Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate cherry dump cake! This dessert is not just a cake; it’s like a warm hug in every bite. Seriously, it’s so incredibly easy to make, and the flavors are just divine. The rich chocolate mingles perfectly with the tart cherries, creating a heavenly combination that you won’t be able to resist. I’ll never forget the first time I brought this to a family gathering—I barely had time to set it down before it disappeared! Everyone was raving, and I felt like a rock star in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this chocolate cherry dump cake, you’ll want to make it for every occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this chocolate cherry dump cake couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients that come together to create a dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make. I love how straightforward it is—perfect for when you want something sweet without all the fuss. So, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious chocolate cherry dump cake! I promise, it’s so simple you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
- Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use a bit of butter or non-stick spray for this. It helps the cake slide right out when it’s done, and who doesn’t want a clean serving dish?
- Now, spread that delightful cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the greased dish. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges—every bite should be bursting with that tart cherry flavor!
- Here comes the fun part: sprinkle the entire box of dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries. Don’t mix it in, just let it sit on top. It creates a beautiful layered effect that’s part of what makes this dump cake so special.
- Next, pour your melted butter over the cake mix. Make sure you cover it as evenly as possible—this helps it bake nicely without any dry spots. You’re going to love how it transforms as it bakes!
- Finally, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Trust me, this is the cherry on top (pun intended) that really takes the flavor to the next level.
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and set. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be utterly irresistible!
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before serving. This waiting period is tough, but it’s worth it when you take that first bite of warm, gooey goodness!
And there you have it! You’ve just created a chocolate cherry dump cake that’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick to make—just mix and bake!
- Only four ingredients, so it’s budget-friendly.
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor paired with tart cherries.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Minimal cleanup since it’s a dump cake—who doesn’t love that?
- Warm and gooey right out of the oven, or chilled for later.
- Customization is easy; you can add nuts or other fruits!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate cherry dump cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly—this helps the cake mix absorb the butter properly and bake uniformly. If you want extra moisture, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the cherry filling; it really enhances the flavor! Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different, so check for that golden top around the 40-minute mark. And don’t skip the cooling step—letting it rest for a few minutes makes serving easier and lets the flavors meld beautifully. You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional information for this delicious chocolate cherry dump cake! Each slice (about 1/12 of the cake) has approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right?
FAQ Section
Got some questions about this fabulous chocolate cherry dump cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get asked:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Just make sure to pit and slice the cherries, and you may want to add a bit of sugar to balance out their tartness. Fresh cherries can add a delightful burst of flavor!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
What can I serve with this cake?
I highly recommend serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that perfect contrast of temperatures and textures. Yum!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers in the baking dish and then cover it with plastic wrap. Bake it just before serving for a warm, fresh dessert!
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set. Enjoy your deliciously indulgent dessert without the gluten!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your chocolate cherry dump cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days—though I doubt it’ll last that long! When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm it up nicely and bring back that gooey, melty goodness. If you prefer it hot from the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slice in an oven-safe dish, and warm it for about 10 minutes. Enjoy every last bite, whether it’s warm or chilled! You can’t go wrong!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out these chocolate lime brownies or this strawberry tart recipe!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: 7 Irresistible Delights to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious chocolate cherry dump cake that combines rich chocolate and tart cherries.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries.
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, covering it evenly.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and set.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry dump cake
