Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe with Fudge Layer

This rich Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake recipe is kicked up a notch with the addition of a layer of fudge. Ooey Gooey delicious is the result! This may just be the ultimate easy dessert for anyone who loves chocolate covered cherries.

As a recipe developer, I have tested and perfected this chocolate cherry dump cake recipe to ensure it’s both delicious and foolproof. The easy dessert recipe uses just 4 ingredients available at most grocery stores, a baking pan and has a prep time of just 5 minutes making it convenient for everyone. All you need is cake mix, pie filling, fudge sauce and butter. Dump cakes are pretty much foolproof, so great for beginner bakers.

Chocolate Dump Cake with Cherry Filling

This chocolate and cherry dump cake may not be the prettiest cake you make anytime soon, but it is mighty tasty.  It's super easy to make too. Even with the addition of the rich fudge layer, the recipe is only four ingredients! It only takes about 5 minutes to prepare for the oven.

If you are a bit incredulous about how that works out, no worries, I have step-by-step visual directions below (perfect for new cooks or those who learn better visually).

Fudge Dump Cake

Honestly, I probably would have just made a standard 3 ingredient chocolate cherry dump cake had it not been for how delicious the Caramel Apple Dump Cake I made recently came out. I thought why not elevate the chocolatiness of this dessert. The additions was a big hit and if you like topping your chocolate cherry flavor cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or big dollop of whipped cream like I do, the combination is awesome.

For another delicious chocolate dump cake, try my Oreo Dump Cake. It is my daughter's favorite!

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Here is that visual walk through of the easy to make chocolate cherry dump cake recipe that I promised you. A full printable recipe card is below also.

The recipe makes 10 servings.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this delicious chocolate fudge and cherry dump cake.

• 1-2 cans of cherry pie filling
• 6 oz hot fudge sauce , ½ of most available jars (a tub of softened chocolate frosting can be swapped)
• 1 box chocolate cake mix, devil's food or brownie mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter , 1 ½ sticks

For extra chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips too.

First, apply non-stick cooking spray to the inside of your baking dish and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

For your first layer, dump your canned cherry pie filling into the baking pan and spread it out.

Tip: Do not stir the layers. The fruit and topping layers should remain separate; they will barely mix in the oven, creating a cobbler style dessert.

Now slather half a jar of fudge sauce over the cherries.

Finally, drizzle melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix. It will soak in during the baking process and create a delicious crust.

Place in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until top of cake is firm to touch and dark around the edges.

Cool for 10 minutes for a hot cake or cool to room temperature.

Serving

The chocolate cherry dessert is best to serve warm, topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, as shown here. Chocolate syrup is also nice drizzled over the top of the cake and ice cream. Sprinkle on some chocolate chips, shaved chocolate, coconut flakes, or even chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Why not add maraschino cherries or even fresh cherries on top while you are at it!

Cherry Chocolate Dump Cake Variations

Here are a few different add-ins and approaches to making the dump cake.

Slow Cooker Version: This dessert can also be made in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as above, cover, and cook on high for 2 to 2.5 hours (low for about 4 hours) or until the top is set and the filling is bubbling. For more information and tips on making a dump cake in a crock pot, see my Crock Pot Cherry Dump Cake recipe.

Cold Butter Method: Rather than using melted butter, cold butter slices (cut into thin slices) can be evenly distributed over the top of the dry cake mix to create the butter layer. You can also grate frozen butter over the cake mix for even coverage. Using cold butter slices or grated frozen butter helps prevent dry cake mix spots. I've had success with all three of these methods (melted, cold and frozen).

Additions: Of course you can add to the dump cake and the recipe is quite forgiving. If you don't have fudge on-hand or want even more chocolate flavor, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the cake mix before baking. For those wanting a thicker fruit layer, use two cans of cherry pie filling rather than one (bake time will be slightly increased). Nuts can add texture and richness to the dump cake, and coarsely chopped walnuts are a perfect choice.

Storing

Store the casserole dish in the fridge covered well with plastic wrap or package leftovers in an airtight container. Cool completely, then promptly package and refrigerate (within 2 hours).

This dump cake is good for a 3-4 days in the refrigerator, but then it should be tossed. [ref] Much like a pie, this dessert shouldn't be left out at room temperature for extended periods of time. Unless it is being eaten within a matter of a day it should be refrigerated.

I this this cherries and chocolate dessert would be great served anytime, but it would be perfect for a Valentine's or Christmas dessert.

More Dump Cake Recipes

If you are looking for more easy recipes for desserts check out some of my other dump cakes. My Peach Dump Cake  recipe is especially popular. The Strawberry Dump Cake and Pumpkin Dump Cake recipes are not to be missed either though. I also have a yummy blueberry dump cake and a cranberry dump cake that is perfect for fall and winter (not pictured).

For an easy non-dump cake recipe, try my hot chocolate cake. It is a delicious depression era recipe made with limited ingredients.