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If you love rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and effortless desserts, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is about to be your new favorite! It’s a 5-minute prep, one-pan wonder—just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a warm, fudgy treat that tastes like a cross between cake and molten lava cake.
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or satisfying a late-night chocolate craving, this 3-ingredient dessert is as easy as it gets. Let’s bake!
![If you love rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and effortless desserts, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is about to be your new favorite! It’s a 5-minute prep, one-pan wonder—just dump the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a warm, fudgy treat that tastes like a cross between cake and molten lava cake.](https://familyrecipeideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/chocolate_cherry_dump_cake.webp)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (devil’s food or fudge cake works best!)
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for extra gooeyness!)
- ½ tsp almond extract (for a deeper cherry flavor!)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish!)
🔥 Directions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Dump the Cherries: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3️⃣ Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherries—no need to mix!
4️⃣ Drizzle Butter: Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
5️⃣ Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crispy. The cherries will be bubbling!
6️⃣ Cool & Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or extra cherries for the ultimate treat!
🍫 Helpful Tips & FAQ
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes! Substitute 3 cups of fresh or frozen pitted cherries for the canned filling. Add ½ cup sugar and 1 tbsp cornstarch to create the syrupy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for gooey goodness!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until bubbly and set.
Fun Variations
- Brownie Cherry Dump Cake: Use brownie mix instead of cake mix for an ultra-fudgy version.
- German Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup shredded coconut and chopped pecans before baking.
- Black Forest Style: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving!
🍰 Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is proof that the easiest desserts are sometimes the best! With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a must-try for chocolate and cherry lovers alike.
Give it a go and let me know how it turns out—drop a comment or share a pic! Happy baking! 😊🍒🍫