Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried a dump cake? It’s like magic in a pan. The chocolate and cherry combo? Total dream.

I remember the first time I made this. It smelled so good, I couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s warm, gooey, and honestly? Super easy.

You don’t need to be a fancy baker for this one. Just dump, bake, and boom—dessert! I promise, everyone will ask for seconds.

So, let me show you how I make it at home. You’ll love how simple it is. Ready to bake something amazing?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Dessert: No need for fancy tools or skills—just a baking dish and four simple ingredients.
• Rich and Fruity: The combination of chocolate and cherry is both comforting and indulgent.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this cake serves a crowd and always disappears quickly.
• Quick Prep: From pantry to oven in less than 10 minutes.
• Perfect for Beginners: If you’ve never baked before, this is a great starting point.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 12. Need more? Double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Difficulty:
Very easy. No whisking, creaming, or layering—just dump and bake.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s everything you need for this recipe:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Standard size for dump cakes.
• Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the cherries if needed.
• Can Opener: To open the cherries or pie filling.
• Measuring Cups: For slicing and measuring the butter if using sticks.
• Oven Mitts: Always safety first when handling hot dishes.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

You’ll only need four ingredients to create this simple, delicious dessert:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – adds the fruity, tart-sweet base
• 1 can (15 oz) sweet cherries in syrup – optional, but adds texture and juiciness
• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix – any standard chocolate mix works
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – creates that buttery, crisp top layer

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it a few minutes to warm up while you prepare the cake.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. No need for flour or parchment here.

3. Add the Cherry Filling

Pour the cherry pie filling and canned sweet cherries with syrup into the bottom of the dish. Spread evenly with a spoon or spatula. This fruity layer is the juicy base of your dump cake.

Tip: If you’re only using pie filling, that’s fine too. The extra cherries just add more bite and syrup.

4. Sprinkle on the Cake Mix

Take your dry chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it directly over the cherry layer. Try to distribute it evenly across the entire dish. Do not stir or mix it in.

5. Pour the Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. This will help form that crisp, golden-brown top.

Note: It’s okay if some dry spots remain—they’ll still bake up just fine.

6. Bake the Cake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top looks set and lightly crisp. The cherries should be bubbling around the edges.

7. Cool Slightly Before Serving

Let the dump cake cool for 10-15 minutes. It will be easier to scoop and the flavors will settle.

Variations for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

• Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the dry cake mix before adding the butter.
• Use Devil’s Food Cake Mix: For an even deeper chocolate flavor.
• Swap Fruit: Try blueberry pie filling or raspberry filling for a fruity twist.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
• Top with Coconut: Add shredded coconut over the cherries or cake mix for extra texture.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

This cake is rich, warm, and gooey—perfect for simple serving or a bit of dress-up. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream over a warm piece. The cold cream melts into the gooey cake for a perfect bite.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft, airy contrast.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a little extra chocolate and drizzle it over the top for even more indulgence.
• Chilled for Breakfast: Yep, this makes a good cold slice the next morning. It holds together better and tastes like a cherry brownie bar.

Presentation Tip:

Scoop and serve straight from the baking dish—it’s not fancy, and that’s the charm. If you’re serving guests, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can make it feel just a touch more polished.

Storing Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Whether you’ve got leftovers or you’re planning ahead, here’s how to store your cake:

• Room Temperature: Store covered with foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a low oven (300°F) for about 10–15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	310 kcal
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	320mg
Total Carbohydrate	49g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	30g
Protein	2g
Calcium	2% DV
Iron	8% DV

Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients or brands used.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Most cherry pie fillings and canned cherries are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to be sure.

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned?
You can, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to create a filling-like texture. This recipe works best with canned options for ease and moisture.

Do I need to stir the layers together?
No. Dump cakes are meant to be layered as-is—fruit on the bottom, cake mix in the middle, and butter on top. No mixing required.

What if parts of the cake mix stay dry after baking?
That’s common with dump cakes. If you prefer less dry topping, try cutting the butter into thin pats and spacing them evenly across the surface instead of melting it first.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the layers in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Or bake ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is one of those rare desserts that checks every box—easy, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s great for new bakers, quick family desserts, or when you just need something sweet without the fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and no mixer in sight, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple.

Keep it simple or make it your own with a few twists. Either way, it’s a cake worth making again and again.