chocolate cherry dump cake
As autumn arrives, I think of warm, homemade desserts that bring back memories. The chocolate cherry dump cake is one such treat. It mixes chocolate’s deep flavor with cherries’ tangy sweetness, creating a perfect mix.
This easy chocolate dessert is great for any occasion. It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. The no-bake cherry cake will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
What Makes Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Special
The chocolate cherry dump cake is a semi-homemade dessert loved for its simplicity and flexibility. It started as a quick, easy option but has grown into a sophisticated treat. It appeals to many with its unique flavors.
Origins of Dump Cake
Dump cakes became popular for being easy to make. You just dump all the ingredients into a dish and bake. This makes it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, great for any event.
Why This Recipe Works
The chocolate cherry dump cake is a hit because it’s easy and customizable. It uses a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling from a can. This mix of chocolate and cherries makes it more than just a boxed cake mix dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The chocolate cherry dump cake is great for any event, from summer barbecues to family dinners. It’s easy to make and loved by all, making it perfect for any gathering. It’s a simple yet impressive cherry cobbler recipe.
| Nutrition Facts | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Servings | 8 – 12 |
| Calories | 553 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 81g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
“The chocolate cherry dump cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s sure to impress your guests.”
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Making the perfect chocolate cherry dump cake is easy. You only need four main ingredients: chocolate cake mix, butter, cherry pie filling, and optional mini chocolate chips. This boxed cake mix dessert is quick to make and tastes amazing.
For the cherry layer, you can use store-bought pie filling or make your own. To do this, use pitted cherries, sugar, orange zest, cornstarch, orange juice, and a bit of cinnamon and vanilla or almond extract. This lets you customize the recipe to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Cake Mix | 15.25 ounces |
| Unsalted Butter | 12 tablespoons |
| Cherry Pie Filling | 20 ounces |
| Mini Chocolate Chips (optional) | 1 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a chocolate cherry dump cake that will wow everyone. Let’s move on to the rest of the recipe!
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making a tasty potluck cake or summer fruit dessert like chocolate cherry dump cake is easier with the right tools. Whether baking in a traditional oven or slow cooker, you’ll need some key items. These will help you prepare the cake smoothly.
Baking Dish Options
The base of your chocolate cherry dump cake is the baking dish. For the oven-baked version, an 8×11-inch ceramic or glass dish is ideal. If you’re using a slow cooker, a 4-6 quart size is perfect.
Additional Helpful Tools
- Mixing bowl for combining the cake mix and other ingredients
- Spoon or spatula for spreading the layers evenly
- Knife or butter slicer for thinly slicing the butter topping
- Cherry pitter (if making the cherry filling from scratch)
- Apron to protect your clothing from cherry juice splatters
With these tools and equipment, you’re set to make a delicious potluck cake or summer fruit dessert. It’s sure to wow your guests.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making the perfect easy chocolate dessert or no-bake cherry cake is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps to make a delicious Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Spread two cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle a box (15.25 oz) of Devil’s Food cake mix over the cherry filling, smoothing it slightly without mixing.
- Slice 12 tablespoons of cold butter (1 1/2 sticks) that have been frozen for at least 1 hour and arrange the slices on top of the cake mix.
- Alternatively, you can melt the 12 tablespoons of butter and mix it directly into the cake mix before sprinkling it over the cherries.
- Bake the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake for 45-50 minutes, checking it at the 45-minute mark. The top should be dry and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
This simple, easy chocolate dessert is quick to make and perfect for any event. It’s great for potlucks or family gatherings. The mix of rich chocolate cake and sweet cherry filling is a hit with everyone, sure to please your sweet tooth.
Two Ways to Make the Perfect Cherry Layer
Creating the ultimate cherry cobbler recipe or summer fruit dessert starts with the cherry layer. There are two simple ways to get the perfect cherry filling for your chocolate cherry dump cake.
Store-Bought Pie Filling Method
For a quick fix, use two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling. This filling adds a rich, fruity taste and a bright color to your dump cake. Just pour it into the baking dish and spread it out.
Homemade Cherry Filling Recipe
For a personalized touch, make your own cherry filling. Mix 2 pounds of pitted cherries, ¼ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of orange zest, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ⅓ cup of orange juice in a saucepan. Cook it over medium heat until it thickens. Then, add a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla or almond extract. Let it cool before using it in your cherry cobbler recipe.
Both the store-bought and homemade cherry fillings are great for this summer fruit dessert. Pick the one that fits your schedule and taste, and enjoy a scrumptious chocolate cherry dump cake.
Tips for Working with Cake Mix and Butter
Creating a tasty boxed cake mix dessert starts with the right mix of cake mix and butter. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between these two key ingredients. This balance is what makes a semi-homemade cake truly special.
For the best results, use about ¾ of an 18-ounce box of cake mix, which is roughly 3 cups. This amount ensures the cake and toppings are in harmony. It prevents the cake from overpowering the cherries and other fillings.
- Thinly slice cold butter and arrange the slices evenly over the cake mix. This creates a buttery, crunchy topping.
- Or, melt the butter and mix it with the cake mix before sprinkling it over the cherries. This method gives a different texture, with the melted butter making the topping more cohesive.
Whether you melt the butter or use it sliced, make sure it’s spread evenly. This ensures a consistent texture in your chocolate cherry dump cake.
| Ingredient | Ratio | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Cake Mix | 3 cups (¾ of an 18-ounce box) | Around 50% |
| Butter | To Taste | Around 25-30% |
By using these tips, you’ll make a delicious boxed cake mix dessert. It will have the perfect mix of cake and butter in your semi-homemade cake.
“The secret to a great dump cake lies in the careful interplay of the cake mix and butter, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.”
Slow Cooker vs. Oven Method
There are two ways to make a delicious chocolate cherry dump cake. You can bake it in the oven or use a slow cooker. Both ways make the cake tasty, but the texture and cooking time might differ.
Traditional Oven Instructions
For baking in the oven, heat it to 350°F. Grease a baking dish and mix the easy chocolate dessert ingredients in it. This includes the cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and the cake is done.
Crockpot Cooking Guide
For a slow cooker, layer the chocolate cherry dump cake ingredients in a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours. Check if it’s done after 2 hours because cooking times can vary. The slow cooker version is often more cakey than the oven-baked one.
| Method | Cooking Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 45-60 minutes | Crumbly top |
| Slow Cooker | 2.5-3 hours | Cakey |
Whether you choose the oven or slow cooker, you’ll get a moist and tasty chocolate cherry dump cake. It’s great for any event. Enjoy!
Creative Variations and Substitutions
The chocolate cherry dump cake is very versatile. You can mix and match different fruits and cake flavors to make your own summer dessert. It’s a fun way to try new things and impress your guests.
Try using apple, blueberry, or peach instead of cherry pie filling. You can also change the cake mix to vanilla, yellow, or spice. This lets you create a dessert that’s just right for you.
Adding nuts or chocolate chips can make the cake even better. If you need to, you can use a dairy-free butter instead of regular butter. This makes the chocolate cherry dump cake more inclusive for everyone.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn a simple chocolate cherry dump cake into something special. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends.
| Ingredient | Weight or Amount |
|---|---|
| Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake Mix | 15.25 ounces |
| Betty Crocker Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix | Approximately 13.25 ounces |
| Jell-O Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix | 5.9 ounces |
| Whole Milk | 2 1/2 cups |
| Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 10 ounces |
The chocolate cherry dump cake recipe makes a 9×13-inch cake. You can try many different flavors and ingredients. These tips will help you make your own delicious summer desserts.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Your delicious potluck cake or easy chocolate dessert, the chocolate cherry dump cake, can be enjoyed again. Just follow the right storage and reheating steps. This way, you can enjoy this tasty treat for days.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your chocolate cherry dump cake fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the cake moist and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the dump cake. Place leftover slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
To warm up the chocolate cherry dump cake, you have a few options. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and warm it for 15-20 minutes. For the microwave, heat in 20-30 second intervals, checking often to avoid overcooking.
Enjoy a slice straight from the fridge or after reheating. This easy chocolate dessert is perfect with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Savor the rich flavors of the chocolate cherry dump cake anytime.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 41mg |
| Sodium | 432mg |
| Potassium | 123mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Vitamin A | 473IU |
| Calcium | 59mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Conclusion
The Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that mixes chocolate’s richness with cherries’ sweetness. It’s loved by many because it’s easy to make and suits all skill levels. With just a few ingredients and little prep, you can make a stunning dessert for any event.
This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or potluck parties. It impresses everyone and satisfies their sweet cravings. You can use store-bought cherry pie filling or make your own cherry filling. Either way, it’s a hit with everyone.
The Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a standout in the “dump cake” world. Its mix of chocolate and cherries is both comforting and indulgent. Try it out and make it a new favorite in your baking collection.
