Have you ever tasted a dessert that feels like a warm hug? The Chocolate cherry dump cake is just that—a luscious blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries that creates the ultimate comfort food experience. With each bite, you’ll savor the gooey texture, complemented by the delightful sweetness of the cherries. It’s hard to resist going back for seconds!
This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, this chocolate cherry dump cake will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part? You can whip it up with minimal effort—just mix your ingredients, pour them into a dish, and let the oven do the magic! As the aroma fills your kitchen, anticipation builds for a flavor explosion that awaits you.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate cherry dump cake
- Quick and Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe offers a hassle-free way to enjoy dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy family dinner, this versatile dessert is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherries, creating an irresistible flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
- Great for Leftovers: This cake tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. Serve it chilled or warmed up with ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Ingredients for Chocolate cherry dump cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chocolate Cake Mix: A box of your favorite chocolate cake mix serves as the base for this dessert. Choose one that contains cocoa powder for extra richness.
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: Opt for quality canned cherry pie filling to add sweetness and tartness. You can also use fresh or frozen cherries if preferred.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and contributes to the rich flavor of the cake. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind all ingredients together while adding richness. Ensure they are at room temperature before mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk enhances creaminess in your batter. For a lighter version, you can substitute with almond or oat milk.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate cherry dump cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Cherry Layer
In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread out one can of cherry pie filling on the bottom. This will act as a juicy base that complements the chocolate.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix with melted butter. Stir until crumbly; it’s okay if some dry spots remain.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Milk
Add two eggs and one cup of milk into the bowl with your dry mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix—lumps are fine!
Step 5: Combine Layers
Pour the chocolate batter over the layer of cherries in your baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it evenly across.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Select Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality butter and fresh cherries will enhance overall flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense cakes; mix until just combined to maintain fluffiness.
- Add Toppings Wisely: Top it off with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream right before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong type of cherries: When preparing your chocolate cherry dump cake, it’s crucial to choose the right kind of cherries. Fresh cherries can be used, but they require pitting and may alter the texture of your cake. Opting for canned or frozen cherries is simpler and ensures consistent moisture and sweetness in your dessert. Canned pie filling offers a great option as it already includes sugar and thickening agents, which enhance the overall flavor without adding extra steps.
- Overmixing the batter: One common mistake when making a chocolate cherry dump cake is overmixing the batter. While you want to ensure that all ingredients are combined, overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture rather than a light and fluffy cake. Mix just until you see no dry flour or cocoa powder remaining. This will keep your cake airy and enjoyable while allowing the flavors of chocolate and cherry to shine through perfectly.
- Poor layering of ingredients: The way you layer your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your chocolate cherry dump cake. Placing dry ingredients on top of wet ones can lead to uneven baking and texture issues. Always start with a layer of fruit or filling at the bottom, followed by dry cake mix, and then drizzle butter on top. This method ensures that flavors meld beautifully while maintaining an ideal consistency throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cherry dump cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture complements the rich flavors perfectly.
- Whipped cream: A light dollop enhances every bite and adds freshness.
- Chocolate sauce: For those who crave more chocolate, drizzling sauce makes it even more indulgent.
FAQs
What is a chocolate cherry dump cake?
A chocolate cherry dump cake is a delightful dessert that combines cherry pie filling with a layer of dry chocolate cake mix topped with melted butter. This easy-to-make dessert bakes into a gooey, luscious treat that many people find irresistible. It requires minimal preparation, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or last-minute desserts.
Can I use fresh cherries in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling, feel free to do so. Simply pit and slice about four cups of fresh cherries and toss them with a bit of sugar to enhance their sweetness. Then proceed with the recipe as usual, layering them at the bottom before adding the cake mix.
How should I store leftover chocolate cherry dump cake?
To store leftover chocolate cherry dump cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to five days when stored properly. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version of this delicious dessert, simply swap out regular chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this scrumptious treat without any dietary concerns.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate cherry dump cake is a delightful dessert that marries the richness of chocolate with the tartness of cherries in a simple yet indulgent treat. This easy-to-make cake requires minimal effort—just layer cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix, drizzle with melted butter, and let the oven work its magic. The result is a warm, gooey cake that offers an irresistible flavor profile and texture, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve this decadent dessert warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry layer.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (92g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
In summary, the chocolate cherry dump cake offers an uncomplicated yet satisfying dessert option that combines rich chocolate flavor with sweet cherries. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Remember to serve it warm with your favorite toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance its deliciousness further. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging yourself, this easy recipe will surely impress everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!
