Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: A Decadent, Effortless Dessert Delight

The History of the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

The concept of a “dump cake” emerged in American home cooking during the mid-20th century, becoming especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It was born out of convenience culture, where busy homemakers sought quick, no-fuss dessert recipes that delivered big flavor with minimal effort. The name “dump cake” comes from the preparation method—literally dumping ingredients into a baking dish without any mixing or complicated steps. While traditional dump cakes often featured fruit pie fillings like cherry or pineapple paired with cake mix, over time bakers began experimenting with richer combinations. The chocolate cherry dump cake evolved as a decadent twist on the classic, combining the tart sweetness of cherries with the deep richness of chocolate. This version quickly gained popularity for its indulgent profile, making it a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners. Today, the chocolate cherry dump cake stands as a beloved example of comfort food—simple to make yet satisfyingly rich.

Ingredients Breakdown

One of the reasons the chocolate cherry dump cake is so accessible is its minimal ingredient list, most of which are pantry staples. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this luscious dessert:

Canned Cherry Pie Filling (21 oz): The star of the show, this provides both moisture and a vibrant, sweet-tart cherry flavor. Most grocery stores carry brands like Duncan Hines or store generic versions. For best results, choose one with real fruit and minimal artificial additives.
Packaged Devil’s Food Cake Mix (15.25 oz box): Unlike vanilla or yellow cake mix, devil’s food offers a deep cocoa flavor that complements the cherries perfectly. It also acts as the cake’s dry base, thickening the filling and forming a tender, crumbly crust as it bakes.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 1 stick): Sliced or cubed butter is placed on top before baking. As it melts, it seeps down through the cake mix, creating pockets of richness and helping form a soft, gooey layer beneath the crust.
Boiling Water (¼ cup): Often overlooked but essential, boiling water helps activate the cake mix and ensures even baking. It creates steam, which prevents the top from drying out and promotes a moist interior.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon – optional): Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. While not mandatory, it elevates the dessert from good to exceptional.
Salted Caramel Drizzle or Chocolate Chips (optional toppings): For an extra layer of indulgence, many bakers add chocolate chips before baking or drizzle caramel over the finished cake.
Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (serving suggestion): Not part of the baking process, but highly recommended for serving. These cold, creamy elements contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey cake.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, chocolatey chocolate cherry dump cake that will impress your guests—without requiring any baking expertise.

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish using non-stick spray, butter, or a light coating of oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Add the Cherry Filling: Open two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling (or one large can) and pour them directly into the prepared dish. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Spread the Cake Mix: Carefully pour the entire box of devil’s food cake mix over the cherry layer. Tilt the pan gently to distribute the mix evenly—avoid stirring at this stage.
Add the Butter: Slice one stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter into thin pats or cubes. Place them evenly across the surface of the cake mix. Don’t worry if some fall into the cherries—this adds to the richness.
Pour Boiling Water: Slowly drizzle ¼ cup of boiling water over the top. This step is crucial—it activates the cake mix and creates steam for proper texture development.
Add Optional Flavor Boosters: If desired, sprinkle ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips or a teaspoon of vanilla extract over the top before baking.
Bake Until Set: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown and bubbling, and the edges pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.
Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes serving cleaner.
Serve Warm: Scoop into bowls and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum enjoyment.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Don’t Stir! One of the cardinal rules of dump cake: resist the urge to stir the layers. The magic happens as the ingredients bake together naturally.
Use Fresh Butter: Make sure your butter is unsalted and fresh. Margarine or spreads with high water content may alter the texture.
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes. Overbaking can lead to dryness, while underbaking leaves a soupy center.
Even Butter Distribution: Spacing the butter slices evenly ensures consistent richness throughout the cake.
Double the Recipe for Crowds: This dessert scales well. Use a larger roasting pan or double the batch for parties or holiday meals.
Enhance the Cherries: For a more sophisticated flavor, consider adding 1 tablespoon of almond extract or a splash of cherry liqueur (like Kirsch) to the pie filling before pouring.
Crispier Top? For a crunchier crust, increase the butter to ¾ cup or broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the chocolate cherry dump cake lies in its versatility. Here are several creative ways to personalize your dessert:

Homemade Cherry Filling: Instead of canned, use 4 cups of pitted fresh or frozen cherries simmered with ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a squeeze of lemon juice until thickened.
Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Swap the devil’s food cake mix for a dark chocolate variety or add ⅓ cup cocoa powder to a regular chocolate cake mix for deeper flavor.
Fruit Swaps: Try blueberry, blackberry, or mixed berry pie filling for a different fruity twist. Raspberries pair particularly well with chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternative. Serve with dairy-free ice cream.
Almond Chocolate Fusion: Add sliced almonds or a few drops of almond extract to echo classic cherry-almond pairings.
Layered Luxury: Create a trifle-style dessert by layering cooled dump cake with chocolate pudding and whipped cream in glasses.
Mocha Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the cake mix for a mocha-cherry flavor profile.
Mini Versions: Make individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins—adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, the chocolate cherry dump cake is a treat best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: ~350–400 kcal
Total Fat: 12–16g (mostly from butter)
Saturated Fat: 7–9g
Cholesterol: 20–30mg
Sodium: 250–350mg (from cake mix and butter)
Total Carbohydrates: 60–70g
Sugars: 45–50g (primarily from cake mix and pie filling)
Protein: 3–4g
Fiber: 1–2g

Health Tips:

Look for low-sugar or organic cherry pie filling to reduce added sugars.
Use a heart-healthy butter substitute or reduce butter to ⅓ cup to lower saturated fat.
Serve smaller portions and balance with fresh fruit or a green salad.
For diabetics or those monitoring blood sugar, this dessert should be consumed sparingly and ideally paired with protein or fiber-rich foods.
Consider using a sugar-free cake mix and artificially sweetened pie filling for a lighter version (though taste and texture may vary).

Ingredients

2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
1 (15.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats
¼ cup boiling water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour cherry pie filling into the dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the dry devil’s food cake mix evenly over the cherries.
Place slices of butter uniformly across the top of the cake mix.
Pour boiling water over everything. Do not stir.
(Optional) Sprinkle chocolate chips and/or vanilla extract on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if going from cold.

Q: Can I freeze chocolate cherry dump cake?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

Q: Why is my dump cake soggy?
A: This usually means underbaking or too much liquid. Ensure you’re using only ¼ cup boiling water and baking long enough for the center to set.

Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: You can, but devil’s food is ideal for chocolate cherry flavor harmony. Yellow or white cake mix will work but won’t deliver the same richness.

Q: Can I use fresh cherries?
A: Yes, but they must be pitted and cooked with sugar and thickener (like cornstarch) first to mimic pie filling consistency.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Q: Is there a way to make it healthier?
A: Reduce butter, use low-sugar fillings, opt for whole-grain cake mix alternatives, or serve smaller portions with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.

Summary

The chocolate cherry dump cake is a rich, easy-to-make dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of cherry pie filling with the deep indulgence of chocolate cake—all with no mixing or advanced skills required. Simply layer, bake, and enjoy a warm, gooey masterpiece that delights crowds and satisfies every chocolate lover’s craving.