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Freshly baked chocolate dump cake with melted chips and golden top

Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe Tips: Simple, Sweet, and Full of Memories

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This chocolate dump cake is a rich, gooey dessert that brings back warm memories from Mama Lou’s kitchen. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s the easiest way to turn everyday ingredients into a nostalgic, chocolatey treat—no mixer required.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into pats

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp espresso powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Add the filling: Pour the cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  3. Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the filling—don’t mix it in!
  4. Add butter: Distribute the pats of butter over the top of the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
  5. Optional toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips, nuts, or spices over the top if using. This is where you can add your own twist.
  6. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top looks golden and bubbly and the center is set.
  7. Cool and serve: Let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine won’t give the same richness.
  • Try swapping cherry pie filling for raspberry or strawberry for a fruity twist.
  • If your cake mix looks dry mid-bake, drizzle a bit of melted butter or milk over dry spots.
  • Make it nut-free by skipping the pecans or swapping them with shredded coconut.
  • Looking for a lighter version? Try our White Chocolate Cake instead.
  • Author: Chef Sofia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 340mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg