Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake recipe is a gooey and easy recipe, which uses cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix. It’s a no-fuss dessert, ready in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients

Just 4 simple ingredients for this incredibly easy dessert.

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
Two 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling
One 15.25-ounce box chocolate cake mix
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Whipped cream, for serving

How To Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Follow these incredibly simple steps for a perfect result.

Melt the Butter: Place the 1 1/2 sticks of butter in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Put the dish in the oven as it preheats to 350°F, allowing the butter to melt completely.
Make the Cake Base: Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the hot dish from the oven. Pour the dry chocolate cake mix directly into the melted butter and stir with a spatula until it’s fully combined into a thick batter or paste.
Add the Cherries: Pour both cans of cherry pie filling over the cake mix base. Use a spatula to spread the cherries out into an even layer.
Bake and Cool: Bake for about 1 hour, until the cake is set and the edges are bubbly. Let the dump cake cool in the dish for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds over the top. Serve the cake warm, with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

Trust the Method: This recipe is unique. You must mix the dry cake mix with the melted butter first to create a base, then top it with the cherries. Do not follow the cake mix box directions or sprinkle the dry mix on top.
How to Toast Sliced Almonds: To toast the almonds, spread them on a small, dry baking sheet. Place them in the 350°F oven (while it’s preheating or the cake is baking) for 3-5 minutes. Watch them very carefully, as they burn in seconds.
How to Check for Doneness: This cake is very moist and gooey, like a molten cobbler. It is “set” when the center doesn’t jiggle wildly and a toothpick inserted into the cakey parts (not a cherry) comes out with moist, fudgy crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I Use a Different Cake Mix? Yes! A “Devil’s Food” cake mix will give a deeper chocolate flavor. A yellow cake mix or even a spice cake mix would also be delicious with the cherries.

What To Serve With Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

This rich, gooey cake is a perfect dessert, especially when served warm with a creamy, cold topping.

Whipped cream (as suggested)
A large scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (highly recommended!)
A drizzle of hot fudge sauce

How To Store Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Serve leftovers warm by reheating individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming 12 servings)

Calories: ~380 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 490mg
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 32g
Protein: 3g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Is this a “real” dump cake?

It’s a variation! A traditional dump cake has the fruit on the bottom, the dry cake mix sprinkled on top, and then melted butter poured over that. This recipe’s method (mixing the butter and cake mix first) creates a richer, more uniform, “brownie-like” base.

Can I use a different pie filling?

Absolutely. This method would work perfectly with canned blueberry, strawberry, or even peach pie filling.

Do I have to use the nuts?

No, the toasted almonds are optional. They just add a nice, nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft cake and gooey cherries.