If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite but doesn’t demand hours of kitchen time, the Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This wonderfully easy-to-make dish captures the luscious flavors of cherry and rich chocolate in a moist, tender cake with a perfectly crisp topping, all layered effortlessly in one pan. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic Black Forest cake experience without any fuss or fancy techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples coming together to create something truly irresistible. Each ingredient plays its part: the cherry pie filling brings that vibrant, juicy sweetness, the chocolate cake mix lends deep cocoa warmth, and butter adds richness and helps form the crisp, golden crust.
- Cherry pie filling, 2 cans (21 ounces each): Provides juicy bursts of fruity flavor and beautiful deep red color that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Chocolate cake mix, 1 box (13.25 ounces): An easy shortcut that ensures a tender crumb and intense cocoa taste without the extra steps.
- Butter, ¾ cup or 1½ sticks, cut into thin pats: Adds richness and is key to creating that signature crisp, golden topping as it melts over the cake mix.
How to Make Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350˚F. Giving it plenty of time to reach the perfect baking temperature ensures your cake will cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Pour and spread both cans of cherry pie filling into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This juicy base is what infuses the cake with tartness and moisture, bringing the classic Black Forest cherry flavor to the forefront.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Don’t worry about mixing—this “dump cake” is all about those distinct layers coming together during baking.
Step 4: Add the Butter Pats
Distribute thin pats of butter across the top of the cake mix layer. As the butter melts, it soaks into the dry mix, transforming it into a crisp and buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the luscious fruit underneath.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Crisp
Bake your Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe for 45 to 55 minutes. Look for bubbling edges around the dish and a crisp, lightly browned top to know it’s done. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and you can’t wait to dig in!
How to Serve Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top instantly elevates this dessert. Fresh cherries or shaved chocolate curls also add a fresh and elegant touch to the presentation, making it feel extra special for guests or family alike.
Side Dishes
Though this dump cake is often a perfect standalone dessert, it pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or a rich espresso to balance the sweetness. For a party, offering a chilled glass of milk or even a splash of cherry liqueur can complement the flavors brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake straight from the baking dish for a cozy, homey feel or scoop it into individual dessert dishes for a more refined look. You can also layer it with whipped cream and cherries in clear parfait glasses for a pretty, no-bake presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen with a little resting time, making slices even more delightful the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick treat anytime you crave that cherry-chocolate goodness.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to warm, simply pop individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm a portion in a 350˚F oven for 10-15 minutes. Adding a scoop of ice cream when warm is an absolute game changer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Fresh cherries can work if you simmer them with some sugar and a bit of cornstarch to mimic the consistency of pie filling, but the canned cherry pie filling is convenient and consistently delicious for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use the entire chocolate cake mix box?
Yes, using the full box ensures the right cake-to-fruit ratio, giving you that perfect balance between moist and crisp textures throughout the dessert.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure the cherry pie filling doesn’t contain gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert safely.
Why is it called a “dump cake”?
It’s called a dump cake because of its simplicity—ingredients are literally dumped and layered directly into the baking dish without mixing, making it quick and mess-free.
Can I substitute the butter with a different fat?
Butter provides the best flavor and crust texture, but if needed, margarine or coconut oil can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines bold cherry notes, rich chocolate, and a golden crunchy topping without a fuss, the Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe is pure perfection. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully simple—an absolute treasure to have in your recipe collection. Give it a try and soon it will be one of your favorite go-tos for every occasion.
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Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Black Forest Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert featuring layers of cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix topped with butter, baked until bubbly and crisp. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that captures the classic flavors of Black Forest cake without the fuss of frosting or multiple components.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces each)
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (13.25 ounces)
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks), cut into thin pats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the dump cake.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Spread the entire contents of the two cans of cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a juicy base.
- Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the cherry filling, covering it completely to form the next layer.
- Top with Butter: Distribute the pats of butter uniformly over the dry cake mix to help it melt during baking and create a crispy, rich topping.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top crust is crisp and slightly golden, indicating it’s fully cooked.
Notes
- Use a baking dish measuring approximately 9×13 inches for the best results.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings for variety.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience.
- This recipe is quick and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
