This chocolate cherry dump cake only requires 3 ingredients and it is the moistest cake packed with sweet cherries you will ever make. Perfect dessert.
This chocolate cherry dump cake is now on the top of our list of favorites. With just 3 ingredients it is a throw it together and bake kind of dessert your whole family will love. Oh how we love easy dump cake recipes here on The Typical Mom. (originally published 12/18, affiliate links present)
3 Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Last year we made cherry brownies that are a bit similar to our cherry Devils food cake but not quite as fluffy. 😉 Both are just amazing…you can’t go wrong with either one really.
These both only require 3 ingredients which is great. Super handy especially when company comes over unexpectedly, or you just need a chocolate fix fast! Let’s get going with this Duncan Hines chocolate cake with cherry pie filling.
Chocolate Dump Cake
If you’re unfamiliar with dump cakes they are just that, dump a few ingredients in a bowl, stir, throw it in a pan and bake! You wouldn’t think that NOT following directions on the cake box would turn out so well but I’m convinced that mixing just about anything with a can of pie filling = a yum success of sorts. 😉
- Mix in your can of cherry pie filling last
- Use a spatula and very gently fold them in so the cherries don’t totally break apart
- Do NOT over bake your cherry chocolate cake
- Take out immediately when the middle of the cake springs back when you gently touch the center.
Use a 13×9 pan sprayed with a bit of non stick spray and you’re set to throw it into the oven. If you use a smaller 9×9 type of size it will take longer to bake until the middle comes out clean.
If you use any sort of fruit inside of a cake you do want to refrigerate the leftovers. It will spoil faster with canned or fresh produce inside for sure and make it more wet causing a strange texture. Instead, transfer to a plate and cover with plastic wrap or foil tightly.
Absolutely! Typically I will serve this cherry pie filling dump cake warm right out of the oven. With the leftovers though I’ll store in the fridge in a container and enjoy cold the next day. There isn’t a need to reheat that to enjoy again, but you could either way.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Of course it is plenty sweet enough served alone but if you want to really want to go all out you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream too….OH MY.
- Box of chocolate cake mix – I like this one
- Moist Betty Crocker dry cake mix is great
- Use any flavor, black forest is great too
- Yellow cake mix can be used for a totally different flavor
- Eggs
- Can of cherry pie filling is so versatile, we use the same one in our cherry cheesecake money bread.
- Mini chocolate chips – optional if you want MORE chocolate
- Baking dish – we used 9×13″ pan
You can find a few varieties of the filling at the store. Typically they will offer store brands, name brands, regular and low sugar. Sometimes you might find a sugar free variety too. I like regular because we aren’t counting calories here and I don’t like artificial sweeteners at all.
Pie Filling Dump Cake Recipes
You can use other flavors too, and search pie filling on our site for other options you will love just as much after you enjoy this one. If you love chocolate you’re going to go crazy over this chocolate cherry dump cake recipe for sure. Allow it to cool and set up but served warm it is great. Add a scoop of ice cream on top and WOWy!
- Dump peach cobbler has been a hit for years.
- Cherry pineapple dump cake is shown below and oh so good.
- Pumpkin angel food cake isn’t just for Fall!
- Our Coca Cola chocolate cake is pretty amazing if you’re a chocoholic like I am too.
- Our cherry pie dump cake is amazing with only 3 ingredients too. It uses melted butter instead of eggs in case you need an egg free option.
If you want to make something in your pressure cooker instead, give our Instant Pot bread pudding a whirl. A bit more work but worth it.
Can I just add chocolate chips to cake mix?
No, you need some sort of sauce or liquid to turn mix into a thick batter. You can add chocolate chips into the mix before baking for sure like we did here, and with our 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins. Another great add in with cake mix recipes is dried cranberries and/or chopped nuts.
You need to add enough liquid to moisten the dry cake mix. Adding an egg or two will create a fluffier texture too. Some are layered with butter while others like this chocolate dump cake are mixed together.
You can certainly leave it in the pan until you’re ready to eat it on the countertop for a few hours. If you have leftovers after serving, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
They say Duncan Hines tops the list. I have used many brands over the years and I can’t say there is a whole lot of difference between them other than the price. I tend to grab whatever is on sale really.
I have only made homemade apple pie filling which you could use instead. If you wanted to make your own just add: 2/3 c sugar, 1/4 c cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1.5 c water + 2 Tbsp. lemon juice.
Bring to a boil, then add 4 c fresh tart cherries, pitted. Cook for a few more minutes, then allow to cool.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake with Cake Mix
Here’s the printable recipe to follow that includes nutritional information, saturated fat and other info below. Keep it on hand to make again or just come back to The Typical Mom blog to find the instructions again!
Here is a quick step by step; Mix together cake mix and your eggs so batter is smooth. Add cherry pie filling to cake mix batter and use a spatula to gently mix it together. Fold in chocolate chips if desired too.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray non stick spray into a 13×9 cake pan and pour batter in, evenly distribute across pan so it is the same thickness across.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until middle springs back when touched gently in the center of the cake. Allow to cool if you want slices to cut smoothly and not break apart.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream on top or as is.
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Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 9×13 pan
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix devil’s food
- 3 eggs
- 1 can cherry pie filling 21 oz
- 1/2 c mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Mix together cake mix and your eggs so batter is smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add cherry pie filling to cake mix batter and use a spatula to gently mix it together. Fold in chocolate chips if desired too.
- Spray non stick spray into a 13×9 cake pan and pour batter in, evenly distribute across pan so it is the same thickness across.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until middle springs back when touched gently in the center of the cake.
- Allow to cool if you want slices to cut smoothly and not break apart, serve with vanilla ice cream on top or as is.
Video
Debbie
Tuesday 31st of August 2021
I can’t wait to make these dump cake. I have a sister that can’t open a can by herself. I read this recipe to her. SHE SAID THAT SHE IS GOING TO TRY TO MAKE IT. Miracles do happen. Thanks so much.
Jupiter
Friday 2nd of September 2022
@Debbie, how is she going to make it if she can't open the can of cherry pie filling?
Judy
Saturday 1st of August 2020
How to store and how long will it keep?? I want to make it for my upcoming Drs appointments
Debbie
Friday 17th of April 2020
I have the cake in the oven. Just had a thought...has anyone tried it with a chocolate glaze on top (lightly microwaving a tub of frosting)?
The Typical Mom
Saturday 18th of April 2020
You could totally do that