Looking for a quick dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of chocolate-cherry flavor? This 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake is just what your sweet tooth needs. Using only cherry pie filling and a chocolate cake mix, it delivers big flavor with almost no prep. It’s the kind of fuss-free dessert you can whip up for weeknights, parties, or even holidays.
Table of Contents
What Is a 2‑Ingredient Cherry Chocolate Cake?
What’s in a 2-Ingredient Cherry Chocolate Cake?
This cake needs only two ingredients—cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix. That’s it. You don’t need eggs, oil, or milk. The canned cherry pie filling brings moisture, texture, and flavor. The cake mix already includes the dry ingredients you’d expect in a standard cake: flour, sugar, leaveners, and cocoa.
Here’s what you’ll use:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Pie Filling | 1 can (21 oz) | Sweetness & moisture |
| Chocolate Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Structure & chocolate flavor |
Why Does It Work So Well?
The reason this cake works is chemistry. The cherry pie filling adds just enough liquid to activate the leavening agents in the cake mix. That means it rises like a classic cake but without the need for eggs or dairy. Plus, the cherries add little bursts of juicy flavor in every bite.
Many people say it’s a “dump cake” because it’s so simple—just mix and bake. Looking for inspiration? Try our cottage cheese lava cake for another unusual but easy recipe.
This cake also holds up well whether you’re baking it in a round pan, bundt mold, or even a muffin tin.
Origin & History of This Simple Cake
How Depression-Era Baking Inspired This Dessert
Back in the 1930s during the Great Depression, bakers had to make do with limited ingredients. Eggs, butter, and milk were often hard to come by or too expensive. So people came up with what’s now called “Depression cakes.” These cakes skipped perishable items and relied on pantry staples like flour, baking soda, and vinegar.
That same spirit of simplicity lives on in the 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake. It’s all about using what you’ve got—no fancy prep, no long list of ingredients. The minimal approach saves time and cuts cost, but still delivers flavor.
Discover great ideas like our simple no sugar no flour strawberry cake that also fits this historical, no-fuss baking style.
The Rise of the “Dump Cake” Trend
Fast forward to today, and “dump cakes” are having a moment—especially on social media. These recipes became wildly popular on TikTok and Pinterest because they require little effort. Just dump ingredients into a pan, mix once (or not at all), and bake.
The 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake fits this trend perfectly. With no separate mixing bowls or fancy tools needed, it’s one of the easiest ways to bake from your pantry.
Want something chilled instead? Don’t miss our bourbon peach icebox cake for a cool, fruity alternative.
Step‑By‑Step Preparation Guide
What You’ll Need to Get Started
To make a 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake, all you really need is one bowl, a mixing spoon, and an oven. No electric mixer, no sifting, and no complicated prep.
Here’s your basic checklist:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing bowl | Combine cake mix + filling |
| 9×13 baking pan | Standard size for this cake |
| Oven (preheated) | Bake at 350°F (175°C) |
| Spatula/spoon | Mix everything evenly |
Optional tools:
- Muffin tin (for mini cakes)
- Parchment paper (for easier cleanup)
Mixing and Baking Tips for Perfect Texture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In your mixing bowl, dump in the chocolate cake mix. Then, spoon in the cherry pie filling. Stir gently until fully combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll deflate the cake’s natural rise.
Once the batter is evenly mixed, pour it into your greased baking pan and smooth the top.
Bake Time:
- 9×13 pan: 30–35 minutes
- Muffin tin: 18–22 minutes
- Bundt pan: 40–45 minutes (check with toothpick)
Test with a toothpick inserted in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake’s done!
Don’t miss our fruit and ricotta cake for another flavorful, fruit-forward bake.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before slicing. Want to level it up? Serve with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredient Variations & Substitutes
Can You Use Maraschino Cherries Instead?
Yes, but it changes things a bit. Maraschino cherries add a burst of sweet, candy-like flavor but lack the thickness of pie filling. If you decide to try them, chop them up and mix them into the batter along with a few tablespoons of the syrup from the jar. You may need to add an egg or a little oil to balance the texture.
However, pie filling gives the cake structure, moisture, and consistency—especially when you want a soft, rich cake without extra steps.
If you love the cherry flavor but want more pop, sprinkle chopped maraschino cherries on top right before baking. They’ll caramelize slightly and add a pretty finish.
What Other Fillings or Mix-Ins Work?
One of the best things about this cake is how adaptable it is. You can change the flavor just by swapping the filling or using different cake mixes. Here are some combos to try:
| Filling Type | Cake Mix Flavor | Resulting Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie Filling | Spice Cake | Fall-style dessert |
| Blueberry Filling | Lemon Cake | Bright, fresh combo |
| Pineapple Filling | Yellow Cake | Tropical twist |
| Cherry + Choco Chips | Chocolate Cake | Richer texture & flavor |
Looking for inspiration? Try our strawberry shortcake icebox bars for another fruity, simple dessert.
Want more crunch? Stir in chopped walnuts, almonds, or mini chocolate chips. Just ½ cup of add-ins can completely change the experience.
Tips to Prevent Cherries from Sinking
Baking Techniques That Keep Cherries in Place
One of the most frustrating things when baking with fruit is having it all sink to the bottom. In the case of a 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake, this usually happens when the batter is too thin or you overmix.
To avoid this, follow these tips:
- Gently fold the cherry filling into the cake mix—don’t over-stir.
- Use room temperature filling so the batter doesn’t become too loose.
- Grease the pan lightly but don’t overdo it, which can cause slippage.
The thicker your batter, the better the cherries will suspend as it bakes.
If using maraschino cherries or fresh fruit instead of pie filling, toss them in a little flour before folding them in. This helps them “stick” in place better.
Try Layering or Dump-Style Baking
Another trick is layering rather than mixing. Pour half the cake mix into the pan, spoon the filling on top, and then add the rest of the cake mix. You’ll get a cake with a ribbon of cherry flavor in the center.
Or go with the dump cake method: pour the cherry filling into the bottom of the pan, then sprinkle the dry cake mix over it. Dot with butter or oil and bake. It turns out more like a cobbler than a cake, but it’s equally delicious.
Learn more about this style from our cottage cheese lava cake that uses texture layers for mouthfeel.
Baking Variations & Serving Ideas
No-Bake & Dump Cake Versions to Try
While the standard 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake is baked in the oven, you can twist it into a dump cake version or even a no-bake style.
Dump Cake Method:
Just layer your cherry pie filling at the bottom of a greased baking dish, sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix on top, and dot with slices of butter. Bake it without mixing. The result is more like a soft cherry brownie or cobbler.
Slow Cooker Variation:
Want to keep your kitchen cool? Try it in a crockpot. Dump in the pie filling, add the cake mix, and dot with butter. Cook on high for 2 hours, and you’ve got a warm dessert ready to go.
These versions still honor the 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake idea, but let you work with what you’ve got. It’s perfect for busy nights or hot summers when oven use is a pain.
Discover great ideas like our cottage cheese lava cake that offers an equally simple but unique take.
Easy Toppings and Ways to Serve
Presentation may not be everything—but it does help. Here’s how to serve your cherry chocolate cake so it looks and tastes extra special:
- Whipped cream or Cool Whip on top
- Chocolate syrup drizzle
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Top with more cherry filling or maraschino cherries
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for more richness
You can also serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a chocolate-cherry sundae vibe.
Check out our lemon bundt cake recipe for another dessert that’s easy to glam up with toppings.
Whether you’re making this cake in a slow cooker or in the oven, these toppings help you stretch a simple recipe into something party-worthy.
Nutritional Info & Storage
How Many Calories Are in a Slice?
Because the 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake skips the eggs and oil, it tends to be lower in fat than a traditional cake—though still sweet and satisfying.
On average, one serving (1/12 of a 9×13 pan) contains:
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–250 kcal |
| Sugar | 22–28g |
| Carbohydrates | 38–42g |
| Fat | 6–9g |
| Protein | 2–3g |
Note: These numbers can vary based on the brand of cake mix and pie filling you use. Adding extras like chocolate chips or toppings will increase calorie count.
This dessert isn’t exactly “health food,” but it’s perfect for when you want something quick and comforting.
Best Way to Store & Reheat
Once your cherry chocolate cake has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- At room temp: Up to 2 days (if your kitchen isn’t too hot)
- In the fridge: Up to 5 days
- In the freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap in foil and use freezer bag)
To reheat, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds. It softens back up beautifully and even tastes a bit richer when warm.
Print
2-Ingredient Cherry Chocolate Cake — Easy & Delicious Dessert
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist cherry chocolate cake made with only two ingredients—cherry pie filling and chocolate cake mix. Perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 can cherry pie filling
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cake mix with the cherry pie filling.
3. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan.
4. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Don’t miss our simple no sugar no flour strawberry cake if you’re looking for another low-effort dessert option.
FAQs
Why is it called depression cake?
It’s called a “Depression cake” because it takes inspiration from cakes made during the Great Depression. Back then, eggs, milk, and butter were too expensive or unavailable. So bakers got creative and used what they had. While the 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake isn’t identical to those old recipes, it follows the same idea—simple ingredients, no extras, and full of flavor. Learn about the history behind Depression cakes and why they relied on simple ingredients on this Wikipedia page.
Can I put maraschino cherries in cake mix?
Yes, you can! Just chop them up and stir them in with a bit of the syrup. However, they don’t have the same thickness as pie filling, so they won’t add moisture the same way. If using maraschinos alone, consider adding an egg or a little oil to help bind everything.
How do you keep cherries from sinking in cherry cake?
To prevent cherries from sinking, use a thicker batter and fold the filling in gently. If using whole cherries, toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the mix. You can also try layering: pour half the batter, then cherries, then the rest of the batter. That helps keep them distributed evenly as the cake bakes.
Conclusion
The 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake is proof that you don’t need a pantry full of supplies to make something delicious. With just a can of cherry pie filling and a box of chocolate cake mix, you’ve got a moist, rich dessert ready in under an hour. Whether you follow the basic method or try one of the fun twists, this cake is a go-to for quick baking wins.
Check out our strawberry shortcake icebox bars if you’re looking for more fast and fruity dessert ideas.
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