Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: chocolate cherry dump cake! This beauty is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make! I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I craved something sweet but didn’t have the time (or energy) for anything complicated. Just dump, bake, and enjoy! Trust me, the gooey chocolate combined with the tart cherries creates such a delightful flavor explosion. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form! Whether it’s a potluck, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this dessert always steals the show.
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for this chocolate cherry dump cake is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (any brand you love will do!)
- 1 can of cherry pie filling (21 oz) — the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (because butter makes everything better)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (more chocolate? Yes, please!)
This combination creates a luscious dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Don’t stress if you don’t have a certain brand; just use what you can find, and it’ll be delicious! Remember, the simpler, the better!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want that cake to bake perfectly!
- Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour in the cherry pie filling. Make sure to spread it out evenly, so every bite gets that sweet cherry goodness.
- Now, here’s where the magic happens! Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry layer. Don’t stir it, just let it sit there and be fabulous.
- Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix. This is what creates that irresistible crust—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
- Then, sprinkle those delicious chocolate chips on top. It’s like adding a cherry on top, but way more chocolatey!
- Now slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Finally, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. I know it’s hard to wait, but it’ll be worth it when you take that first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for those busy days!
- Only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients make it accessible for everyone.
- The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherries is absolutely divine.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste amazing the next day!
Tips for Success
To make your chocolate cherry dump cake truly shine, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t rush the preheating—make sure your oven is fully heated to 350°F (175°C) before popping it in. This ensures even baking and a perfect texture. If you want an extra gooey cake, check it at the 30-minute mark; it might need a few extra minutes depending on your oven.
When serving, I highly recommend topping it with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm cake! And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair. Enjoy every bite!
Variations
Now, let’s get a little creative with your chocolate cherry dump cake! One of my favorite twists is to swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruity options. How about using blueberry, peach, or even mixed berry filling? Each fruit brings its own unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
If you’re in the mood for something extra special, try adding a layer of crushed Oreos or graham crackers on top of the cake mix before drizzling the butter. It adds a delightful crunch! You could also mix in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of nuttiness. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your perfect combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover chocolate cherry dump cake is super easy! Once it’s completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if that’s your style. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s hard to resist diving in before then!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until it’s warmed through. Don’t forget that scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top—total game changer!
Nutritional Information Section
Before you dig in, here’s a quick heads-up on the nutritional info for this chocolate cherry dump cake! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so they’re just estimates. A typical serving contains about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 38g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every delicious bite, but remember to savor it in moderation!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your chocolate cherry dump cake? I’ve got answers! Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is my go-to, you can experiment with vanilla or even red velvet for a fun twist. Each will give a unique flavor to the cake!
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t worry if it looks a bit gooey in the middle; that’s part of the charm!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake and store it in the fridge for a day before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with this dump cake?
The options are endless! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also make delightful toppings!
Can I freeze leftover chocolate cherry dump cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just slice it up, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for about a month. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying again!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this collection of dump cake recipes or learn about the chocolate lava cake for another indulgent treat!
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: 5 Irresistible Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious chocolate cherry dump cake that combines chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the cherry pie filling into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry dump cake, dessert, easy cake
