Effortless Indulgence: The Ultimate Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe for Any Occasion
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prepare for the simplest yet most satisfying dessert experience with our irresistible Black Forest Dump Cake recipe. This culinary gem combines the lush sweetness of cherry pie filling, the deep, comforting notes of chocolate, and a final flourish of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Forget complex baking techniques and long ingredient lists. This isn’t your traditional Black Forest cake, which often requires multiple layers, precise frosting, and intricate decorating. Instead, this is the ultimate chocolate cherry cake for those who crave maximum flavor with minimal effort. All it takes is a box of cake mix, a can of luscious cherry pie filling, and some thinly sliced butter to bring this magical dessert to life. You’ll spend mere minutes on prep before it’s ready for the oven, leaving you more time to enjoy your day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat, a potluck showstopper, or a festive dessert for the holiday season, this 3-ingredient chocolate cherry dump cake delivers every time. Its ease of preparation makes it a fantastic go-to recipe, ensuring a delightful dessert is always within reach, even for novice bakers. The result is a wonderfully moist, rich cake with a delightful, slightly crispy topping, bursting with classic Black Forest flavors.
Why You’ll Adore This Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe
Dump cakes are renowned for their incredible simplicity and this Black Forest version is no exception. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves dessert but hates the fuss. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:
- Unbelievably Easy: With only three primary ingredients and a “dump and bake” method, this recipe is virtually foolproof. No mixing bowls, no elaborate steps – just layer and bake!
- Rich & Decadent Flavor: The combination of sweet, tart cherries and deep chocolate creates a harmonious flavor profile reminiscent of a classic Black Forest Gateau, but in a more rustic, comforting form.
- Minimal Prep Time: You’ll spend less than 10 minutes getting this cake into the oven, making it ideal for busy schedules or spontaneous dessert cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family dinners to holiday gatherings, this dump cake is a crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any setting.
- Versatile Serving: While delicious on its own, it truly shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like canned pie filling and boxed cake mix makes this an economical choice for a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients for Your Black Forest Dump Cake:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal and easily accessible ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, comforting Black Forest flavor.
- Cherries: For this incredibly easy Black Forest dump cake, you will need two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling. This is crucial for both the flavor and the moisture content of the cake. Do not substitute with fresh or frozen cherries unless you adjust the recipe significantly, as the pie filling contains thickeners and sweeteners essential for the “dump cake” method.
- Cake Mix: Pick up a standard 14-ounce box of chocolate cake mix. While a classic chocolate mix works beautifully, you can experiment with Devil’s Food cake mix for an extra rich chocolate flavor, or even a German chocolate cake mix for added coconut and pecan notes. For those who prefer a less intense chocolate, a yellow or white cake mix can be used for a milder profile.
- Butter: You will need 1 cup (2 sticks) of cold, unsalted butter, sliced extremely thinly. The thin slices are key to ensuring the butter melts evenly over the dry cake mix, creating a delicious, golden, cobbler-like topping and preventing dry spots in the finished cake.
- Chocolate Chips: Grab 1 cup of your favorite brand of chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a popular choice as they complement the cherries without being overly sweet. However, milk chocolate chips can add extra creaminess, or dark chocolate chips can intensify the chocolate experience.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the perfect pairing for serving. Its cool, creamy texture and classic flavor provide a wonderful contrast to the warm, rich cake.
How to Make Black Forest Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Black Forest Dump Cake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless and delicious dessert.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating, lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Create the Cherry Base
Carefully dump the contents of both 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, spread the filling out evenly across the bottom of the dish. Ensure an even layer so that every bite of cake has a generous amount of fruit.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Layer
Next, evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix directly over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir or mix the cake mix into the cherries. The dry mix will absorb moisture from the fruit filling during baking, creating a soft, cake-like texture. Try to cover the entire cherry layer for best results.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Chocolate Chips
Now, generously sprinkle the cup of chocolate chips over the dry cake mix layer. These will melt into delicious pockets of chocolate throughout the cake as it bakes, adding extra richness and texture.
Step 5: Layer with Butter Slices
This step is crucial for the perfect dump cake. Arrange the thinly sliced cold butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix and chocolate chips. Aim to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible. As the butter melts, it will saturate the cake mix, ensuring a moist, tender cake and a beautifully golden, slightly crisp topping. This prevents any dry, powdery spots in your finished dessert.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cake is golden brown, bubbly around the edges, and set in the center. You can gently jiggle the pan to check for doneness; the center should appear mostly firm. If it looks too wet, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Black Forest Dump Cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cake to set slightly. Serve warm, preferably with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
How to Store Your Easy Black Forest Dump Cake
Proper storage ensures your Black Forest Dump Cake remains delicious for days to come. This decadent dessert is wonderful to enjoy as leftovers!
- Fridge: Store this delicious dump cake directly in the baking dish you cooked it in. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy chilled.
- Freezer: If you want to store it for longer, dump cakes freeze surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, you can wrap the entire baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, cut the cake into individual servings, wrap each piece separately, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Cherry Dessert
Elevate your Black Forest Dump Cake with these helpful tips and creative variations, ensuring every bake is a resounding success.
Choosing Your Cake Mix Flavor:
While the easiest cake recipe ever calls for a package of chocolate cake mix (whatever you have on hand works great!), don’t be afraid to experiment. For an even richer chocolate experience, a Devil’s Food cake mix is a fantastic choice. If you’re not as much of a chocolate lover, or simply want to try something different, a yellow cake mix or even a white cake mix can offer a delightful contrast, allowing the cherry flavor to shine through even more prominently. Consider a German chocolate cake mix for added coconut and pecan notes, bringing another layer of complexity to the “Black Forest” theme.
Can I Use Fresh Fruit?
This recipe is specifically designed to work with canned, juicy cherries in pie filling. The pie filling provides the necessary moisture and thickeners that interact with the dry cake mix to create the “dump cake” texture. Using fresh or frozen fruit will not give you the right consistency as they release more liquid during baking and lack the thickening agents, potentially resulting in a watery cake. If you absolutely wish to use fresh cherries, you would need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a pie filling-like consistency first, which adds significant prep time and deviates from the “easy dump cake” concept.
What to Serve on Top of This Easy Recipe:
While delicious on its own, this Black Forest Dump Cake truly transforms with the right toppings. Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your dessert:
- A generous scoop of premium vanilla ice cream (a classic for a reason!).
- Bright red maraschino cherries for an extra pop of color and sweetness, reminiscent of traditional Black Forest desserts.
- A sprinkling of mini chocolate chips or finely shaved chocolate for added texture and chocolatey goodness.
- A drizzle of warm hot fudge sauce for an extra layer of chocolate indulgence.
- Freshly whipped cream, optionally flavored with a touch of vanilla or almond extract.
- A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Pro Tips for Success:
- No Stirring Rule: The most important rule of dump cakes is to NOT stir the layers. The magic happens as the dry ingredients slowly absorb the moisture from the wet ingredients during baking. Stirring will alter the texture and prevent the distinct layers from forming.
- Even Butter Distribution: Ensure your butter slices are very thin and cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This is the secret to a perfectly moist cake and a crispy top crust. If you have gaps, you might end up with dry, powdery spots.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For an authentic Black Forest touch, you can sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of kirsch (cherry brandy) over the cherry layer before adding the cake mix. Alternatively, a few drops of almond extract added to the cherry filling can enhance the fruit flavor.
- Pan Size Matters: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. Using a smaller or larger pan might affect baking time and the cake’s overall thickness and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the cake is set and the topping is golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. The edges should be bubbly, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not directly into a cherry glob) should come out mostly clean.
More Delicious and Easy Dessert Recipes:
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this Black Forest Dump Cake, you’ll be thrilled to explore more easy dessert options that deliver on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. Here are some other fantastic dessert recipes to try:
- Pumpkin Honey Bun Cake: A delightful fall-inspired cake with a luscious cinnamon swirl.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake: Another seasonal dump cake, perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Honey Bun Cake: A classic, buttery, and sweet cake that mimics your favorite pastry.
- Apple Dump Cake: A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples and a crunchy topping.
Black Forest Dump Cake
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 – 21 oz cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 – 14 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup butter, sliced extremely thinly
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non stick spray.
- Dump the 2 cans of cherry pie filling to the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the top.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the cake mix.
- Place the slices of butter over the cake (try to cover most of the cake with the butter this will help prevent dry spots).
- Bake for 45 minutes or until your cake has set.
- Serve with ice cream.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Quick Links for Making Dinner and Dessert Easy
In addition to this fantastic Black Forest Dump Cake, we’re dedicated to helping you simplify your meal planning and cooking. Explore these resources to make your culinary journey even smoother:
- Family Meal Plans: Discover curated meal plans designed to take the stress out of dinner preparation.
- Tools for the Kitchen and More: Browse our hand-picked selection of kitchen gadgets and essentials to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
- The Best Cookbook for Family Dinner Recipes: Find inspiration and tried-and-true recipes for delicious family meals in our comprehensive cookbook.
- FREE Budget Meal Plan: Get access to a complimentary meal plan designed to help you eat well without breaking the bank.
- Cooking Videos to Watch: Enhance your cooking skills and find visual guidance with our engaging cooking video tutorials.
We absolutely love seeing your creations! If you give this Black Forest Dump Cake or any of our other recipes a try, make sure to tag us on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let us know how much you enjoyed them! Your feedback and photos inspire us to keep sharing delicious and simple recipes.