Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Any recipe that dirties up very few kitchen tools is our kind of recipe. And when it’s made with sweet cherries, pecans and two different chocolate ingredients, it’s almost as if we won the dessert lottery. This chocolate cherry dump cake is all that and more, and it’s ready in just about 45 minutes.

Served with a dollop of whipped cream, this chocolate dump cake with cherries takes on the flavor of a classic German Black Forest cake, with about one-third of the time and effort.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

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• Cherry pie filling: Grab one 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling. Most grocery stores will carry it in their baking aisle.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: A smattering of chocolate chips with the pie filling makes the dump cake even more luscious and indulgent.
• Almond extract: Almonds and cherries are a food match made in heaven, since they both have the distinct, natural flavor of benzaldehyde.
• Chocolate cake mix: Unsure which one to buy? Take a peek at our list of favorite store-bought brands of chocolate cake mix to choose.
• Pecans: We give this chocolate dump cake with cherries a little texture with halved pecans. Feel free to toast them beforehand to awaken their naturally sweet and nutty flavor.
• Butter: Melt the butter so you can evenly drizzle it over the cake mix to hydrate it properly.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the cherry-chocolate base

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Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, stir together the cherry pie filling, chocolate chips and almond extract.

Pour the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to all corners and sides.

Step 2: Add the cake mix

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Sprinkle the cake mix evenly on top of the base.

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Then, scatter the pecans all over.

Step 3: Pour on butter

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Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the top, trying to hydrate the cake mix.

Editor’s Tip: Use a liquid measuring cup with a spout to make this part much easier.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the dump cake until the top is set and the filling is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve the dump cake warm from the oven.

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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Variations

• Try a different cake mix: You can use almost any boxed cake mix in this chocolate cherry dump cake recipe, as long as the flavor pairs with cherries. Vanilla, lemon or white cake mix are great swaps.
• Add a hint of caffeine: One of our favorite ways to make cake mix taste homemade is by stirring instant coffee granules into chocolate cake mix. A little bit doesn’t make the cake taste like coffee, it enriches the indulgent chocolate flavor.
• Use another fruit filling: Not a cherry fan? No problem! Grab a can of strawberry, blackberry, raspberry or blueberry pie filling instead.

How to Store Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Once your chocolate cherry dump cake has cooled to room temperature, wrap the top of the pan in storage wrap. If you only have a little bit left over, transfer the cake to an airtight container to save some precious fridge space. It can be kept for up to three days in the fridge.

Can I freeze chocolate cherry dump cake?

You sure can! Once the dump cake has baked and cooled to room temperature, cover the pan tightly with storage wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Once you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in a 350° oven until warmed through.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Tips

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Can I make chocolate cherry dump cake in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this cherry chocolate dump cake in a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Assemble the dump cake as directed (but in the slow cooker insert instead) and cook on high for two hours, or low for four hours.

What should I serve with chocolate cherry dump cake?

Homemade sweetened whipped cream feels almost essential for this fresh-out-the-oven cherry chocolate dump cake. Or, serve scoops of one of the best vanilla ice cream brands. We also love pairing this dump cake with sweet after-dinner drinks like sherry or port wine.