I love making this 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake when I need a quick dessert that tastes rich and comforting without much effort. The combination of sweet cherries and chocolate creates a warm, gooey dessert that feels homemade even though it comes together with minimal ingredients. I like serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it is incredibly easy and requires almost no prep work. I simply layer the ingredients, bake, and let the oven do the work. The cherry filling becomes bubbly and sweet while the chocolate cake mix turns rich and fudgy. I also like that this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box chocolate cake mix
2 cans cherry pie filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
I spread the cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
I sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling without stirring.
I drizzle the melted butter across the top, making sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
I bake the dump cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top looks set and slightly crisp.
I let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add chocolate chips on top before baking for extra richness. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a nice crunch. If I want a deeper flavor, I use dark chocolate cake mix instead of regular chocolate cake mix. I also like adding a little almond extract to the cherry filling for a bakery-style taste.

storage/reheating

I store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I want to enjoy it again, I reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. I can also warm the entire baking dish in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, I can use fresh cherries, but I usually cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to create a pie filling texture.

Do I need to mix the cake mix with the filling?

No, I leave the cake mix dry on top because that helps create the classic dump cake texture.

What if some dry spots remain on top?

I try to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible, but a few dry spots are normal in dump cakes.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake it earlier in the day and reheat it slightly before serving.

What should I serve with this cake?

I love serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Conclusion

I love how simple and satisfying this 3-Ingredient Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is. It delivers rich chocolate flavor and sweet cherries with almost no effort, making it one of my favorite quick desserts.