Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for those who crave simplicity without sacrificing flavor. This recipe, reminiscent of the easy-to-love style of Pioneer Woman, is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Imagine the lusciousness of cherry pie filling mingling with the rich decadence of chocolate cake, all topped with buttery goodness and baked to golden perfection. It’s a ‘dump and bake’ dream come true for busy bakers and sweet treat enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this chocolate cherry dump cake.
Close up of a spoonful of chocolate cherry dump cake being scooped from a white skillet, showcasing the cherry filling and chocolate cake.
The Magic of Dump Cakes: Effortless Baking
Dump cakes have earned their stellar reputation for a reason: they are incredibly easy to make. The beauty lies in their no-fuss approach – simply ‘dump’ all the ingredients into a pan and bake. This chocolate cherry version takes that ease and elevates it with a classic flavor combination. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in when you desire a homemade dessert without the hassle of complicated recipes. This recipe embodies the spirit of home-style cooking championed by figures like the Pioneer Woman, making deliciousness accessible to everyone.
Step-by-step process of making chocolate cherry dump cake: pouring cherry pie filling into a pan and topping with pats of butter over cake mix.
Crafting Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
To embark on this baking adventure, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Gather a box of your favorite chocolate cake mix, two cans of delectable cherry pie filling, a touch of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor, and some cold butter.
Let’s get started:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch oven-safe skillet or a 9×13-inch baking pan. The skillet adds a charming rustic touch, echoing Pioneer Woman’s kitchen aesthetic.
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared pan, followed by a teaspoon of almond extract. Gently mix these together, ensuring an even layer of cherry goodness across the bottom.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Try to cover the entire surface, reaching all the way to the edges of the pan.
- Slice the cold butter into thin pats and arrange them uniformly over the top of the cake mix. As the cake bakes, this butter will melt, creating a wonderfully buttery and slightly crisp topping.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the dump cake is beautifully golden brown and the cherry pie filling is bubbling invitingly around the edges.
Chocolate cherry dump cake served in a white skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Crockpot Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: A Slow Cooker Delight
For an even more hands-off approach, transform this recipe into a crockpot chocolate cherry dump cake. The process remains virtually identical, simply substituting your slow cooker for the oven.
- Grease your crockpot and pour in the cherry pie filling and almond extract.
- Top with the chocolate cake mix and pats of butter as described above.
- Cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, or until the cake is cooked through.
Elevating Your Dump Cake: Topping Ideas
While this chocolate cherry dump cake is divine on its own, toppings can elevate it to another level of indulgence. Classic choices like a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are always welcome. For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling homemade chocolate syrup over the top. The combination of warm dump cake, cold ice cream, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible.
Delicious chocolate cherry dump cake plated with vanilla ice cream and two forks, ready to be shared.
Storing Your Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chocolate cherry dump cake will keep well for 3-4 days, allowing you to savor this delightful treat a little longer.
Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake recipe. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing together the comforting flavors of cherry and chocolate in the simplest way possible, just like something you might find in the Pioneer Woman’s recipe collection.
