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Home » Recipes » Desserts

3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Published: May 22, 2025 by Janet · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dump cake recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want a homemade dessert without complicated steps. It’s quick, requires minimal ingredients, and uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Plus, the chocolate and cherry combo is a classic pairing that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix

  • ½ cup butter, melted

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.

  3. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling.

  4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.

  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the cake is set.

  6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: About 12

  • Prep time: 5 minutes

  • Cook time: 45 minutes

  • Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Use other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or apple for different flavor combinations.

  • Add a handful of chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.

  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon in the cake mix for a warm, spicy twist.

  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

storage/reheating

Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are "dumped" into a baking dish and baked, usually requiring no mixing.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes, homemade cherry pie filling works perfectly and can add a fresher flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten-free.

Is it possible to use fresh cherries instead of canned?

You can, but canned pie filling has added sugar and thickener that help with the cake’s texture.

Can I prepare this dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Make sure to spread the pie filling evenly and drizzle butter carefully to ensure proper baking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.

What can I substitute for butter?

You can use margarine or a butter substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I freeze the leftover dump cake?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Is this dessert suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It’s sweet, simple, and kid-friendly.

Conclusion

This 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is a no-fuss, delicious dessert that combines classic flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy schedules or last-minute cravings, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and tasty. Whether served warm on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.

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3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

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This 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is an incredibly simple yet delicious dessert that combines rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors in a moist, tender cake. Quick to prepare with pantry staples, it’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

  • Author: Janet
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: About 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

1 box chocolate cake mix

½ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling.
  4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
  5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the cake is set.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use other fruit pie fillings such as blueberry or apple for different flavor combinations.
  • Add a handful of chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture.
  • Sprinkle a little cinnamon in the cake mix for a warm, spicy twist.
  • Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
  • You can freeze leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx.)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Hi, I’m Janet! Welcome to Recipes by Janet, where I share simple, delicious, and reliable recipes for every meal.

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