Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

A Decadent Delight Worth Every Bite

Are you looking for a dessert that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare? Look no further than Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake! This scrumptious treat combines the rich, velvety flavors of chocolate with the sweet, tangy goodness of cherries, making it a delightful favorite for family gatherings and cozy nights in. The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity; you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and voilà! You have a masterpiece that’s bound to impress.

Did you know that dump cakes originated in the late 1970s as a way to create quick and easy desserts? This delightful recipe is no exception—it requires minimal time and effort, but the result is a showstopper that could rival even the most complex desserts. If you love desserts like my Easy Peach Cobbler, which also embraces simplicity while packing a punch in flavor, you’ll definitely want to give Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake a try. Get ready to indulge in a slice of chocolatey heaven that will have your family begging for seconds!

What is Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake?

So, why all the fuss about the name “Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake”? It sounds a bit quirky, doesn’t it? After all, how could something that includes chocolate and cherries be considered a “dump”? The truth is, the name comes from the straightforward process of throwing all the ingredients together—just like the classic saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” By simply dumping everything into one dish, you get an impressive dessert without any complicated steps. Isn’t that just fantastic? Think about it: you can whip this up in no time and still wow your guests. So, why not take a chance on this easy-breezy recipe and see for yourself how fabulous it can be?

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Here are three fantastic reasons why Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake deserves a spot in your dessert repertoire:

1. Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a symphony of flavors that will tickle your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth! Imagine the warm chocolate backdrop paired with the juicy explosion of cherries—pure bliss!
2. Budget-Friendly: Making dessert shouldn’t break the bank. This delightful treat uses simple, affordable ingredients, allowing you to impress your family and friends without spending a fortune. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cherries!
3. Versatile Toppings: The cake is delightful on its own, but imagine serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! You can even play around with toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate chips for an extra touch of indulgence. If you love a good dessert like my Bread Pudding, you’re sure to have fun customizing your cake!

Now that you’re excited to dive into this culinary delight, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Quick Overview

The beauty of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake lies in its simplicity, deliciousness, and rich, satisfying texture. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and baking time of just 30 minutes, you can easily whip this up for any occasion. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool before digging in!

Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
3. Spread the Cherries: Pour the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared dish. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir!
5. Pour the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Again, do not stir—this is key to that wonderful crust!
6. Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the entire mixture for an added chocolatey punch.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is set and the edges are bubbling.
8. Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if desired.

What to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake With

Pair your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake with complementary sides or beverages to complete the experience. Consider serving it with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Helps balance the richness of the chocolate and enhances the flavors of the cherries.
• Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy topping makes the dish even more decadent.
• Fresh Berries: Garnish with strawberries or raspberries for a pop of freshness and a colorful presentation.

These additions will elevate your dessert and provide a delightful contrast to the warm, indulgent cake!

Top Tips for Perfecting Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

1. Choosing Your Cherries: If cherries are in season, feel free to use fresh cherries instead of pie filling! Just add a bit of sugar to taste.
2. Cake Mix Variations: Experiment with different cake mixes! A classic vanilla or even a spice cake can work beautifully with the cherries.
3. Keeping an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary in temperature, so keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. You want the edges to be bubbly and the center set.
4. Serving Warm: This cake is best served warm right out of the oven, but it can also be delicious at room temperature.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. For reheating, simply pop your serving in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or warm it up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is sure to become your go-to dessert recipe, satisfying sweet cravings without the fuss. So grab those ingredients and treat yourself! Happy baking!

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

A scrumptious dessert combining rich chocolate with sweet cherries, prepared effortlessly by simply dumping the ingredients and baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling Can also use fresh cherries with sugar if in season
• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix You can experiment with different cake mixes
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted This creates a wonderful crust
• 1 cup chocolate chips For added chocolate flavor
• optional whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving Enhances the dessert experience

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Pour the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared dish.
4. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir!
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Do not stir.
6. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the mixture.

Baking

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cake is set and the edges are bubbling.
2. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.