This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries into a simple, three-ingredient recipe. With layers of cherry pie filling, devil's food cake mix, and melted butter, this cake offers a cobbler-like texture that's both indulgent and effortless to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: Requires only three ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of chocolate and cherries delivers a rich and fruity taste.
Versatility: Perfect for various occasions, from weeknight desserts to festive gatherings.
No Special Equipment Needed: No mixing bowls or electric mixers required; everything is combined directly in the baking dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cherry pie filling
Devil's food cake mix
Butter
Optional: Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for serving

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Layer the Ingredients: Pour the cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the dry devil's food cake mix over the cherry filling, ensuring full coverage. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, trying to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, topped with whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Nut Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips on top of the cake mix for an extra chocolatey experience.
Different Cake Mixes: Experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate fudge or even vanilla for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Reheating: To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are layered in a baking dish without mixing, resulting in a cobbler-like texture.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar to create a pie-filling consistency before using.

Is it necessary to melt the butter?

Melted butter ensures even distribution over the cake mix, leading to a consistent texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best enjoyed warm. Reheat before serving for optimal taste.

What can I serve with this dump cake?

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements the rich flavors well.

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! Experimenting with different cake mixes can yield delicious variations.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges should be bubbly, and the top should appear set.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, adding nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple baking. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dessert that's sure to impress and satisfy. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this cake offers a deliciously rich and fruity experience that's hard to resist.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert made with just three ingredients—devil’s food cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter. With rich chocolate flavor and sweet, fruity cherries, it's a fuss-free treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted

Optional: Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for serving

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Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Layer Ingredients: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix over the cherries in an even layer.
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much as possible.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Notes

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before the butter.
Extra Chocolatey: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top before baking.
Different Mixes: Try chocolate fudge, German chocolate, or even vanilla cake mix for a flavor variation.
Storage: Store covered at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350ºF for 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American