The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones, not spending hours trapped in the kitchen. This Christmas Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate solution for your festive gatherings. It combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the bright, tart flavor of cherries and a refreshing peppermint finish. Because it requires almost no effort, you can whip this up for a hungry crowd in minutes. The result is a warm, gooey, and cozy dessert that tastes like you spent the entire afternoon baking. Whether you are hosting a large party or a small family dinner, this simple treat will be the star of your holiday table.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

Calories: 315 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 48g

Why Make This Christmas Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredient Easy Feed Crowd Holiday Cozy Chocolate Peppermint

This recipe is a holiday lifesaver. You only need three main ingredients to create a dessert that looks and tastes professional. The chocolate and cherry combination is a classic pairing that everyone loves, and the addition of peppermint makes it feel extra festive. It is designed to feed a crowd without requiring multiple bowls or complicated techniques. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan and let the oven do the work. It is the perfect cozy comfort food for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or cut into thin slices)
Optional garnish: 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Directions

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. Open both cans of cherry pie filling and pour them directly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread the cherries into an even layer, ensuring they cover the entire bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Cooking

Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the top of the cherry layer. Do not stir the mixture; you want the cake mix to sit on top of the fruit. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry powder as possible. Place the dish in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the center is set.

Step 3: Plating

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the top for a festive crunch. Serve the cake warm in bowls. For an extra treat, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredient Easy Feed Crowd Holiday Cozy Chocolate Peppermint

To get the best results, make sure you do not stir the layers. The magic of a dump cake comes from the butter soaking through the cake mix to create a cobbler-like crust. If you see large dry spots of cake mix halfway through baking, you can gently dab them with a little more melted butter. Using a high-quality cherry pie filling with whole fruit will improve the texture significantly. For the peppermint flavor, wait to add the crushed candies until after the cake comes out of the oven so they don’t melt completely into the batter.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, sprinkle a half-cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cherry layer before adding the cake mix. If you want a different fruit profile, swap one can of cherry filling for a can of crushed pineapple to create a “Black Forest” inspired twist. For those who enjoy a nutty crunch, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top before baking. You can also use a white or yellow cake mix if you want the peppermint and cherry to be the primary flavors without the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Layer the ingredients in a greased slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Keep the lid slightly vented to prevent the crust from becoming too soggy.

Christmas Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredient Easy Feed Crowd Holiday Cozy Chocolate Peppermint

Do I need to mix the cake mix with eggs or oil first?
No, you must use the dry cake mix straight from the box. The moisture from the fruit and the added butter will hydrate the mix as it bakes.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned filling?
You can, but you will need to add sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch to the cherries first. Canned pie filling is recommended for the “3-ingredient” ease and consistent results.

Is this cake served hot or cold?
While it can be eaten cold, this dump cake is best served warm. The warmth enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors and makes it feel much cozier for the holidays.

Conclusion

The Christmas Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredient Easy Feed Crowd Holiday Cozy Chocolate Peppermint is the ultimate stress-free dessert for your holiday celebrations. It proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours of prep time to create something truly delicious. With its rich chocolate base, tart cherry center, and festive peppermint topping, it captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Give this simple recipe a try this year and enjoy more time celebrating with the people you love.

Christmas Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredient Easy Feed Crowd Holiday Cozy Chocolate Peppermint

Total Time: 50 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or cut into thin slices)
Optional garnish: 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions

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. Open both cans of cherry pie filling and pour them directly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use a spatula to spread the cherries into an even layer, ensuring they cover the entire bottom of the pan.
Evenly sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix over the top of the cherry layer. Do not stir the mixture; you want the cake mix to sit on top of the fruit. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the dry powder as possible. Place the dish in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the center is set.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the top for a festive crunch. Serve the cake warm in bowls. For an extra treat, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.