This chocolate, vanilla, cherry dump cake baked in a dutch oven is a quick and easy dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this moist cake that uses boxed cake mix and canned cherry pie filling!

Imagine a rich, chocolatey cake with sweet cherry filling, baked effortlessly in a Dutch oven. Whether you’re camping or enjoying a cozy night in, this 3-ingredient cherry dump cake is the easiest way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

chocolate cherry dump cake recipe | Gathered In The Kitchen

I’ve never made a dump cake before, but I’ve seen a lot of them on Pinterest and figured I needed to give one a try!

We had a low-key evening at home one night, so my kiddos and I decided to try our hand at our very first dump cake, a 3-ingredient chocolate, vanilla cherry dump cake baked in my dutch oven pot.

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Dutch ovens are perfect for baking because their thick cast iron retains heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring a perfectly baked cake every time. They’re also versatile for indoor ovens, stovetops, or campfires, making them ideal for both beginners and campers who want an easy, one-pot baking solution with minimal cleanup.

Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients

canned cherry pie filling
chocolate boxed cake mix
vanilla boxed cake mix

How To Make A Cherry Dump Cake

Gather two large mixing bowls. In one bowl, add the vanilla dry cake mix and in the other bowl add the chocolate dry cake mix
Following the directions on each of the cake mix boxes, add the ingredients listed according to the directions on the box and mix thoroughly

Dutch Oven Cherry Dump Cake | Gathered In The Kitchen

Spray nonstick spray over the entire surface of the dutch oven
Pour one can of cherry pie filling into the bottom of a large dutch oven
Use a rubber spatula to spread the cherries out evenly over the bottom of the pot

Pour the vanilla cake mix over top of the cherry filling
Be sure to pour the cake mix over all of the cherries

Pour the chocolate cake mix over the top of the vanilla cake mix to create the top layer

Invert the cake: Place the lid on the dutch oven and place on the lower rack of the oven. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, checking the center occasionally for doneness. (all ovens bake differently, so test the center of your cake with a toothpick. When the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done!) If baking this outdoors, you can use hot charcoal instead of an oven—just place coals under and on top of the Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
Remove dutch oven from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Place a platter upside down on the top of the dutch oven. Carefully flip the Dutch oven onto the platter, and the dump cake will slide out.
Serve with a dollop of cool whip or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

I can definitely say that it was the easiest cake to make! It was also very tasty and everyone liked it. This is a great option for a take-a-long dessert that you need in a pinch!

Cherry Dump Cake Variations

Cake Mix Options: Swap chocolate and vanilla for yellow, spice, or devil’s food cake mix.
Fruit Swaps: Try apple, peach, or blueberry pie filling instead of cherry.
Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, shredded coconut, or mini marshmallows for extra texture.
Camping-Friendly: Bake over a campfire by placing hot coals under and on top of the Dutch oven, rotating every 10-15 minutes.
Lighter Version: Use a sugar-free or dairy-free cake mix for a healthier twist.
Toppings: Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

No matter how you make it, this easy dump cake is always a hit!

My Favorite Cake Recipes!

Copycat Nothing Bundt Lemon Cakes – A zesty, moist lemon cake inspired by the famous bakery
Cake Mix Cookie Cake Bars – Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate chips
Copycat Hostess Baby Bundt Lemon Cakes These mini lemon bundt cakes are a homemade version of the classic Hostess snack, featuring a bright citrus flavor and a sweet, tangy glaze
Orange Slice Cake – A rich, chewy cake packed with candied orange slices, coconut, and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or a nostalgic Southern treat
German Fruit Cake – A traditional German-style fruit cake made with a moist, spiced batter and loaded with dried fruits and nuts, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture
Blueberry Breakfast Bundt Cake – A soft, fluffy bundt cake bursting with fresh blueberries, making it a deliciously sweet breakfast or brunch treat

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