The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: An Effortless Dessert Delight
Prepare for pure dessert bliss with this incredibly easy chocolate cherry dump cake, requiring just three simple ingredients: a box of devil’s food cake mix, luscious cherry pie filling, and a touch of melted butter. This decadent chocolate cake is renowned for being one of the most straightforward yet satisfying desserts you’ll ever create, perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or whenever a craving strikes.
If you’re a fan of simple, delicious dump cake recipes, you’ll be thrilled to explore other favorites like our vibrant strawberry dump cake, the comforting caramel apple dump cake, or the zesty lemon blueberry dump cake.
The harmonious pairing of rich chocolate cake and sweet, slightly tart cherries creates an undeniably “killer” flavor combination. It’s a taste sensation we adore, especially evident in our popular chocolate cherry thumbprint cookies.
For those seeking an incredibly easy chocolate cherry dessert recipe that delivers on taste, this 3-ingredient chocolate cherry dump cake is an absolute winner. Often referred to as a “black forest dump cake” due to its classic flavor profile, it requires minimal effort but yields maximum satisfaction. Not only is this chocolate dessert ridiculously simple to prepare, but its incredible taste consistently impresses. My husband himself declares it the best dump cake he’s ever had, a testament to its irresistible charm!
If you’re on the hunt for more effortless chocolate desserts, be sure to check out our classic no-bake cookies and the crowd-pleasing OREO poke cake!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Dump Cake
Despite its somewhat unappetizing name, “dump cake” is a beloved dessert category known for its unparalleled simplicity and utterly delicious results. This particular chocolate cherry rendition is, without a doubt, 100% delicious and incredibly satisfying.
What makes it so special? It’s the perfect harmony of rich, moist chocolate cake and juicy, sweet cherries, all magically coming together with almost no effort. This recipe is your secret weapon for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s truly a “dump, bake, and enjoy” experience that guarantees a delightful outcome every time.
We typically serve this rich chocolate cherry dump cake warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the texture to remain wonderfully soft. To elevate the experience, we highly recommend topping it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fluffy cool whip, or freshly whipped cream. The contrast of the warm cake with a cool topping is simply divine!
If this easy dump cake recipe captures your heart, there’s a good chance you’ll also adore my easy apple crisp with cake mix. It’s crafted in the same dump cake style – super simple, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a comforting fruit dessert.
Essential Ingredients for Your 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
This section provides detailed ingredient notes, potential substitution options, and helpful tips. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the complete printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are gathered and ready. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal requirements, making it a quick trip to the grocery store if you don’t already have these pantry staples on hand.
Key Ingredients:
- Cherry Pie Filling: This is the foundation of your cake, providing the sweet and tangy fruit base. We recommend using two standard 21-ounce cans for a rich, fruity layer. While classic cherry is perfect, feel free to experiment with dark cherry or even a mixed berry pie filling for a different twist. Just ensure it’s “pie filling” and not just canned cherries, as the filling has the necessary thickness and sweetness.
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: The secret to the rich, moist chocolate cake layer. A 15.25-ounce box is ideal. Devil’s food cake mix offers a deep, intense chocolate flavor that pairs exquisitely with cherries, creating that coveted Black Forest cake essence. However, if you prefer a slightly milder chocolate, a regular chocolate fudge cake mix or even a dark chocolate fudge cake mix would work wonderfully. For a less chocolate-intense cake, a yellow or white cake mix can be used for a more classic fruit cobbler style dump cake. Remember, you’ll be using the dry cake mix, straight from the box, without preparing it according to the package instructions.
- Butter: Melted butter is crucial for creating that delicious, crispy, and golden-brown topping. It seeps into the dry cake mix, turning it into a rich, buttery, cake-like crust as it bakes. Both salted or unsalted butter can be used for this recipe. If using unsalted butter, you might add a tiny pinch of salt to the cake mix if you desire, but it’s not strictly necessary. Ensure your butter is fully melted for easy and even drizzling.
You will also need a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to accommodate this generous dessert, along with some non-stick cooking spray to ensure a clean release.
Mastering Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
This section guides you through the process of making this delightful dessert with clear, step-by-step photos and instructions. For the complete, printable recipe card with all details, please scroll down to the dedicated recipe section below.
One of the most appealing aspects of this chocolate cherry dump cake is its incredibly quick preparation time. Once you have all your ingredients and tools at hand, you can assemble this cake in just a few minutes – seriously, some people can “dump” and be ready for the oven in under 60 seconds!
Simple Assembly Instructions:
- Prepare Your Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Lay the Foundation: Evenly spread both cans of cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer from edge to edge. This will be your moist, fruity base.
- Add the Cake Mix: Carefully and evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry devil’s food cake mix over the top of the cherry filling. Do not mix it in! The dry mix will absorb the moisture from the fruit filling and butter during baking, creating a delicious cake-like layer.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter generously and as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix layer. While it’s okay if there are a few dry spots of cake mix initially, the butter will spread and melt further as it bakes. Aim for good coverage to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. The cake is ready when the edges are bubbling vigorously, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown and appears mostly dry and set. A toothpick inserted into the cake part (not the fruit) might come out with moist crumbs, which is perfectly fine for a dump cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then serve it warm. This is when it’s at its most irresistible!
Storage Solutions for Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
This dump cake is so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.
- Refrigerator Storage: Once the chocolate cherry dump cake has cooled completely to room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer individual portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat, or enjoy it chilled, which offers a delightful firm texture similar to a brownie.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, this dump cake freezes beautifully. Allow the cake to cool entirely. You can either freeze the entire cake in its baking dish (if freezer-safe and well-wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil) or portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer the frozen cake (or portions) to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warm, or enjoy it chilled.
Exciting Variations and Delicious Additions
While the classic chocolate cherry dump cake is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it with these delightful variations and additions to suit your taste or occasion:
- Double Chocolate Delight: For the ultimate chocolate lover, sprinkle about 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate) over the top of the cake during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This allows the chocolate chips to melt and create an extra layer of chocolatey goodness without burning.
- Almond Twist: Enhance the cherry flavor with a subtle hint of almond. Stir 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract into the cherry pie filling before spreading it into the baking dish. Almond and cherry are a classic pairing that elevates the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Coconut Paradise: For a tropical and textural contrast, sprinkle about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, depending on preference) over the top of the cake mix before baking. The coconut will toast beautifully and add a lovely chewiness.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a delightful crunch and rich flavor by sprinkling 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts over the top of the cake before baking. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts are excellent choices that complement both chocolate and cherry flavors perfectly.
- Zesty Orange Infusion: Add a bright, citrusy note by grating the zest of one orange into the cherry pie filling. Orange and cherry create a surprisingly fresh and vibrant combination that cuts through the richness of the chocolate.
- Spiced Cherry: For a warmer, cozier flavor, a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract stirred into the cherry pie filling can add a wonderful aromatic depth, perfect for colder months.
Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe FAQs
Do you prepare the cake mix per the box instructions?
No, absolutely not! The magic of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. For this recipe, you will only use the dry cake mix directly from the box. There’s no need to add eggs, oil, water, or any other ingredients typically called for on the cake mix package. The dry mix will absorb moisture from the cherry pie filling and the melted butter during baking, creating a soft, cake-like texture.
Why is it called a dump cake?
The charmingly simple name “dump cake” is a direct reflection of how easy this dessert is to prepare. It literally involves “dumping” all the ingredients into a baking dish! There’s no elaborate mixing, stirring, or fancy techniques required. You simply layer the ingredients, bake, and then enjoy the incredible chocolate-cherry deliciousness. It’s truly one of the most fuss-free dessert experiences you can have.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Definitely! While devil’s food cake mix is highly recommended for its rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the cherries (creating a wonderful “Black Forest” profile), you are welcome to experiment with other cake mix flavors. For a lighter, more classic fruit cobbler taste, try a yellow cake mix or even a white cake mix. A chocolate fudge cake mix would also work well if you want to dial up the chocolate intensity. The choice of cake mix allows for fantastic customization, so feel free to choose your favorite!
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling?
While the recipe specifically calls for cherry pie filling because of its thickness and sweetness, which contributes to the “dump cake” consistency, you *can* use fresh or frozen cherries. However, you’ll need to make some adjustments. If using fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and drained), you’ll want to toss them with about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (to thicken the juices), and a splash of lemon juice before spreading them in the pan. This will help create a sauce similar to pie filling. The baking time might also vary slightly as fresh/frozen fruit releases more liquid.
What’s the best way to ensure even browning on top?
To achieve that beautiful, golden, crispy topping, ensure your melted butter is drizzled as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix. While some dry spots are normal initially, try to get good coverage. Some bakers also like to gently spread the butter with a spatula or even use thinly sliced cold butter placed strategically over the cake mix for more consistent melting and absorption. Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10-15 minutes of baking; if it’s browning too quickly, you can lightly tent it with aluminum foil.
More Easy Cake Mix Desserts to Explore
If you love the convenience and deliciousness of desserts made with cake mix, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic recipes that leverage the simplicity of cake mix:
- Apple Crisp with Cake Mix: A comforting, fruit-filled dessert that’s perfect for any season.
- Rhubarb Dump Cake: A delightful blend of sweet and tart, ideal for rhubarb season.
- Lemon Cake Mix Cookies: Zesty, chewy cookies that come together in a flash.
- Cherry Chip Cake: A fun, festive, and easy cake bursting with cherry flavor.
- Ricotta Cake with Cake Mix: A surprisingly moist and rich cake with an Italian twist.
- Cherry Cobbler with Cake Mix: All the warmth and flavor of a classic cobbler, made simple.
- Lemon Poke Cake with Jello: A refreshingly light and flavorful cake that’s soaked in deliciousness.
- Blackberry Dump Cake: A sweet and slightly tart berry dessert that’s incredibly easy to make.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Author: Jaclyn
5 minutes
40 minutes
45 minutes
12
Ingredients
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling, (two 21-ounce cans)
- 15.25 ounce devil’s food cake mix, (1 box)
- ¾ cup butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350℉ (175°C). Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Add both cans of cherry pie filling to the bottom of the pan.
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Top with a layer of devil’s food cake mix.
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Pour melted butter over the top of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the cake mix as possible (there will be some dry spots).
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Bake in a preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges and dry on top.
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Serve warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping, if desired.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g |
Calories: 369kcal |
Carbohydrates: 54g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 8g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 31mg |
Sodium: 406mg |
Potassium: 226mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 14g |
Vitamin A: 558IU |
Vitamin C: 4mg |
Calcium: 68mg |
Iron: 2mg
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