If you’re in the mood for a simple yet indulgent dessert, look no further than the chocolate cherry dump cake. This delightful treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries, all while requiring minimal effort to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious dessert!
Key Takeaways
- Only three ingredients needed: chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and melted butter.
- Preparation is quick and straightforward—just layer and bake!
- Serve warm for a gooey texture that’s perfect with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Versatile recipe allows for fun variations like adding nuts or other fruits.
- Great for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to holiday gatherings.
Delightful Ingredients For Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Let’s talk ingredients! This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is so simple, you’ll barely believe how few things you need. That’s part of its charm, really. You probably have most of this stuff in your pantry already. Get ready for a super easy shopping trip, if you even need one!
Chocolate Cake Mix
First up, you’ll need a box of your favorite chocolate cake mix. Seriously, any brand will do. I usually go for a dark chocolate mix because I love that extra richness, but a regular chocolate or even devil’s food cake mix works great too. It’s all about personal preference here. This is the base of your cake, so pick one you know you like!
Cherry Pie Filling
Next, grab two cans of cherry pie filling. This is where that delicious cherry flavor comes in. Make sure it’s pie filling and not just cherries, because you want that thick, gooey sauce. I’ve tried different brands, and honestly, they all taste pretty similar. Don’t stress too much about this one. The cherry pie filling is what makes this cake so moist and flavorful.
Melted Butter
Lastly, you’ll need half a cup of melted butter. I usually use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the cake, but salted butter works just fine too. Just keep that in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake. The butter is key for creating that perfect, slightly crispy top layer. It also helps to bind everything together.
Make sure your butter is fully melted before drizzling it over the cake mix. This ensures even distribution and prevents any dry spots. Trust me, you don’t want any dry cake mix in your dump cake!
Simple Steps To Create Your Cake
Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, grab your trusty 13×9 inch baking dish. A glass one works great, but whatever you have on hand will do. Now, don’t skip this step: give it a good spray with cooking spray. This will save you from a sticky situation later when you’re trying to get that delicious cake out. Trust me, a little cooking spray goes a long way!
Layer The Ingredients
Okay, this is where the magic happens. Open up that can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry layer. Try to get it as even as possible, but don’t stress too much about it being perfect. Finally, pour the melted butter over the cake mix. Again, aim for even distribution so every bite is moist and delicious.
This layering process is what makes a dump cake so easy. No mixing, no fuss, just dump and bake!
Bake To Perfection
Now, pop that beauty into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it, because every oven is different. You don’t want to overbake it, or it’ll be dry. Let it cool slightly before serving. The aroma alone will make your mouth water! Baking time can vary, so keep a close watch.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
Now that you’ve baked your delicious chocolate cherry dump cake, it’s time to think about how to serve it! The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this simple dessert.
Warm With Vanilla Ice Cream
Is there a better combination than warm cake and cold ice cream? I don’t think so! The warmth of the cake gently melts the vanilla ice cream, creating a creamy, dreamy bite. This is a classic pairing that never disappoints. For an extra touch, consider using a high-quality vanilla bean ice cream to really elevate the flavors. It’s also great with other flavors like chocolate or even cherry ice cream if you want to double down on the cherry flavor. You can find more dessert recipes online.
Drizzle With Chocolate Sauce
If you’re a chocolate lover (and who isn’t?), drizzling your chocolate cherry dump cake with chocolate sauce is a must. A rich, dark chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of decadence that complements the cherry and chocolate flavors perfectly. You can use store-bought sauce, or make your own for a truly special treat.
I like to warm up my chocolate sauce slightly before drizzling it over the cake. It makes it even more gooey and delicious!
Top With Whipped Cream
For a lighter, airier topping, whipped cream is a fantastic choice. The cool, creamy texture of the whipped cream provides a nice contrast to the rich, moist cake. You can use store-bought whipped cream, or make your own using heavy cream and a little sugar. Freshly made whipped cream is always the best, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. A dollop of whipped cream not only tastes great but also adds a beautiful visual appeal to your dessert.
Why This Dessert Is A Family Favorite
Quick And Easy Preparation
Let’s be real, life gets busy. That’s why this chocolate cherry dump cake is a lifesaver. You can whip it up with minimal effort, which is perfect for those nights when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s so simple, even the kids can help!
The best part? There’s no fancy equipment needed. Just a baking dish, a few ingredients, and you’re good to go. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple because it’s reliable and always delivers.
Rich And Decadent Flavor
Don’t let the simplicity fool you; this cake is bursting with flavor. The combination of chocolate and cherry is a classic for a reason. The richness of the chocolate cake mix perfectly complements the sweet and slightly tart cherry pie filling. It’s a dessert that satisfies even the most intense sweet cravings.
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat, a potluck with friends, or a holiday gathering, this dump cake fits the bill. It’s versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different toppings or variations to suit any taste. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Variations To Try With Your Dump Cake
Dump cakes are super easy to customize! Once you’ve mastered the basic chocolate cherry version, you can start playing around with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature dessert. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment – that’s half the fun!
Add Nuts For Crunch
Want to add a little texture to your chocolate cherry dump cake? Chopped nuts are the way to go! Walnuts or pecans would be delicious with the chocolate and cherry flavors. Just sprinkle a layer of chopped nuts over the cake mix before adding the melted butter. The added crunch will make each bite even more satisfying.
Incorporate Other Fruits
While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can totally swap it out for other fruits. How about trying apple pie filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon? Or maybe a mix of berries for a summery twist? Peach pie filling would also be amazing!
Feel free to mix and match different fruit fillings to create your own unique flavor combinations. You could even add a layer of fresh fruit on top of the pie filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Experiment With Different Cake Mixes
Don’t limit yourself to just chocolate cake mix! You can use any flavor you like. Yellow cake mix would be a good choice if you want a lighter flavor, or you could try a red velvet cake mix for a richer, more decadent dessert. Even spice cake mix could be interesting, especially in the fall.
Tips For The Best Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Use Quality Ingredients
Don’t skimp on the ingredients! Using high-quality ingredients will really make a difference in the final taste of your dump cake. Think of it like this: the better the ingredients, the better the cake. It’s that simple. Splurge a little on the cherry pie filling; you won’t regret it.
Don’t Overbake
Overbaking is the enemy of a moist and delicious dump cake. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time. You want the top to be golden brown and the filling bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center might come out with some moist crumbs attached, and that’s perfectly fine.
Remember, the cake will continue to cook a bit as it cools, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked than overbaked.
Serve Fresh For Best Taste
While this cake is good leftover, it’s absolutely divine when served fresh and warm. The flavors are at their peak, and the texture is just perfect. Let it cool slightly after baking, then serve it up with your favorite toppings. Trust me, a warm slice of cake is a little slice of heaven.
Storing Leftovers For Later Enjoyment
Let’s be real, sometimes there’s cake left over (though it’s rare, right?). But when that glorious moment arrives, you’ll want to know how to keep your chocolate cherry dump cake tasting its best. Here’s the lowdown on storing those precious leftovers.
Refrigerate For Freshness
The fridge is your best friend for short-term storage. Once your cake has cooled down completely, wrap it well in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will prevent it from drying out and absorbing any rogue fridge odors. It’ll happily sit in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, still ready to bring a smile to your face. This is a great way to maintain the cake’s texture.
Reheat In The Oven
Want to bring back that warm, fresh-baked feeling? Gently reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out. You can also use a microwave for a quicker fix, but be aware that it might alter the texture slightly.
For best results when reheating, consider adding a small pat of butter on top of each slice. This will help to keep the cake moist and add a touch of extra richness.
Enjoy Cold As A Snack
Don’t underestimate the joy of a cold slice straight from the fridge! Sometimes, that cool, dense texture is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect afternoon treat or a sneaky midnight snack. No reheating required – just grab a fork and dig in!
Wrap-Up: A Sweet Ending
So there you have it! The Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a cozy hug in a dish. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a dessert for a gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Don’t forget to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it really takes it to the next level! So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and cherries. You won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chocolate cherry dump cake?
A chocolate cherry dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and melted butter in a baking dish and then baking it.
How many ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You only need three ingredients: chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and melted butter.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you may need to add some sugar to sweeten them.
How should I serve the cake?
This cake is best served warm, and you can add vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container. You can reheat it in the oven or enjoy it cold.
Can I customize this dump cake recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, use different fruit fillings, or try other cake mixes to change the flavor.