Chocolate Cherry Cake

Name: Chocolate Cherry Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix; 1 12 Ounce Can Cherry Pie Filling; 3 Eggs; 1 Cup Butter (Softened); 1 Cup Cocoa Powder; 3 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 Teaspoon Chocolate Extract; Pinch of Salt; Cherries and Chocolate Shaving (If Desired)

posted by Krystle Smith on August 30, 2018 4 Comments »

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

(Last Updated On: August 3, 2020)

Chocolate Cherry Cake: Rich chocolate cherry cake topped with the best ever chocolate buttercream. This foolproof dessert is easy, and quick to whip up!

chocolate cherry cake

Chocolate and cherry is such a classic combination. Who doesn’t love a chocolate covered cherry?! Chocolate Cherry Cake is perfect for the chocolate lover, and holidays like Valentine’s Day! It is sure to wow friends and family alike. It only requires a few ingredients and no special equipment.

This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is known for being easy to make and downright delicious. My Chocolate Cherry Cake is out of this world, I dare you to stop at just one slice.

Craving more cake?

Strawberry Dump Cake

Food Advertisements by

Oreo Poke Cake

Cannoli Cake

Strawberry Poke Cake

Table of Contents

How To Make Chocolate Cherry Cake

My chocolate cake with cherry pie filling recipe is easy, and has two great flavors that everyone loves: chocolate and cherry!

For this: Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake you’ll need the following ingredients for the cake: Chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs. For the frosting, you’ll need butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla/chocolate extracts.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 pan by coating it with non-stick baking spray or greasing with butter. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, cherry pie filling, and eggs. Whisk until combined, then pour batter into baking pan.

Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until done (see our methods for checking if your cake is done below). If the cake is not done after 35 minutes, bake for additional 5-minute increments. Once done, remove cake from oven and let the cake cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate frosting by mixing all ingredients until smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl frequently. Frosting should appear thick and creamy. If it is too thin, add ¼ cup of powdered sugar at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Spoon frosting onto the baked cake and spread evenly. Use an offset spatula to smooth any peaks. Garnish with chocolate shavings and cherries.

chocolate cherry dump cake

Cherry Chocolate Cake Variations:

Use fresh cherries (see instructions below)
Use Devil’s Food Cake mix for an extra chocolate boost.
Make it into a chocolate covered cherry cake by including 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in the cake batter. Yummy!

cherry chocolate cake

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can you use homemade cherry pie filling or fresh cherries?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling can be used in place of pre-made filling and can be adjusted for desired sweetness level. In addition, our Chocolate Cherry Cake recipe calls for cherry pie filling in order to make the recipe easier and less time-consuming. However, you can certainly use fresh cherry pie filling as well. You can even use frozen cherries if fresh cherries for your filling if cherries are unavailable at your local market. Using fresh cherries alone is not suggested as there will not be enough liquid.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done?
Many people use a toothpick or a knife to see when a cake is completely cooked inside (by inserting the toothpick or knife into the middle and checking for when it comes out clean). However, for our delicious Chocolate Cherry Cake, the pie filling might give you mixed results with this method. Instead,check for doneness by lightly pressing on the cake. If it feels springy, the cake is cooked. You can also look at the sides of the cake; they should begin to shrink away from the sides of the pan when it is done.

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Make Ahead Tips

1. Can you make this cake ahead of time?
You can make this cake a day in advance. Letting the cake sit for twenty-four hours will allow the cherry flavoring to really seep into the chocolate cake, giving it a deeper cherry flavor. It is not recommended to make it anymore that one or 2 days in advance since it may dry out. If you’re looking to make the cake well before your event, read our next section on freezing your Chocolate Cherry Cake.

2. Does this cake freeze well?
If you’re looking to have a cake on hand for a special occasion, or you know that you’ll be cramped for a time prior to a big event, this cake may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just pull the cake from the freezer, defrost, and enjoy. I recommend just freezing the cake itself, and frosting just before serving. This will ensure fresh, delicious frosting (and it makes the cake even easier to freeze).

3. How should I store the cake?
This cake can be kept covered on the counter at room temperature for up to three days, or you may store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

chocolate cherry cake recipe