If you’re looking for a deliciously easy dessert that is sure to impress, look no further than the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. This sweet treat is the epitome of simplicity and flavor combined. A perfect blend of rich chocolate cake, tart cherry pie filling, and the delightful taste of semi-sweet chocolate chips, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just for an afternoon treat, this dessert will not disappoint.
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert you can throw together with ease, and it will bake up into a warm, gooey, and mouthwatering cake that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great option for beginner bakers or anyone in need of a quick dessert fix.
In this article, we will break down the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in detail, step by step. From the ingredients to the preparation method, we’ve got you covered! So, let’s dive right into how you can make this delicious dessert.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Before you begin making this tasty treat, here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
This boxed cake mix is the base of the recipe, giving the cake its soft texture and rich chocolate flavor. You don’t need to worry about making a cake batter from scratch with this mix – just open the box and you’re ready to go. - 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
The cherry pie filling provides the fruity, tart element of the cake. The juicy cherries blend perfectly with the chocolate cake to create a flavor combination that’s irresistible. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter is crucial for giving the cake a moist texture and adding richness. The butter helps to bind the cake mix and chocolate chips together while creating a crisp, golden top. - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chocolate chips add extra pockets of chocolate goodness throughout the cake. The semi-sweet variety balances the sweetness of the pie filling, making for a more balanced dessert.
Directions and Preparation Method
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. Follow these simple steps to create this crowd-pleasing dessert:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake the cake.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This helps to prevent the cake from sticking and makes for an easier cleanup afterward.
Step 3: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Open both cans of cherry pie filling and pour them into the prepared baking dish. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the dish to ensure that the cherries are distributed evenly throughout the cake. The cherry filling will create the moist base for the cake and provide the sweetness that contrasts the rich chocolate.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take the box of chocolate cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry pie filling. There’s no need to mix the cake batter – simply sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top. It’s important that the cake mix covers the filling as much as possible, as it will bake into a delicious topping. Don’t worry if some areas are left without cake mix – the cake will still turn out wonderfully!
Step 5: Drizzle the Melted Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, drizzle the butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This will help to create a crisp, golden layer on top of the cake while keeping the inside moist and soft.
Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the cake mix and butter. The chocolate chips will melt and form pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cake as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll want to bake the cake until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time, as the cake may bake slightly faster or slower depending on your oven.
Step 8: Let the Cake Cool
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The cake will be extremely hot, so be sure to let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes to cool down. This also gives the cake time to set before you slice into it.
FAQs About Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake ahead of time. You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Q2: Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is a classic choice for this dump cake, you can switch it up with other fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach. Each variation will give the cake a slightly different flavor, but the basic preparation method remains the same.
Q3: Can I make this cake with a gluten-free cake mix?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be sure to check the box for specific instructions regarding any modifications required when using gluten-free mixes. Otherwise, the rest of the recipe remains the same.
Q4: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, you can use margarine as a substitute if you prefer. Just make sure it’s melted before drizzling it over the cake mix.
Q5: Can I add extra ingredients to this cake?
Definitely! You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding other ingredients. Some ideas include chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), coconut flakes, or even a layer of cream cheese to add richness.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s quick, simple, and utterly delicious. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a cake that’s warm, gooey, and packed with the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family dinner, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this dessert is sure to be a hit.