This dessert is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal preparation and only a handful of ingredients. True to its name, everything is essentially “dumped” into the baking dish, making it one of the easiest desserts you can prepare.
The combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate creates a classic flavor pairing that feels indulgent yet comforting. The cake mix forms a soft, slightly crisp topping while the cherry layer stays warm and juicy underneath.
It’s also a perfect dessert for gatherings or family dinners because it can easily be made ahead of time and served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry pie filling chocolate cake mix unsalted butter, melted chocolate chips (optional) chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
If desired, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the cherry layer.
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries, covering the entire surface.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure most of the surface is moistened.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Almond Cherry Cake Add sliced almonds on top before baking for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Black Forest Style Dump Cake Top the baked cake with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to create a dessert inspired by classic Black Forest cake.
Chocolate Fudge Cherry Cake Mix in extra chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup over the finished dessert.
Cherry Coconut Cake Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cake mix layer before baking for a tropical twist.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cake Use a dark chocolate cake mix for a richer and more intense chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and warm for about 20 to 30 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warm.
If freezing, place cooled portions in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Why is it called a dump cake?
It’s called a dump cake because the ingredients are simply layered or “dumped” into the baking dish without much mixing.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you may need to add sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to replicate the consistency of pie filling.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, chocolate, devil’s food, or even vanilla cake mix can work well with cherries.
Do I need to mix the cake mix before adding it?
No, the dry cake mix is sprinkled directly over the fruit layer.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it can be baked ahead and reheated before serving.
Why is my topping powdery?
This usually happens if the butter does not cover enough of the cake mix. Try to distribute the butter evenly.
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, fruits like raspberries or strawberries pair nicely with the chocolate flavor.
What should I serve with chocolate cherry dump cake?
It tastes great with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Conclusion
Chocolate cherry dump cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that delivers rich chocolate flavor and sweet, juicy cherries in every bite. With minimal effort and a short list of ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to dessert for busy days, family gatherings, or last-minute sweet cravings. Served warm with ice cream or whipped cream, it becomes an irresistible treat everyone will enjoy.
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an easy, rich dessert made with cherry pie filling, chocolate cake mix, and butter. The sweet cherries create a gooey fruity base while the chocolate topping bakes into a soft, slightly crisp cake layer. Perfect for quick desserts, family gatherings, and holidays.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box chocolate cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
¼ cup chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts over the cherry layer if using.
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries, covering the entire surface.
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure most of the surface is moistened.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp.
Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Try to spread the butter evenly so the cake mix bakes properly and doesn’t stay powdery.Dark chocolate cake mix can be used for a deeper chocolate flavor.This dessert tastes best served warm with vanilla ice cream.You can also add extra chocolate chips for a richer version.
