Introduction
Have you ever craved something sweet and comforting that comes together in a flash? Imagine a warm slice of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake that bursts with rich cocoa and tangy cherries. The aroma wafts through your kitchen as it bakes, promising a delightful treat for any occasion. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy gathering or a family celebration.
Every bite of this luscious treat brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The velvety chocolate mingles effortlessly with juicy cherries, creating a harmony that tantalizes your taste buds. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is sure to become your go-to recipe for sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Quick and Easy Preparation: One of the best things about this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is how simple it is to make. With minimal ingredients and steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time. Just mix the ingredients directly in the baking dish—no special equipment needed!
Rich Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate and cherries creates an irresistible flavor profile that is both decadent and refreshing. The richness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherries, offering a delightful balance that will keep you coming back for more.
Versatile Serving Options: This delicious cake can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Whether you prefer it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream, it adapts beautifully to your serving style. It’s an excellent choice for potlucks, dinner parties, or even just a cozy night at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From birthdays to holiday gatherings, this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake fits right into any celebration. Its appealing appearance and delightful taste make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Use any brand you prefer; it’s the foundation of your cake’s rich flavor.
- Canned Cherries: Opt for pitted cherries in syrup for added sweetness and moisture.
- Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind all the ingredients together.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
- Cherry Pie Filling: A can of cherry pie filling enhances the cherry flavor and ensures moisture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking as your delicious creation rises.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier later.
Mix Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the chocolate cake mix with eggs and melted butter until just mixed—no need to over-mix!
Add Cherries: Pour canned cherries over the batter evenly. Then add cherry pie filling on top for extra flavor and moisture.
Bake Until Done: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end!
Cool and Serve: Allow your cake to cool slightly before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cocoa powder and fresh cherries enhance flavor significantly; don’t skimp on these components.
Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Every oven varies; check your cake around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Add Toppings Wisely: Consider topping slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream right before serving for an extra indulgent experience.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Experiment With Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or different fruits like raspberries along with cherries for unique variations!
Mistakes to avoid
Not Using Quality Ingredients
Using low-quality materials can significantly impact your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake’s flavor and texture. Always choose fresh cherries or high-quality cherry pie filling. If you prefer to use powdered cake mix, select a reputable brand. This choice affects not just taste but also the overall outcome of your dessert. Remember, the best cakes start with the best ingredients, so don’t compromise on quality.
Skipping the Cooling Time
After baking, it may be tempting to dive right into your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake. However, skipping the cooling time can result in a gooey and messy serving. Allow the cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into it. This cooling process helps the cake set and improves its structure, making it easier to serve and enhancing its overall flavor experience.
Overmixing the Batter
When preparing the batter for your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake, it’s crucial not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake instead of a light and fluffy one. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed; lumps are okay! This technique preserves the cake’s airy texture, allowing it to rise beautifully in the oven while maintaining its delightful richness.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments.
Ice Cream
Serve warm slices of your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture complements the rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a delightful contrast. For an extra flair, consider drizzling chocolate syrup or adding whipped cream on top.
Fresh Berries
Pair this cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing side. Their natural sweetness and acidity enhance the cake’s flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable. Plus, the vibrant colors add a beautiful touch to your dessert presentation.
Coffee or Tea
Enjoy a slice of Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the drink balances the richness of the cake, making it an ideal afternoon treat or a cozy dessert after dinner.
Chocolate Sauce
For chocolate lovers, drizzling extra chocolate sauce over each slice before serving can elevate your dessert experience. This indulgent addition adds more depth to the already rich flavors of the dump cake, ensuring every bite is decadent.
FAQs
What is a Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake?
A Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a simple dessert that combines chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling and butter. You just “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without mixing them, leading to an easy yet delicious cake that features rich chocolate flavor and tart cherries in every bite.
How long does Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake can last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices for up to three months, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful dessert whenever you crave it.
Can I make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time! You can assemble the ingredients and store them separately until you’re ready to bake. This allows you to enjoy fresh cake without all the prep work on serving day.
What variations can I try with Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake?
You can customize your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake by experimenting with different fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry. Additionally, consider adding nuts for crunch or using different flavored cake mixes to create unique combinations that suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an incredibly easy yet satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. Its combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love. Pair it with ice cream for added creaminess or fresh berries for a refreshing touch. This versatile dessert keeps well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether enjoyed on its own or alongside beverages like coffee and tea, this dump cake is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Description
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a heavenly dessert that effortlessly combines the deep richness of chocolate with the tangy sweetness of cherries. This easy-to-make cake requires minimal effort, as you simply dump all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. The result is a moist, decadent cake that’s perfect for any occasion—be it family gatherings, celebrations, or cozy nights at home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will delight everyone. With options to customize toppings or even swap in different fruit fillings, this versatile dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix
- Canned pitted cherries
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the baking dish, combine chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs until just mixed.
- Pour canned cherries evenly over the batter, then add cherry pie filling on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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