Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

easy, decadent dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, a Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the perfect choice. This simple yet irresistible dessert combines rich, gooey chocolate with sweet, tart cherries in a way that feels both nostalgic and Indulgent. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a rich, dessert that combines the deep, velvety flavors of chocolate with the sweet-tart juiciness of cherries in the easiest way possible.

Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing, measuring, and multiple steps, a dump cake is as easy as its name suggests—just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. The result? A warm, fudgy, cobbler-like treat with a crispy, buttery topping that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

What is a Dump Cake?

A dump cake is one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you can make. True to its name, a dump cake requires minimal effort—simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. Unlike traditional cakes, which require precise mixing and measuring, dump cakes use a simple layering method, often with canned fruit or pie filling, cake mix, and butter. The result is a warm, gooey, and slightly crisp-topped dessert that tastes like a mix between a cobbler and a cake.

Why Chocolate and Cherry are the Perfect Combo

Chocolate and cherry have long been a match made in dessert heaven. The deep, rich flavor of chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart brightness of cherries, creating a balance of indulgence and freshness. This classic duo is reminiscent of Black Forest cake, a beloved German dessert that combines chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream. The contrast between the bittersweet chocolate and juicy cherries makes every bite a delightful explosion of flavors. When used in a dump cake, this pairing creates a decadent, effortless treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

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Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Essential Ingredients

To make a classic Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – Provides the sweet, tart, and juicy cherry base.
• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – Creates the rich, chocolatey topping that bakes into a crisp yet gooey texture.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted or cut into thin slices – Helps create a buttery, crumbly topping when baked.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended) – Enhances the flavors and adds depth.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Want to take your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake to the next level? Try these delicious add-ins:

• 1 cup chocolate chips – For an extra fudgy and melty chocolate experience.
• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – Adds crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cake a warm, rich taste.
• 1 cup shredded coconut – Adds a tropical twist and extra texture.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Sprinkled on top for a deeper caramelized sweetness.
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and extra cherry flavor.
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving) – The perfect finishing touch for a creamy contrast to the warm cake.

With these essential ingredients and optional add-ins, you can customize your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake to suit your taste and make it even more indulgent

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Making a Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these easy steps to create a rich and gooey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

1 .Preparing the Baking Dish

Properly preparing your baking dish is a crucial step to ensure your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Baking Dish

• Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for the best results. This size allows the ingredients to spread evenly and bake properly.
• A glass or ceramic dish is ideal, but a metal pan also works. Keep in mind that metal pans may bake slightly faster.

2. Grease the Dish

• Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• You can use butter, non-stick cooking spray, or shortening for this step. If using butter, simply rub a small amount over the surface.

3. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking. A properly heated oven ensures even baking and a crisp topping.

Once your baking dish is prepared, you’re ready to start layering your ingredients for a perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

2. Layering the Ingredients

The beauty of a dump cake is its simplicity—just layer, no mixing required!

✔Spread the cherry pie filling – Pour one 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix – Evenly distribute one 15.25-ounce box of chocolate cake mix over the cherries. Do not stir.
Add butter for a crispy topping –

• Melted method: Drizzle ½ cup (1 stick) of melted butter over the cake mix.
• Sliced method: Cut the butter into thin slices and arrange them evenly on top of the dry mix. Optional add-ins – For extra indulgence, add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

3. Baking and Cooling Tips

Now that your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is layered and ready, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these tips for the best results!

Baking the Cake

✔ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) – If you haven’t already, make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside.
✔ Bake for 40–45 minutes – The cake is done when the top is set, golden brown, and slightly crisp, and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
✔ Check for doneness – Lightly press the top with a spoon; it should be firm yet crumbly, with soft, gooey layers underneath.

Cooling Tips

✔ Let the cake rest for at least 10–15 minutes – This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve.
✔ Scoop, don’t slice – Dump cakes have a cobbler-like texture, so use a large spoon or spatula to serve instead of cutting like a traditional cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a melty, creamy contrast.
Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for an extra sweet touch.
Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

Enjoy your rich and gooey Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Variations of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

While the classic Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is already delicious, you can easily customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try

1.Using Different Cake Mixes

One of the easiest ways to customize your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is by switching up the cake mix. Different flavors can bring out unique textures and taste combinations, making this dessert even more versatile.

1. Classic Chocolate Variations

Devil’s Food Cake Mix – Adds a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor for a truly rich and indulgent treat.
Fudge Brownie Mix – Creates a denser, fudgier texture, making the cake taste more like a warm, gooey brownie.
German Chocolate Cake Mix – Has a slightly lighter chocolate flavor with a hint of caramel-like sweetness.

2. Non-Chocolate Cake Mixes

Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix – Provides a sweeter, more buttery flavor that complements the tartness of the cherries.
Red Velvet Cake Mix – Offers a hint of cocoa and a beautiful red color, perfect for a festive twist.
Spice Cake Mix – Adds warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making the dessert feel extra cozy.

3. Unique Flavor Twists

White Cake Mix – Lightens the overall flavor and lets the cherry filling shine as the main star.
Strawberry Cake Mix – Enhances the fruitiness for a double-berry experience. Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cake Mix (if available) – Combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty goodness of peanut butter for an extra indulgent dessert.

Tips for Using Different Cake Mixes

• Regardless of the cake mix you choose, do not mix it—just sprinkle it over the cherries as usual.
• Some cake mixes may be drier than others; if needed, add an extra 2–3 tablespoons of melted butter for extra moisture.
• Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination!

Switching up the cake mix is an easy way to keep this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake fresh and exciting every time you bake it.

2.Adding Nuts, Coconut, or Chocolate Chips

Enhancing your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake with extra ingredients can take it to the next level. Whether you love a bit of crunch, extra chocolate, or a tropical twist, these add-ins will add more texture and flavor to your dessert.

1. Adding Nuts for Crunch

Nuts provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor that complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries.

Walnuts – Classic and slightly bitter, they balance out the sweetness.
Pecans – Buttery and soft, they add a subtle caramel-like flavor.
Almonds – Light and slightly sweet, they pair well with cherries.
Hazelnuts – Rich and nutty, they create a Ferrero Rocher-style taste.

How to Add:

• Chop nuts into small pieces and sprinkle ½ cup evenly over the cake mix before adding butter.
• For extra flavor, toast the nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them.

2. Adding Coconut for a Tropical Twist

Coconut adds a slight chewiness and a tropical flair to the cake.

Sweetened Shredded Coconut – Adds extra sweetness and moisture.
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – Gives a more natural coconut flavor without added sugar.
Toasted Coconut Flakes – Brings out a richer, nuttier coconut taste.

How to Add:

• Sprinkle ½ to 1 cup of shredded coconut on top of the cherry pie filling before adding the cake mix.
• If you love toasted coconut, sprinkle it on after baking to keep it crispy.

3. Adding Chocolate Chips for Extra Indulgence

If you’re a true chocolate lover, adding chocolate chips will make your dump cake even more decadent!

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The perfect balance of rich and sweet.
Dark Chocolate Chips – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and reduces sweetness.
White Chocolate Chips – Adds a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with cherries.
Mini Chocolate Chips – Distribute more evenly throughout the cake for extra gooey bites.

How to Add:

• Sprinkle ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips over the cake mix before adding butter so they melt into the cake as it bakes.
• For extra gooeyness, sprinkle some on top right after baking while the cake is still warm.

Final Tips

Mix and match—try pecans with coconut or dark chocolate with almonds for unique flavor combos.
Add-ins can be placed under or over the cake mix, depending on how you want them to blend into the cake.
If using sweetened coconut or extra chocolate, slightly reduce the butter or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

By adding nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips, you can personalize your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake for an even more delicious and indulgent dessert

3.Gluten-Free and Vegan Options for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Want to enjoy Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake while keeping it gluten-free or vegan? With a few simple swaps, you can make this classic dessert suitable for various dietary needs—without sacrificing flavor or texture!

1. Gluten-Free Version

Making this dump cake gluten-free is easy with just one key substitution.

Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix – Many brands, like King Arthur, Betty Crocker, or Pillsbury, offer gluten-free chocolate cake mixes that work perfectly.
Check the cherry pie filling – Most canned cherry pie fillings are gluten-free, but always check labels for hidden additives.
Use gluten-free toppings – If adding nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips, ensure they are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Tip: Gluten-free cake mixes can sometimes be drier than regular ones. If needed, add 2–3 extra tablespoons of melted butter or dairy-free milk for extra moisture.

2. Vegan Version

To make a fully plant-based Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, swap out the dairy ingredients for vegan-friendly alternatives.

Choose a vegan-friendly cake mix – Some store-bought chocolate cake mixes are naturally vegan (such as Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake Mix), but always check for milk or eggs in the ingredients.
Replace the butter – Use vegan butter, melted coconut oil, or margarine in place of regular butter.
Ensure the cherry pie filling is vegan – Many brands contain no animal products, but some may include gelatin or dairy. Look for ones labeled “vegan” or check the ingredients.

Vegan-Friendly Add-Ins:
Dairy-free chocolate chips (Enjoy Life, Hu, or Lily’s brands work well)
Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture
A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor

3. Gluten-Free & Vegan Version

To make a dump cake that is both gluten-free and vegan, simply combine the above substitutions:
Use a gluten-free, vegan-friendly cake mix (King Arthur’s chocolate cake mix is a great option).
Swap butter for melted vegan butter or coconut oil.
Use vegan-approved cherry pie filling.

Final Tips

Check all labels carefully – Even simple ingredients like pie filling or chocolate chips may contain animal products or gluten.
Adjust butter alternatives – Vegan butters and oils can vary in moisture, so adjust as needed to get the right texture.
Enjoy with dairy-free toppings – Serve with vegan whipped cream, coconut ice cream, or dairy-free chocolate sauce for extra indulgence!

By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious, gluten-free, or vegan-friendly Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake without missing out on flavor

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Best Toppings for Extra Indulgence

For a richer and more decadent Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, consider adding these toppings:

• Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or cherry ice cream pairs well with the warm cake. Dairy-free options like coconut or almond-based ice creams also work well.
• Whipped Cream – A light and airy topping that balances the richness of the cake. Coconut whipped cream is a great alternative for a dairy-free option.
• Drizzles & Sauces – Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or cherry syrup can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of indulgence.
• Shredded Coconut – Sprinkling sweetened or toasted coconut over the top gives a slight chewiness and a subtle tropical flavor.
• Chopped Nuts – Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
• Maraschino or Fresh Cherries – Adding extra cherries on top creates a visually appealing presentation and enhances the fruity element of the cake.

What to Serve Alongside

Pairing the cake with complementary drinks or sides can enhance the overall dessert experience.

• Coffee & Tea – Black coffee, espresso, or chai tea balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances the chocolate flavors.
• Dessert Wines & Cocktails – Port wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot complement the chocolate and cherry combination. Chocolate liqueur or cherry brandy can also be served as an accompaniment.
• Savory Pairings – A small cheese platter with brie, gouda, or blue cheese provides a salty contrast. Salted nuts or pretzels can also enhance the flavors of the cake.

For the best experience, serve the cake warm and, if needed, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add the final touch for presentation.

FAQ

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a simple yet indulgent dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers rich, comforting flavors. With just a few basic ingredients—cherry pie filling, chocolate cake mix, and butter—you can create a warm, gooey, and slightly crispy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

This versatile recipe allows for endless variations, from using different cake mixes to adding nuts, coconut, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. It can also be adapted for gluten-free and vegan diets with simple substitutions. Whether baked in the oven or made in a slow cooker, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With easy storage and reheating options, you can enjoy leftovers just as deliciously as when the cake is first baked. Paired with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate effortless dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Try this recipe today and discover why chocolate and cherries are a classic combination that never disappoints