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Chocolate cherry dump cake bliss offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and the sweet tartness of cherry pie filling. This dessert delivers moist, gooey layers with minimal effort, capturing a comforting yet indulgent treat for any occasion. Its simplicity and nostalgic charm make it popular for family dinners, potlucks, and celebrations, evoking warm memories and delighting taste buds with every bite.
Quick Facts About Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Bliss
This easy chocolate cherry dump cake bliss takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 40 minutes to bake, serving 8 generous portions. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and naturally vegetarian. The dessert uses common pantry ingredients: chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter, making it an accessible option for quick baking needs.
What Is Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Bliss?
Chocolate cherry dump cake bliss is a no-fuss dessert where boxed chocolate cake mix is “dumped” over canned cherry pie filling, then topped with butter and baked. This results in a delightfully moist, slightly crusty chocolate topping with a luscious cherry filling underneath. It is influenced by classic American comfort food traditions, offering a modern twist through simplicity and rich flavor.
Origins & Inspiration Behind This Recipe
This cake’s inspiration stems from old-fashioned dump cakes popular in mid-century American cooking, which were designed to minimize prep and maximize flavor. Combining chocolate and cherries elevates the traditional technique to a decadent dessert ideal for modern palates. It embraces nostalgic flavors while catering to busy lifestyles, making it a go-to choice for home bakers seeking quick yet impressive sweets.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Bliss
The appeal lies in its luxurious texture contrast—the tender and rich chocolate cake complemented by the juicy, vibrant cherries. It’s easy to assemble without compromising flavor, perfect for last-minute dessert needs. The gooey butter adds richness, while the pie filling provides bursts of fruity sweetness, making it a universally crowd-pleasing dish ideal for all seasons.
Ingredients & Notes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling, divided
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: chocolate chips (1/2 cup) for added richness
Note: Use full-fat butter for the best moisture and flavor. For a healthier twist, substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries and add a bit of sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour one can of cherry pie filling evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle half the chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle half the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Repeat layers: add the second can of cherry pie filling, then the remaining cake mix, and drizzle with butter.
- Optionally sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Every Time
Use room-temperature butter melted gently to ensure even soaking in the cake mix for perfect moistness. Avoid mixing layers; the distinct separation creates a characteristic texture. Bake until bubbly to ensure warming through the pie filling. Let the cake cool slightly for easier slicing and enhanced flavor melding.
Variations, Swaps & Add-Ins
Experiment with adding chopped nuts between layers for crunch, or swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry or peach for seasonal twists. For chocolate lovers, extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of ganache over the cooled cake adds richness. Use gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary preferences without compromising taste.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cherry pie filling, a staple in this recipe, contributes a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the chocolate’s richness. The cake mix acts as a convenient base, offering a moist and tender crumb when baked with butter. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious and easy-to-prepare dessert with classic appeal.
Serving Suggestions (Presentation & Plating)
Serve this cake warm in rustic white ceramic dishes, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to contrast textures and flavors. Garnish plates with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add festive presentation, perfect for holiday or family occasions.
Best Sides to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Bliss
Pair this gooey delight with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh fruit salad. Lightly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon provides a complementary texture to the dense cake. For adults, a glass of robust red wine or cherry liqueur enhances the dessert’s fruitiness.
Flavor Pairing & Beverage Match
This dessert pairs beautifully with bold coffee or a rich cup of hot chocolate. For adult gatherings, cherry-infused cocktails or a glass of merlot harmonize with the chocolate and cherry notes, enhancing the indulgent experience.
Make-Ahead & Storage Guide
Chocolate cherry dump cake bliss stores well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore gooey texture. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Budget & Pantry Strategy
Using pantry staples like boxed cake mix and canned filling reduces costs compared to scratch baking. This recipe is budget-friendly, leveraging long shelf-life ingredients that create an impressive dessert without expensive specialty items.
Scaling for a Crowd
To serve larger groups, double the ingredients and bake in a larger 9×15-inch pan, adjusting bake time to about 50–55 minutes. The recipe scales well, maintaining the same layering and baking method for consistent texture and flavor.
Weeknight Workflow Planner
Prepare the layers in the baking dish after work and refrigerate briefly before baking. This plan allows launching the oven when ready, perfectly timing dessert for family dinners without last-minute rushes. Leftovers serve as quick snacks or lunchbox treats.
Kids & Family Friendly Adaptations
To appeal to kids, use mini chocolate chips and decrease the butter slightly for less richness. Serve with kid-favorite toppings like sprinkles or marshmallow cream for extra fun. This dessert is great for family gatherings due to its simple flavors and easy portioning.
Troubleshooting & Fixes
If the cake is dry, check the butter quantity and consider adding a bit more melted butter next time to enhance moistness. A too-runny filling? Bake longer uncovered to let excess liquid evaporate. For uneven cooking, ensure an even layer spread and rotate the pan mid-bake.
Cultural or Seasonal Context
Chocolate cherry dump cake bliss evokes classic mid-century American comfort desserts yet fits seamlessly into modern holiday and seasonal menus. Its cherry component makes it especially popular in summer and winter, bridging fresh and preserved fruits in one simple dish.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely, just ensure it has a thick consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cake mix and verify pie filling labels to ensure gluten-free status.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerated for up to a week.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
Technique Highlights for Moistness
Achieving the perfect moist texture in chocolate cherry dump cake bliss relies on the interplay between cake mix and melted butter. The butter soaks into the cake mix, keeping the crumb tender while the cherry filling’s natural juices create a syrupy base. Use room temperature butter and distribute evenly for best results.
Planning for Holiday Baking
Chocolate cherry dump cake bliss is ideal for holiday baking because it requires minimal prep time and common pantry ingredients. It’s a versatile dessert that pairs well with festive drinks and can be doubled to feed holiday crowds without extra effort.
Nutritional Insights
While indulgent, this dessert offers some nutritional benefits from cherries, which contain antioxidants and vitamins. Portion control and serving with lighter sides help maintain a balanced diet during celebrations without sacrificing flavor.
Serving with Style
Presentation boosts the dessert’s appeal—simple garnishes like fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder elevate the look. Choosing rustic or elegant serving dishes depends on the occasion and enhances the user experience.
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PrintChocolate Cherry Dump Cake
A deliciously easy chocolate cherry dump cake with rich chocolate, sweet cherry pie filling, and buttery layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
2 cans cherry pie filling (21 oz each)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour one can of cherry pie filling evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half the chocolate cake mix over the cherry filling.
4. Drizzle half the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
5. Repeat layers with second can of cherry pie filling, remaining cake mix, and butter.
6. Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for best results.
Substitute fresh cherries and sugar for pie filling if preferred.
Freeze leftovers up to 3 months.