Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Chocolate Cake Mix (Devil’s Food or Swiss Chocolate work best)
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter, thinly sliced into squares
- Optional garnish: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint bark bits
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a little bit of butter. This ensures the cherry filling doesn’t stick to the edges and makes serving much easier later on.
- Step 2: Layering the Base. Open both cans of cherry pie filling and pour them directly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the cherries into an even layer. If you want an extra hit of mint, you can stir a half-teaspoon of peppermint extract into the cherries at this stage, though the cake mix and toppings usually provide plenty of flavor.
- Step 3: Adding the Dry Mix. Carefully sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling. Do not stir the ingredients together! Use a spoon to gently level out the powder so it covers the fruit completely. The moisture from the fruit and the melting butter will transform this powder into a rich, brownie-like crust as it bakes.
- Step 4: The Butter Layer. Place the thin slices of butter in rows across the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface area as possible. This is the “magic” step where the butter melts into the cake mix to create a tender, delicious topping. If you notice any large dry patches of flour halfway through baking, you can place a tiny extra bit of butter on those spots.
- Step 5: Baking and Topping. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it is done when the edges are bubbling and the chocolate top has set. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermint bits over the top while it is still hot. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes