Kirbie's Cravings

Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake

This easy chocolate cherry dump cake is perfect to make for a summer party. Just dump several ingredients in a baking pan and bake. No need to mix, whisk, or whip anything!photo of two bowls of Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake

This recipe is from my Dump Cakes from Scratch* cookbook. With the Fourth of July right around the corner, I wanted to share some easy dessert ideas and it doesn’t get much easier than a dump cake. (You can check out my video to see how easy it is at the end of this post.)

Last year, I made my blueberry cobbler dump cake for several potlucks. I am thinking of making it again for July 4th, especially since blueberries fit the holiday colors.

However, with it being cherry season, I’ve been consuming cherries like crazy. I hate how short cherry season is so I always buy and eat as many as I possibly can before it’s over.
photo of Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake in a baking dish

Chocolate Cherry Crisp Made Easy

I rarely ever see chocolate crisps or cobblers but I’m not really sure why because I think the chocolate flavor works quite nicely with most fruits.

You can use a box of chocolate cake mix for this recipe. Or you can make it from scratch using the homemade mix in my book. Either works well, but making from scratch takes a little longer.

This chocolate crisp has a thin layer of cake mix mixed with oats. It’s more of a soft crisp topping, but you can make it a little crunchier with some sliced almonds. Since crisps aren’t usually the most flattering of desserts, I added some fresh cherry halves and powdered sugar on top.

I then topped it with chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla since it’s a chocolate crisp.

How to Make a Dump Cake

You don’t need a bowl for this recipe because you can just layer the ingredients in a baking dish. You don’t even need a whisk.

Spread frozen pitted cherries in an even layer in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle sugar and cornstarch over the top of the cherries.

Sprinkle the cake mix over the top followed by the oats. Top with sliced butter.

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes at 350°F. After it’s been in the oven for 25 minutes, check on it. If there is dry cake mix on top, use a spoon to press it into the cake so it’s absorbed, and then let it finish baking.

Topping Ideas

I like to add some toppings before serving it with ice cream.

  • Sliced almonds
  • Powdered sugar
  • Pitted fresh cherries

I like to serve it warm from the oven, but it’s delicious at room temperature, too. It’s great for parties and potlucks because it’s easy to transport, too.

More Easy Cake Recipes

overhead photo of one serving of Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake topped with chocolate ice cream

Here is a video of me making the crisp:

Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. Much like referral codes, this means I earn a small commission if you purchase a product I referred (at no extra charge to you).

Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake

Servings: 9
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Just dump several ingredients into a pan and bake. No need to mix, whip, or whisk. An easy dessert for a summer party.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups frozen pitted cherries when measuring, it's better to go a little above the cup rim than below
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup chocolate cake mix the book provides a from-scratch cake mix recipe but you can also use your favorite boxed cake mix
  • 1/2 cup quick oats
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter sliced into 1/4 inch thick squares

toppings

  • sliced almonds
  • powdered sugar
  • fresh cherries pitted and sliced into halves
  • ice cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
  • Dump and evenly spread cherries across bottom of pan. Evenly sprinkled cherries with cornstarch, then sugar.
  • Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly across pan. Scatter oats across cake mix. Spread butter slices evenly across top.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes. About 25 minutes in, quickly check the cake. Use a spatula or large wooden spoon to push down any uncooked cake mix into the bubbling mixture. Do not worry if this breaks the surface of the cake. Let the cake continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cake mix looks completely cooked.
  • Let cake cool for about 20 minutes before serving as the fruit layer will be extremely hot. Top with sliced almonds (for a crunchier crisp), powdered sugar and fresh cherries. Serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Notes

Excerpt from Dump Cakes from Scratch by Jennifer Lee. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Mention @KirbieCravings and tag #kirbiecravings!

 

Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake

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4 comments on “Chocolate Cherry Crisp Dump Cake”

  1. Looks lovely. I’m not a cherry ? girl…could I use apple pears or other fruits instead.

    Do you do smaller receipts for older people who live on their own. As all mine are up country 6 hours plus away.

    Would really appreciate it very much if you did.

    Blessings n big thank you

  2. I do love a good dump cake – and I can never seem to get through the cherries I overbuy. Thanks for the great idea — and happy 4th!