This Black Forest Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts I make - and it’s always a hit. With just three simple ingredients, you get all the flavors of a traditional Black Forest cake without any of the work. The chocolate and cherry combo is rich and decadent, and a dollop of whipped topping with a cherry on top gives it that classic finishing touch.
If you like easy desserts like this, try my 3-Ingredient Strawberry Dump Cake or this super simple Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix. Both are made with just a few pantry ingredients - and they’re just as crowd-pleasing!
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Black Forest Cake Made with Chocolate Cake Mix
If you’re searching for an easy Black Forest cake with cake mix, this dump cake delivers the same rich chocolate and cherry flavors with far less effort. Instead of making a traditional cake from scratch, this version uses chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling to create that classic Black Forest taste in a much simpler way.
This recipe is sometimes described as a Black Forest cake from cake mix because it keeps the familiar flavor combination - deep chocolate paired with sweet cherries - while skipping the extra steps. The cherry pie filling provides moisture and structure, while the dry cake mix bakes into a soft, slightly crisp topping without needing eggs or oil.
Using cherry pie filling with chocolate cake mix is what makes this dessert feel indulgent without being complicated. While it’s technically a dump cake, many readers look for it as a Black Forest cake made with cake mix, especially when they want a fast dessert that still feels special enough for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Why I Love This Recipe
It uses just three simple ingredients - chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter. There’s no mixing, no extra bowls, and no special steps, which makes it one of the easiest desserts I make when I need something reliable.
The chocolate and cherry combination gives you all the flavor of a classic Black Forest cake without the work. The cherries stay soft and jammy underneath, while the cake mix bakes into a rich, chocolatey topping that feels indulgent but effortless.
This is the kind of dessert that works for almost any occasion - holidays, potlucks, casual get-togethers, or those days when you want a homemade dessert without committing to a full baking project.
Ingredients
Three ingredients are all you need!
Chocolate Cake Mix
Any regular chocolate cake mix works. If it's have it at home, I also use Devil’s Food for extra richness.
Cherry Pie Filling – 2 cans
Make sure to use cherry pie filling. At least one can needs to be the pie filling for the flavor - the other can be canned sweet cherries (make sure they are pitted). The filling has the perfect texture and sweetness.
Butter – 1 ½ sticks (¾ cup)
Slice the butter thinly and layer it evenly across the cake mix. I often do this while the butter is still cold. The thin slices helps melt it evenly and creates a buttery top crust.
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Optional Toppings
I use whipped cream or whipped topping on this for that blackforest dessert look! And, if I have maraschino cherries in my fridge, each serving gets topped with one. Any pecan slices that you want to use up? This would be the place!
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2
Pour the cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3
Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top of the cherries. Do not stir.
Step 4
Slice the butter into thin pats and lay them across the surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the top as you can.
Step 5
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbly around the edges.
Step 6
Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Top with whipped topping and a cherry if desired.
How To Serve
This Black Forest Dump Cake is best served warm, straight from the pan. Add a scoop of whipped topping or vanilla ice cream and a maraschino cherry for that classic look.
You can also chill it and serve it cold - it’s still delicious and even more refreshing on a hot day.
How To Store
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
I don't like freezing this because the top may become soggy. It doesn't always happen so if you do need to freeze it, freeze in individaul portions and allow to thaw to room temperature. Heat with short burst from microwave.
Tips for Success
Use thin slices of butter and spread them out across the cake mix so it melts evenly. Don’t melt the butter first - it won’t distribute as well.
Don’t mix the ingredients together. The layers bake into a perfect texture all on their own. It's OK to lightly spread the cake mix so it's even. But don't mix it!
Want to dress it up? Top with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but chocolate is what makes this a “Black Forest” dump cake. A rich chocolate or fudge cake mix works best. Devil's food cake also works.
I recommend using at least one can of cherry pie filling for this recipe. It has the right texture, flavor and sweetness to balance the cake mix. I do sometimes use other canned cherries for the second can.
Yes! Bake it earlier in the day and reheat before serving. It also tastes great cold.
Traditional Black Forest cake is known for its chocolate and cherry combination. This dump cake keeps those same flavors by using chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling, making it a simplified version of the classic dessert.
Dump cakes are designed to bake in layers. Leaving the cake mix dry on top allows it to absorb moisture from the cherries as it bakes, creating the right texture without becoming gummy.
Other Chocolate Baked Desserts
Printable Recipe Card
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Black Forest Dump Cake (3 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 1 package chocolate cake mix Devil's food cake flavor is great too!
- 2 22 oz cherry pie filling 1 can may be sweet pitted cherries
- ¾ cup butter That is 1 ½ cups! Slice as thinly as you can so you get the most coverage over the cake mix.
- Optional toppings include whipped cream or topping, vanilla ice cream, maraschino cherries, and even sliced almonds on top.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top of the cherries. Do not stir.
- Slice the butter into thin pats and lay them across the surface of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the top as you can.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is set and bubbly around the edges.
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Top with whipped topping and a cherry if desired.
Notes
Tips
Use thin slices of butter and spread them out across the cake mix so it melts evenly. It's easier to slice butter thinly when cold.Don’t melt the butter first—it won’t distribute as well. Don’t mix the ingredients together. The layers bake into a perfect texture all on their own. Want to dress it up? Whipped topping or a scoop of ice cream is a must in my family. Top with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving.Nutrition (estimate)
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