Name: Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans ( 21 oz each) cherry pie filling; 1 1/2 cups frozen cherries; 1 box chocolate cake mix; 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks); 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Calling all chocolate lovers, this chocolate cherry dump cake is so irresistible!

Chocolate cherry dump cake in a sea salt green baking dish with a wooden spoon.

If you are craving a rich chocolate dessert, this easy chocolate cherry dump cake is your new best friend. This recipe is so ridiculously easy. Just dump, sprinkle, and bake. Seriously, it is one of the simplest dessert recipes you will find.

I love taking this to my mom's for Sunday lunch, and everyone always wants seconds. It is one of those desserts that tastes like it is way more effort than it actually is.

Why You Will Love Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

5 Ingredients - Chocolate cherry dump cake is made with only 5 ingredients, and you may already have them in your pantry and fridge.
Effortless - This is an easy recipe that is literally dump and bake. This dump cake does not require hours in the kitchen. Just dump, sprinkle, and bake.
Chocolate Cherry Perfection - Chocolate and cherries are one of those pairings that just make sense. This easy dessert combines the sweet tartness of cherries with the richness of chocolate.
Versatile - This dessert recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dessert, but is a perfect complement to a Sunday family meal or a holiday dinner.

Tools

9x13 Baking Dish
Can Opener (if pie filling does not have a pop off lid)
Spoon
Knife
Serving Spoon

Ingredients

Before you head to the recipe card for exact measurements, here’s a quick look at what you’ll be using.

Cherry Pie Filling - Cherries are the perfect base for a chocolate cake. The sweet and tart fruit complements the chocolate cake perfectly. Make sure you have cherry pie filling, not canned cherries.
Frozen Cherries - Adding frozen cherries adds a tart burst of fresh flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cherry pie filling and the richness of the chocolate cake mix.
Chocolate Cake Mix - Nothing goes together better than cherries and chocolate. This cake mix keeps the recipe simple since there is no measuring out ingredients. The cake mix bakes into a rich chocolate layer that brings the whole dump cake together.
Butter - The butter adds moisture to the chocolate cake mix, helping it bake into the gooey chocolate layer we love. Make sure to use real butter.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - Adding chocolate chips to the cherry and chocolate dump cake adds an extra layer of decadence. If you are a chocolate lover, this is a must add ingredient.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Step 2

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the 9x13 baking dish.

Cherry pie filling with frozen cherries in a rectangular baking dish.

Step 3

Top with the frozen cherries.

Step 4

Sprinkle the chocolate cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Covering the pie filling completely.

Cake mix and butter slices in a rectangular baking dish.

Step 5

Cut the butter into thin pats and spread evenly over the cake mix.

Chocolate chips, chocolate cake mix, and butter slices in a baking dish.

Step 6

Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cake mix and butter.

Chocolate cherry dump cake in a rectangular baking dish.

Step 7

Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the cake mix is set.

Chocolate cherry dump cake in a small white ramekin.

Step 8

Enjoy warm in a bowl.

Tips For The Best Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Real butter is a must. The butter melts into the cake mix, creating the perfect chocolate topping.
After creating the layers, do not stir. The layers are what make this dump cake dessert the best, easiest dessert. The butter melts into the chocolate, which in turn melts into the cherries.
Leave out the frozen cherries if desired. The frozen cherries add a tartness, but this dessert is still delicious without them.
The chocolate chips can be omitted, but they do add another layer of chocolate flavor.
Sprinkle the cake mix evenly, then add the butter pats evenly over the top for the most moist cake.
Serve the chocolate cherry dump cake warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.

Chocolate cherry dump cake with ice cream scoop on it and a ice cream scoop and a kitchen towel.

Variations

Swap out one can of cherry pie filling for a can of drained pineapple tidbits.
Use a dark chocolate or devil's food chocolate for an ultra-rich cherry chocolate dessert.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before baking.

Storage and Reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For a quick reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds.