introduction

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the sweet tang of cherries. This simple recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Whether you are serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or just treating yourself, this cake will surely delight your taste buds.

why make this recipe

There are several reasons to make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare. With only a few ingredients and no complicated steps, even novice bakers can whip it up in no time. Secondly, the combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic one that many people love. The sweet cherry filling pairs perfectly with the decadent chocolate cake mix. Additionally, this recipe is versatile. You can customize it with chocolate chips, nuts, or even ice cream on top for an extra treat. Finally, the dump cake is great for feeding a crowd, as it makes a generous serving and can be enjoyed both warm and cold.

how to make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Making Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is straightforward. Just follow the steps below to create this delightful dessert.

Ingredients:

1 can cherry pie filling
1 box chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as it ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter or cooking spray to prevent your cake from sticking to the dish.
Spread the cherry filling: Open the can of cherry pie filling and pour it into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Add the cake mix: Take the dry chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry filling. Don’t mix them together; simply allow the cake mix to sit on top of the cherries.
Drizzle the melted butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. This will help to create a delicious, crunchy top when baked.
Add toppings: If you want to elevate your cake, add chocolate chips and chopped nuts on top of the melted butter. This is optional, but it adds a wonderful texture and flavor.
Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you will know it’s done when the cake mix is cooked through and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
Cool before serving: Once out of the oven, let the cake cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve and enhance the flavors.

how to serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is best served warm. You can cut it into squares and place them on individual plates. For an added touch, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm cake with cold ice cream is delightful. If you have leftovers, it’s also delicious when served cold.

A simple drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top can enhance the presentation and flavor, making it a great dessert for special occasions or just a casual family dinner.

how to store Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Storing Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is simple. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, the texture may change a bit after a few days, as the cake can become more moist from the cherry filling. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake.

To freeze, cut the cake into squares, place them in a freezer-safe container, and layer between sheets of wax paper. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.

tips to make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your chocolate cake mix and cherry filling can greatly affect the outcome. Choose a cake mix that you enjoy and a good-quality cherry filling for the best taste.
Don’t stir: One of the secrets to a great dump cake is not mixing the layers together. Allow the cake mix to sit on top of the cherry filling to create the unique texture.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to be creative with your toppings. Adding crushed graham crackers or coconut flakes can introduce new flavors and textures.
Adjust baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake at the 45-minute mark, but if it needs additional time, keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

variation

If you want to switch things up, there are numerous variations to consider. Here are a few ideas:

Peach Chocolate Dump Cake: Substitute cherry pie filling with canned peach pie filling for a completely different flavor. The sweetness of peaches pairs excellently with chocolate.
Different Cake Flavors: While chocolate cake is a favorite, try different flavored cake mixes, like vanilla or red velvet, to complement the cherry filling.
Add Cream Cheese: Adding small dollops of cream cheese on top of the cake mix before baking can give a delicious creamy texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! If you go this route, be sure to pit and slice the cherries, and consider adding some sugar to sweeten them since fresh cherries may not be as sweet as canned.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate them for a day. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.

3. Is it necessary to use nuts?
No, it’s not necessary to include nuts. If you are allergic or prefer not to use them, you can simply skip that step.

4. What can I serve with it?
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is great on its own, but pairing it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup will take it to the next level.

5. How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week, or you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure they’re well sealed to maintain freshness.

With this straightforward recipe, you can easily enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and cherries any day of the week!

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Print Recipe

A deliciously easy dessert combining rich chocolate flavor with sweet cherry tang, perfect for any occasion.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 can cherry pie filling
1 box chocolate cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom.
Add the dry chocolate cake mix on top, do not mix.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
Add optional chocolate chips and chopped nuts on top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, dessert, easy cake, cherry pie filling, chocolate cake