The aroma of warm chocolate mingling with sweet cherries fills the air as you dive into this mouthwatering chocolate cherry dump cake. It’s like a party in your kitchen, where every bite bursts with joy and a hint of nostalgia.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
- How long does it take to bake the dump cake?
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a family gathering where laughter echoes, and someone sneaks a second slice before you can even finish your first. That’s the magic of this simple yet delightful dessert that never fails to steal the spotlight at any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chocolate cherry dump cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days
- The rich flavors create a decadent dessert that everyone will adore
- Its stunning appearance makes it a showstopper on any table
- Versatile enough to enjoy for birthdays or simply as an evening treat!
I once made this dessert for a potluck and watched as friends polished off every crumb—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand; it’s the base for our delightful concoction.
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: Opt for quality; it adds the right sweetness and flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These little gems melt beautifully and amplify the chocolaty goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for richness; it binds everything together perfectly.
- Eggs: Just one egg helps create a moist texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting on top before serving; it adds a lovely touch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients and tools.
Prepare your baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to ensure an effortless release later on.
Mix the fillings: In a large bowl, combine canned cherry pie filling with half of the chocolate chips. This mixture will be sweet and fruity.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate cake mix and melted butter until crumbly; don’t worry about smoothness.
Layer it up: Pour half of the dry mixture into your prepared dish, then layer on the cherry mixture evenly across.
Top with remaining mixture: Sprinkle the rest of your dry cake mix over the cherries and scatter the remaining chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence.
Finish baking! Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Enjoy digging into this delectable treat that combines rich chocolate with tangy cherries for an unforgettable dessert experience!
You Must Know
- The chocolate cherry dump cake is a simple yet decadent dessert that requires minimal effort
- The delightful combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries makes it perfect for any occasion
- Plus, the aroma while baking will have your guests drooling before they even take a bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate chocolate cherry dump cake, begin by mixing the cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix in a greased baking dish, then sprinkle with chocolate chips before adding melted butter on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cherry filling for other fruits like blueberry or peach, or add nuts for extra crunch. A dash of almond extract can elevate flavors beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to retain that freshly baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the indulgent flavor of your dump cake
- Don’t skip the butter; it adds richness and moisture
- Ensure your oven is preheated to avoid uneven baking, which can affect texture
The first time I made this chocolate cherry dump cake, my friends devoured it in minutes. Their compliments were so enthusiastic that I felt like a celebrity chef for a day!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Using fresh cherries is possible but ensure they are pitted and sweetened.
How long does it take to bake the dump cake?
Bake the chocolate cherry dump cake for about 35-40 minutes at 350°F.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a delicious alternative.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Easy Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Indulge in this easy chocolate cherry dump cake, featuring a luscious blend of rich chocolate and sweet cherries—perfect for any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix the cherry pie filling with half of the chocolate chips.
- In another bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer half of the dry mixture in the baking dish, followed by the cherry mixture. Top with the remaining dry mixture and chocolate chips.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with optional powdered sugar or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg