Black Forest Dump Cake

An impeccably decorated, rich and fudgy chocolate cake is a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, it’s not exactly something you can whip up on your average Tuesday. Enter dump cakes, the quick and easy dessert solution for busy people everywhere who just want something sweet. This black forest dump cake is made with your favorite chocolate cake mix. It’s bursting with two kinds of cherries, making it irresistibly moist and infusing it with sweet and tart cherry flavors.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of dump cakes, prepare to be amazed (and a little sad you didn’t know about them sooner). Unlike traditional layer cakes, there’s no need to measure oil, crack eggs or bust out a mixer. Heck, you don’t even need a wooden spoon. Simply layer the ingredients in a 13×9-inch baking pan and pop it in the oven. Magic will happen, transforming a pile of haphazard ingredients into the most delicious cakes you’ll ever dig in to.

My favorite part about this chocolate and cherry dump cake is that there’s no need to wait for it to cool. You can dig right in while it’s still warm. What could be better?

Ingredients for Black Forest Dump Cake

• Cherry pie filling: For this black forest recipe, you can use either a store-bought can or homemade cherry pie filling.
• Canned dark cherries: No need to drain the can of cherries. The sweet syrup replaces the water or oil typically added to a cake mix. It hydrates the batter and adds even more cherry flavor to the black forest cake.
• Chocolate cake mix: Use any brand and variety of chocolate cake mix your heart desires. We especially love devil’s food cake for this recipe because it’s wonderfully moist and has a rich, chocolate flavor.
• Almonds: Almonds add lovely crunch to this dump cake recipe, contrasting nicely with the soft, tender cake and fruit.
• Butter: Most dump cake recipes typically end with a layer of cubed butter on top. The butter melts in the oven, adding moisture and richness to the cake while creating a slightly crispy crust on top.

Directions

Step 1: Dump

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the pie filling into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish and top it with the undrained cherries.

Sprinkle the cake mix and almonds over the cherries, then add the cubed butter on top.

Step 2: Bake

Bake until the topping it set, about 40 to 50 minutes. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.

Black Forest Dump Cake Variations

• Use other fruit: Try a blend of different berries in this easy dump cake recipe. Replace the cherry pie filling with a strawberry, mixed berry or blueberry pie filling.
• Use vanilla cake mix: For a less decadent cherry dump cake, swap your favorite white or yellow cake mix for the chocolate cake mix.

How to Store Black Forest Dump Cake

Allow the black forest dump cake to cool to room temperature. Then, either cover the baking pan tightly with storage wrap or transfer any leftover cake to an airtight food storage container. The cake will last three to four days in the refrigerator.

Should you reheat black forest dump cake?

You can enjoy the cake straight from the fridge, if desired. Otherwise, we recommend warming individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds to reheat the cherries and soften the cake.

Black Forest Dump Cake Tips

Can you use brownie mix for black forest dump cake?

Yes! If you want an extra-rich, fudgy, and decadent dessert, try swapping a box of your favorite brownie mix for the chocolate cake mix. Assemble and bake the cake as directed.

How should you serve black forest dump cake?

Enjoy black forest dump cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of homemade hot fudge or a dollop of whipped cream are also nice ways to finish each serving of this indulgent cake.