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This chocolate cherry dump cake is crazy simple to make. It's one of those treats that seems like you're taking a shortcut but ends up tasting incredible. When you mix sweet cherries with chocolate and top it with melty vanilla ice cream, folks always ask for more.
The Simplest Cake You'll Ever Whip Up
The name dump cake might sound weird but it's actually brilliant. You just toss everything into a pan and stick it in the oven. No beating, no careful measurements - just throw it together and let it work its magic. It's perfect when you want something yummy without any hassle.
What You'll Need
- Cherry Pie Filling: Get two cans for an extra fruity experience.
- Almond Extract: A tiny bit enhances the cherry flavor amazingly.
- Cake Mix: Devil's food cake mix gives that rich chocolate taste.
- Butter: Cut it into thin pieces for even melting across the top.
Let's Put It All Together
- Prep Your Dish
- Coat a 13×9 baking dish with butter and warm your oven to 350°F - super straightforward.
- Begin With Fruit
- Stir the almond extract into your cherry filling then spread it across the bottom.
- Sprinkle The Mix
- Dump that cake mix over your cherries without stirring anything.
- Finish With Butter
- Place those skinny butter slices all over the cake mix trying to cover the whole surface.
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Baking Instructions
Stick your creation in the 350°F oven and let it cook for around 45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top looks fully baked and you can spot cherry juice bubbling up around the sides.
Making It Irresistible
I love serving this warm with a hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. There's nothing better than watching that ice cream slowly melt into the hot chocolate cherry mixture - it's basically dessert heaven.
Storage Tips
Got some left? Just wrap the pan in aluminum foil. It'll stay tasty on the counter for a day or two, or keep it in the fridge up to a week. A quick 30 seconds in the microwave brings back all that warm goodness.
Fresh Cherry Option
I sometimes make this with cherries from the farmers market. Just mix about 5 cups of pitted cherries with sugar and cornstarch. That little bit of almond extract works wonders here too.
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Achieving Golden Perfection
For that beautiful golden crust, cut your butter really thin. I've also tried melting it with a splash of milk before pouring it over everything - makes for an extra fluffy texture.
A Creative Switch
Try this cool trick - use a can of soda instead of butter. Cherry cola or Sprite works great and makes the cake super airy with extra flavor notes.
Crockpot Version
When my day gets hectic, I throw this in my slow cooker. Layer everything the same way and cook on low for about 4 hours. Your whole house will smell amazing.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
This is what I bring to every gathering. It travels so well and everyone wants to know how I made it - they can't believe it's so easy.
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Romantic Valentine Treat
Chocolate and cherries go hand in hand for Valentine's Day. Sometimes I add extra chocolate drizzle on top when I want to make it extra special.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to switch things up. Try vanilla extract instead of almond or swap in chocolate fudge cake mix. Cooking should be fun - just play around with it.
Ice Cream Pairings
While I usually go for vanilla ice cream, chocolate or cherry flavors work great too. Sometimes I let everyone pick their favorite by setting up a small ice cream station.
Easy Cleanup
Another bonus with this dessert is the minimal cleanup. You'll only dirty one pan and maybe a spoon. That means more time to actually enjoy your treat.
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The Essential Flavor Booster
That tiny bit of almond extract seems so small but makes such a big difference. It really brings out the cherry flavor in ways you wouldn't expect.
Simpler Than Cobbler
Many folks tell me this reminds them of cobbler but without all the work. You get that wonderful fruit base and buttery top layer with barely any effort.
An Any-Season Dessert
We love this treat year-round even though it's great for Valentine's Day. Try switching it up with peaches during summer or blueberries in springtime.
Homey Comfort Dessert
There's something really special about sharing this warm gooey dessert with friends and family. It's not fancy but that's what makes it so wonderful - real comfort food at its best.
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Final Thoughts
This no-fuss dessert combines cherries and chocolate for a rich sweet treat, made with ease and impressing everyone with its flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What makes it a dump cake?
You layer the ingredients straight in the pan with no stirring or mixing, which makes it super simple to prepare.
- → How do I know it’s ready?
Once the top is baked evenly and the cherry filling bubbles through, in about 45-50 minutes. It’s okay if some dry spots show.
- → Do I need almond extract?
It’s optional! Almond extract adds extra flavor that pairs well with cherries, but the cake is just as tasty without it.
- → What’s the best way to serve this?
Warm it up and pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The hot cake and cool topping combo is so good!
- → How long can I store it?
It’ll last 2-3 days on the counter or up to a week in the fridge. Microwave slices to reheat them when you’re ready to eat.