Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a chocolate cherry dump cake? It’s like pure magic in a baking dish! I first stumbled upon this gem during a family gathering, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet cherry filling is simply irresistible! What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. You just dump everything in, bake it, and voilà—a warm, gooey dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this chocolate cherry dump cake is perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for sure!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can cherry pie filling: This is the star of our show, bringing that sweet, tangy cherry flavor. Go for the classic style for the best results!
- 1 box chocolate cake mix: Choose your favorite brand! It makes this dessert super simple and gives us that rich chocolatey base.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds moisture and richness. Make sure it’s fully melted, but not too hot—just warm is perfect!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: I love using semi-sweet, but feel free to mix it up with dark or milk chocolate chips for a different twist!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! You want that oven nice and toasty by the time we get everything in.
- Next, grab your baking dish (a 9×13 inch one works perfectly) and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure to get every corner because that sweet cherry goodness is what makes this cake so special.
- Now, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling. Don’t worry about mixing it; just let it sit on top like a cozy blanket.
- Drizzle the melted butter all over the cake mix. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible, so it bakes up nice and moist.
- Finally, sprinkle those chocolate chips on top. Oh boy, the more, the merrier! This will create a delicious layer of melty chocolate.
- Time to bake! Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time!
- Irresistibly flavorful: The combination of chocolate and cherries creates a sweet and satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dump cake feeds a crowd, making it an ideal dessert for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
- One-dish wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your dessert and less time cleaning up!
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the fruit or cake mix flavors to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Serve warm: There’s nothing better than digging into a warm slice of cake, especially when paired with a scoop of ice cream!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this chocolate cherry dump cake! Here are some of my best tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t skip the preheating: Seriously, preheating your oven is a must! It helps the cake bake evenly and rise nicely.
- Choose quality ingredients: Since this recipe is so simple, using good-quality chocolate chips and pie filling really makes a difference in flavor!
- Keep it even: When spreading the cherry pie filling, try to make it as even as possible across the bottom. This ensures every bite is filled with cherry goodness!
- Check for doneness: Oven times can vary, so keep an eye on your cake. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter!
- Let it cool a bit: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it cool for just a few minutes will help it set up and make serving easier.
- Pair it right: Don’t forget to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. It takes this dessert to a whole new level!
With these tips, you’ll be the star of any dessert table! Enjoy the process and the deliciousness that follows!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this chocolate cherry dump cake! Here are some of my favorite variations that’ll keep things exciting:
- Berry Blast: Swap out the cherry pie filling for a can of mixed berry filling or even blueberry pie filling. The tartness of the berries pairs beautifully with chocolate!
- Nutty Delight: Add a cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top of the chocolate chips for some extra crunch and flavor. It gives a lovely texture contrast!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle some creamy peanut butter over the chocolate cake mix before baking. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is simply divine!
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before you bake it. This adds a rich, gooey layer that takes the dessert to a whole new level of decadence!
- Spiced Up: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the chocolate cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
These variations can take your chocolate cherry dump cake from delicious to absolutely extraordinary, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Enjoy experimenting and finding your favorite twist!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you have any leftovers (which is a big “if” because this chocolate cherry dump cake is so good!), here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- Storing Leftovers: Once it’s completely cooled, cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, simply pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’s best served warm, and this quick reheating brings back that lovely gooey texture! If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Trust me, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a warm slice of chocolate cherry dump cake with a scoop of ice cream on top, even after a day or two! Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the numbers! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each slice of this delicious chocolate cherry dump cake. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This chocolate cherry dump cake is definitely a treat, so keep these numbers in mind as you enjoy it! It’s all about balance, right? Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries, you can use about 2 cups, pitted and halved. Just make sure to add a little sugar to balance the tartness, as pie filling is typically sweeter.
What’s the best way to serve chocolate cherry dump cake?
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The contrast of warm cake with cold ice cream is just heavenly!
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
What other flavors can I use instead of chocolate?
If you want to switch things up, you could try a vanilla or even a spice cake mix! The cherry filling pairs well with so many flavors, so feel free to play around!
Is chocolate cherry dump cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just double-check the cherry pie filling to ensure it’s gluten-free as well!
Final Thoughts
Alright, my friends, now it’s your turn! I can’t wait to hear what you think about this chocolate cherry dump cake! Have you made it? What did you love most about it? I’d absolutely love it if you’d rate the recipe or share your own twists and turns with me. Did you try a different fruit filling or toss in some nuts? Let’s swap ideas and make this delightful dessert even more fun! And remember, there’s something so special about sharing delicious food, so don’t be shy—drop your thoughts in the comments below! Happy baking!
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: 5 Irresistible Tips to Succeed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious chocolate cherry dump cake.
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cherry pie filling in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Top with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate cherry dump cake
