Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

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Introduction

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a decadent and easy dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a buttery cake topping in the most effortless way. The cake bakes into a warm, gooey, chocolatey delight, with the juicy cherries adding a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness. The magic of this dump cake is in its simplicity—just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a dessert that’s indulgent yet so simple, making it ideal for any occasion.

This dessert has quickly become a go-to for me. I first tried it at a potluck, and it was an instant hit. The combination of chocolate and cherries brings a familiar, comforting flavor, but with the ease of making it in just a few steps. The cherry juices soak into the cake mix, creating pockets of gooey sweetness, while the cake topping crisps up around the edges, giving it that perfect contrast of textures.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is perfect for when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require much effort but still delivers on flavor. It’s great as-is, but when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it becomes a whole new level of indulgence. If you want a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and guaranteed to get rave reviews, this dump cake is the one to make!

Perfect for:

• Last-minute dessert cravings
• Family dinners or potlucks
• Holiday gatherings
• Easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treats
• Chocolate lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is sure to become a favorite:

• Effortless to Make: The “dump and bake” method means minimal prep and no complicated steps.
• Decadent Flavors: The combination of chocolate and cherries is a timeless pairing that never fails to please.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything goes into one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Customizable: Add extra ingredients like nuts or more chocolate for a personalized touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a casual dinner, or just a sweet craving, this cake suits any event.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 60g, Fat: 20g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

To make your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (without pork-based ingredients)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds a tart sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate and creates a juicy base for the cake.
• Chocolate Cake Mix: The base of the cake, which is convenient and provides the rich chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: These provide extra gooey chocolate goodness throughout the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and helps to create that signature cake topping.
• Vanilla Extract: A small touch to enhance the flavor profile (optional).

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

Assemble the Cake:

2. Layer the Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling. No need to mix—just evenly distribute the dry cake mix.
4. Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the cake mix layer.
5. Top with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix and chocolate chips. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.

Bake the Cake:

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be bubbly and slightly crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

7. Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream adds creaminess and complements the rich cake.
• Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.
• With Fresh Cherries: Garnish with fresh cherries for a burst of freshness that highlights the cherry flavor in the cake.
• As a Sundae: Turn it into a dessert sundae by layering the cake with hot fudge, nuts, and a cherry on top.

Additional Tips

Follow these tips to make the most of your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:

• Don’t Overmix: This is a dump cake, so just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work. Avoid stirring or mixing.
• Butter Coverage: Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix. If some areas are dry, the cake mix won’t bake into a nice crust.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the cake carefully. Overbaking can lead to dry spots in the cake mix, so pull it out when it’s golden and bubbly.
• Try Other Pie Fillings: While cherry is classic, you can also use blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for different flavor profiles.
• Use Cake Mix Variations: Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as devil’s food cake or a fudge brownie mix, for unique takes on this dessert.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations to make your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake even more exciting:

1. Double Chocolate: Use chocolate pudding mix in addition to the cake mix for an ultra-rich chocolate flavor.
2. Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or almonds on top of the cake mix for a crunchy texture.
3. Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
4. Berry Explosion: Mix in fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) with the cherry pie filling for added freshness and variety.
5. Marshmallow Topping: Add mini marshmallows in the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasted, gooey topping.
6. Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top just before serving for an indulgent twist.
7. Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the cake mix layer for a tropical touch.
8. Oatmeal Crumble: Mix oats into the dry cake mix and top with a handful of brown sugar for a streusel-like topping.
9. White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips in place of regular chocolate chips for a different creamy sweetness.
10. Crushed Oreos: Add crushed Oreo cookies to the cake mix layer for a cookies-and-cream effect.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While dump cakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake is best served within a day or two for optimal texture.

Special Equipment

Here are some tools that make the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake even easier to prepare:

1. 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: A standard size for dump cakes, ensuring even baking.
2. Whisk: Useful for stirring the cake mix if you need to break up any lumps.
3. Rubber Spatula: Perfect for spreading the cherry filling and cake mix evenly in the baking dish.
4. Measuring Cups: For accurate butter measurements and pie filling.
5. Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking if needed.
6. Oven Mitts: For safely removing the hot dish from the oven.
7. Serving Spoon: For easy and neat servings of this gooey dessert.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different fruit filling?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or peach for different flavor profiles.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cake and bake it a day ahead. Just store it covered at room temperature and reheat before serving.
3. Can I add whipped cream to the batter?
   While whipped cream is a great topping, it’s not recommended to add it to the batter. The cake works best with just the ingredients listed above.
4. Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?
   Yes! You can leave out the chocolate chips for a less sweet dessert or substitute them with a different type of chip like white chocolate or butterscotch.
5. What’s the best way to serve this cake?
   Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best experience.
6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
7. How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
   You can add a packet of instant chocolate pudding mix to the cake mix for an extra rich chocolate flavor.
8. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   Yes, margarine will work, but butter will provide a richer flavor and better texture.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake the cake in a larger pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
10. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
    Absolutely! Adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans will give the cake a delightful crunch.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a decadent and incredibly easy dessert that promises to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. The combination of rich chocolate cake mix and juicy cherries creates a flavor-packed experience that’s both indulgent and comforting.

What truly sets this dump cake apart is its simplicity—no need for complicated steps or hours spent in the kitchen. Just mix, dump, and bake! The result is a beautifully gooey, warm dessert with a slight crispiness on top, making it the perfect treat to serve at any gathering or enjoy on a cozy night in.

With its irresistible flavor and minimal prep time, Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is sure to become a go-to dessert for anyone seeking something quick, delicious, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to give it a try! Don’t forget to share your tasty creations with me on social media—I love seeing how you make this indulgent treat your own! Enjoy every delicious bite!