Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

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There is something incredibly comforting and joyful about a Chocolate Dump Cake, a dessert that melds rich chocolate, luscious fruit, and a buttery, crispy topping all in one easy-to-make treat. This Chocolate Dump Cake brings together the bright zing of cherry pie filling, the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple, and the deep, decadent flavor of chocolate cake mix in a way that feels homemade but without any fuss. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up last minute yet impress everyone with a mouthwatering slice of gooey, chocolaty goodness every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chocolate Dump Cake is in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one is essential to building the signature layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so addictive.

• Chocolate cake mix: This forms the sweet, chocolaty crumbly layer that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Cherry pie filling: Adds a vibrant burst of juicy tartness, balancing the richness perfectly.
• Crushed pineapple, undrained: Brings tropical sweetness and keeps the dessert moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the top layer with buttery richness and helps create that irresistible crisp crust.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For a little crunch and a pleasant nutty note, but feel free to skip if you’re nut-free.

How to Make Chocolate Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish—this size is just right for the layers to bake evenly and hold all the delicious components together.

Step 2: Layer the Fruit

Dump the cherry pie filling into the dish first, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Next, layer the crushed pineapple (don’t drain it!) over the cherries and spread it out. These juicy fruit layers create a wonderful sweet-tart and tropical base that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Cake Mix

Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the fruit. Try to distribute it so every corner is covered—this ensures that each bite has just the right amount of chocolaty cake to complement the fruit layers below.

Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter and Add Walnuts

Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. This step is key for giving the cake its signature crispy, buttery crust. If you love a bit of texture, scatter the chopped walnuts across the top—they toast up wonderfully during baking and add great contrast.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is bubbly and has developed a slightly crisp, golden crust. Let it cool a few minutes before digging in—that gooey chocolate and fruit filling is best enjoyed warm but not too hot.

How to Serve Chocolate Dump Cake

Garnishes

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect way to elevate your Chocolate Dump Cake. The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake. For a special touch, sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines best on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis on the side to complement the cherry and pineapple flavors. For a cozy night in, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this Chocolate Dump Cake in individual ramekins for personal portions that impress guests. You can also layer it parfait-style in clear glasses, alternating cake chunks with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a stunning presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. The cake may lose a bit of its crispness but will still be delicious and gooey when reheated gently.

Freezing

Do you want to make this ahead for later indulgence? You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Chocolate Dump Cake back to life, reheat in a preheated 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual servings for 20 to 30 seconds. Serving it warm helps revive the luscious, gooey texture and crispy topping that make this dessert irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use different fruit fillings in the Chocolate Dump Cake?

Absolutely! While cherry and pineapple create a classic flavor combination, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, raspberry, or even peach to put your own spin on the dessert.

Is it possible to make this Chocolate Dump Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version, and double-check that your pie filling and other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the process stays the same, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free treat.

Can I omit the walnuts if I don’t like nuts?

Of course! The walnuts are entirely optional and only add a bit of crunch. The cake is perfectly scrumptious without them, so feel free to leave them out if nuts aren’t your thing.

How sweet is the Chocolate Dump Cake?

This cake strikes a lovely balance between rich chocolate, sweet fruit, and buttery crispness. It’s sweet but not overpowering, and the fruit’s natural tartness keeps it from feeling too heavy or cloying.

What temperature should I bake the Chocolate Dump Cake at?

The ideal baking temperature is 350°F (175°C). This heat allows the cake to cook evenly, develop a bubbly fruit filling, and crisp up the top without burning the chocolate cake mix.

Final Thoughts

Making a Chocolate Dump Cake is like giving yourself a warm, chocolatey hug that’s easy to prepare but feels truly special. Whether you’re new to baking or need a quick but impressive dessert, this cake never disappoints. Go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful, gooey sensation—you’ll be so glad you did!

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