Chocolate cherry dump cake​

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and ridiculously easy to make, this Chocolate cherry dump cake​ might just become your new favorite. It’s the kind of recipe you pull out when you need a quick fix for a sweet tooth, or when guests are on their way and you want something crowd-pleasing without the fuss. With just a few pantry staples—think cherry pie filling and a box of chocolate cake mix—you’re minutes away from baking up something magical.

What makes this easy Chocolate cherry dump cake​ so irresistible? It’s the way the tart cherries melt into the chocolatey base, forming that warm, soft center with a lightly crisp topping. Whether you’re making a cozy dessert for two or a fuss-free treat for a potluck, this classic combination never disappoints.

Let’s dive into one of the best Chocolate cherry dump cake​ recipes you’ll ever try—simple enough for a weeknight, special enough for the holidays.

A square slice of Chocolate cherry dump cake served with vanilla ice cream
This chocolate cherry dump cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Key Benefits for Chocolate cherry dump cake​

  • Quick & Effortless: Just layer, bake, and enjoy—no mixing bowls required.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
  • Customizable: Works with frozen cherries, extra chocolate, or even in a crockpot.
  • Crowd Favorite: A nostalgic treat that pleases kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile: Serve warm with ice cream or chilled as a rich cherry-chocolate slice.

Ingredients for Chocolate cherry dump cake​

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredibly easy Chocolate cherry dump cake​. Each item is simple, accessible, and works beautifully together to create that rich, gooey goodness you’re craving.

Shopping List:

  • 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
    This brings that tart-sweet cherry base. If you only have one can on hand, don’t worry—this still works great as a chocolate cherry dump cake with 1 can of pie filling. Just expect a slightly thinner fruit layer.
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
    Devil’s food cake mix works especially well for that deep chocolate flavor. This is where the “dump” part really shines—no mixing required.
  • ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
    Pouring melted butter over the dry mix creates that golden, slightly crispy topping. You can also use thin pats of butter across the surface if you prefer the old-fashioned method.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 eggs (optional)
    For a more cake-like structure, you can whisk in eggs with the pie filling. This is a common trick for a more structured Chocolate cherry dump cake​ with eggs.
  • 1 cup frozen cherries
    Want more juicy bites? Add these in with the filling for a twist on a chocolate cherry dump cake with frozen cherries.
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
    Because extra chocolate is never a bad idea. Sprinkle over the top before baking.

These ingredients come together in the most satisfying way—and with room to personalize. Whether you’re keeping it classic or experimenting a bit, you’ve got all the pieces to make your version of the best chocolate cherry dump cake.

A close-up of chocolate cherry dump cake​ with bubbling cherry filling and a crispy chocolate topping

Chocolate cherry dump cake​

Lily Hanna
A rich and gooey chocolate cherry dump cake made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or whenever you need an easy crowd-pleasing dessert.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 21 oz each cherry pie filling
  • 1 box 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix
  • ¾ cup 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional 2 eggs
  • Optional 1 cup frozen cherries
  • Optional ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Spread cherry pie filling in the bottom of the dish.
  • (Optional) Mix in eggs or frozen cherries for added texture.
  • Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the filling.
  • Pour melted butter over the dry mix, covering most of the surface.
  • (Optional) Top with chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is set and bubbly.
  • Let cool slightly and serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

  • Fat: ~15g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Sugar: ~28g
  • Protein: ~2g
Keyword chocolate cherry dump cake, easy chocolate cherry dump cake, chocolate cherry dump cake with eggs, best chocolate cherry dump cake
Top-down view of chocolate cherry dump cake​ in a rustic baking dish
Dump, bake, and enjoy—this chocolate cherry dump cake is your new go-to dessert.

Instructions for chocolate cherry dump cake​

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. Dump the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly.
    • Add eggs or frozen cherries here if using.
  4. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry layer—no mixing needed.
  5. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to moisten most of the dry areas.
  6. Optional: Top with chocolate chips for extra richness.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp.
  8. Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving warm.

This method gives you that signature old fashioned Chocolate cherry dump cake​ texture—soft, gooey cherry filling with a rich, chocolatey top.

Pro Tips and Variations

  • Use frozen cherries to add texture and juiciness—just toss them in with the pie filling.
  • Want a fluffier texture? Mix in two eggs with the filling before layering.
  • For a richer taste, sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking.
  • Making it in summer? Try a chocolate cherry dump cake in crockpot—just 2.5 hours on high!
  • Craving something more classic? Stick with the old fashioned chocolate cherry dump cake method using pats of butter instead of melted.

These small tweaks let you customize the cake to suit your mood—or your pantry!

 Chocolate cherry dump cake in a crockpot with a spoonful served

Serving Suggestions

  • Warm & Cozy: Serve fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that melt-in-your-mouth combo.
  • Chilled Delight: Let it cool and refrigerate for a firm, sliceable dessert.
  • Whipped Finish: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for a bakery-style touch.
  • Potluck-Perfect: Bring it in the baking dish—it travels well and disappears fast.

No matter how you serve it, this best chocolate cherry dump cake always hits the sweet spot!

Conclusion

This Chocolate cherry dump cake​ proves that a simple recipe can deliver big on flavor and comfort. With minimal prep and plenty of room for creativity, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re going for the easy weeknight version or putting a twist on the old fashioned chocolate cherry dump cake, one thing’s for sure—this treat never disappoints.

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

Overmixing! Dump cakes work best when you layer ingredients as-is. Stirring the cake mix into the filling can ruin the texture and result in a gummy base.

What can I make with a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling?

The most popular choice is a chocolate cherry dump cake—just add butter and bake. You can also use the combo in cupcakes or as a cobbler-style skillet dessert.

What does adding sour cream to a box cake mix do?

It adds moisture and richness, giving the cake a soft, tender crumb. It’s a great option if you want a more decadent version of this cake.

Does chocolate dump cake need to be refrigerated?

If you’re storing it for more than a day, yes—cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions for that just-baked texture.

How to improve store bought cherry pie filling?

Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, a handful of frozen cherries, or even some fresh lemon zest to brighten up the flavor. It’s a quick way to elevate your dump cake filling.


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