thoroughly.
Bake for 42 to 45 minutes, or until the top of the chocolate cherry dump cake appears mostly dry and the edges are bubbly.
Cool the cake for at least 45 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set properly.
Serve your warm chocolate cherry dump cake with a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

To ensure your chocolate cherry dump cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind. Always check your cherry pie filling for occasional pits, especially if serving to children. When sprinkling the cake mix, a gentle shake of the pan helps distribute it evenly, preventing large clumps. Make sure the melted butter covers most of the dry cake mix to ensure a moist, crumbly topping. Look for bubbly edges as a key indicator of doneness, but understand the center might still be moist and fudgy. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your delicious dump cake.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This easy chocolate cherry dump cake is best served warm, allowing the rich flavors to truly shine. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream makes for an irresistible pairing. For an extra treat, drizzle with a warm fudge sauce.

Store any leftover chocolate cherry dump cake loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked taste.

Variations

Fruit: Swap cherry pie filling for apple, peach, or blueberry to create a different fruit dump cake.
Cake Mix: Experiment with white, yellow, or even spice cake mixes for unique flavor profiles beyond the classic chocolate cherry dump cake.
Toppings: Enhance your cake by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut on top before baking.
Flavor Boosts: Stir in a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling or sprinkle cinnamon over the cake mix for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional content of your chocolate cherry dump cake can help you enjoy it responsibly. Here’s a breakdown based on the ingredients and serving size:

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 of 12 servings
Calories	340
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	8g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrate	54g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	38g
Protein	2g

Please note these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

FAQ

What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a super easy dessert where you simply “dump” the ingredients into a pan and bake. It typically involves fruit, a dry cake mix, and melted butter, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
The concept of a dump cake, where ingredients are simply “dumped” into a pan, gained popularity in the 1950s with the rise of boxed cake mixes, simplifying home baking. Learn more about the history of dump cakes.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to add sugar, thickener (like cornstarch), and possibly liquid to your fresh fruit to mimic pie filling. It requires more steps than the traditional chocolate cherry dump cake method.
Is it best served warm or cold?
Most people prefer dump cakes served warm, as the fruit filling is gooey and the cake topping is tender. However, it’s also delicious chilled, offering a more solid, fudgy texture.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the chocolate cherry dump cake a day ahead. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warm before serving for the best experience.
Why is my dump cake still wet?
Dump cakes are naturally moist and fudgy, especially in the center. Ensure the edges are bubbly and the top looks mostly dry; a little gooeyness is part of its charm.

Conclusion

This chocolate cherry dump cake truly lives up to its name, proving that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting treat that delights everyone. It’s the perfect solution for busy schedules or when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert. We encourage you to try this simple recipe soon and discover the joy of effortless baking. Share your creations or any fun variations you try with us!

Cherries, a key ingredient in this dump cake, offer numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and sleep improvement. Discover more health benefits of incorporating cherries into your diet.