Craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this incredible Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a delicious homemade treat without the fuss. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this easy dessert requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing classic, updated for modern tastes.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
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For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
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For the Cherry Topping:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
This simple, step-by-step guide ensures baking success, even for novice bakers.
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is key for a consistent cake texture.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Add the buttermilk, oil, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so aim for a smooth batter without overworking it.
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Layer the Cherry Filling: Pour the cherry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking pan. If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the cherry filling.
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Pour Batter Over Filling: Gently pour the cake batter over the cherry filling. Don't worry about mixing it; the beauty of this dump cake is its simplicity!
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely before serving. This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance (optional).
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Feel free to substitute other pie fillings, like blueberry or strawberry, for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar by ¼ cup.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and gluten-free flour.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl in a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cherry filling and the cake batter for an extra decadent treat.
- Spiced Cherry: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This easy chocolate cherry dump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or simply enjoying a delicious dessert at home. The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet cherries is irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it ideal for even the busiest cooks. Enjoy!