Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: 3‑Ingredient Joy

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If you’re craving something warm, chocolatey, and utterly simple, this Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is about to become your comfort food hero. Life gets busy—work, family, to-do lists—but dessert shouldn’t be hard. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a dessert that tastes special without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Set-it-and-forget-it dessert magic: Pop everything in, turn on your cooker, and let it work its magic.
Chocolate + cherry = crowd‑pleaser combo: Sweet cherries bubbling under a chocolaty crust are just pure comfort.
Perfect for busy evenings or impromptu guests: No baking precision needed—just dump, cook, and serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 (21‑ounce) cans cherry pie filling
1 (15.25‑ounce) box chocolate cake mix
¾ cup salted butter, melted (that’s 1½ sticks)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Alright, grab your slow cooker, take a deep breath, and get ready—because this is one of those recipes that’s as simple as it is soul-satisfying. Whether you’re juggling kids, emails, or just trying to keep your sanity intact (been there!), this Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is about to become your secret weapon for easy, dreamy desserts.

Here’s how to make it, step by step:

1. Grease Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving the inside of your slow cooker a light coating of non-stick spray. This small step saves you big cleanup time later and ensures every last gooey bite scoops out easily. (Because the only thing worse than stuck-on dessert is stuck-on dessert you really wanted to eat.)

2. Spread the Cherry Pie Filling

Open those two glorious cans of cherry pie filling and pour them right into the bottom of the slow cooker. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Don’t worry about perfection—just aim for a nice, smooth spread. These cherries are the base of your dessert and give that sweet-tart burst in every bite.

3. Mix the Cake Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the entire box of chocolate cake mix with the melted salted butter. Stir until you have a crumbly mixture—it should look like chunky, chocolatey wet sand. This mix is going to create the rich, fudgy top that makes this cake so irresistible.

Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! You want that crumbly texture so you get those golden, crispy bits on top once it’s cooked.

4. Sprinkle, Don’t Stir

Now for the fun part: evenly sprinkle the cake mix and butter mixture over the cherry pie filling. Resist the urge to mix it all together—just gently scatter it across the top so it forms that signature “dump cake” layer. Think of it like laying down a chocolatey blanket over a cherry-filled bed. Cozy, right?

5. Cover and Cook

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Let it cook for 2½ to 3 hours. Your house will start to smell like a warm cherry chocolate dream (seriously, this part might make your neighbors jealous).

You’ll know it’s ready when:

The cake topping is fully set (no jiggly bits in the center).
The cherries are bubbling up around the edges, peeking out like little red jewels.

Optional step: If the top still looks a little moist toward the end, crack the lid open for the last 30 minutes. This helps release some steam and gives you a firmer, slightly crispy top.

Tips & Tricks for Best Results

If your cake is set in the center but the edges aren’t bubbling, you can finish it off for 10 extra minutes.
Want an even deeper cherry flavor? Use cherry pie filling that has whole cherries, or stir in a handful of fresh or frozen cherries (no need to thaw) under the filling.
For extra richness, serve it warm topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Because what dessert isn’t better with ice cream?
If the top seems a little too moist, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to help set the top.

A Little Story

I first made this Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake when I had three kids, two dogs, a meeting to prep for, and exactly zero energy to bake in the oven. I dumped the ingredients in, set the cooker, and forgot about it while life got messy. When I opened the lid hours later, that bubbling cherry and chocolate aroma hit me—it was like a little hug when I needed one. My kids devoured it, and I felt like I pulled off dessert without going crazy in the kitchen.

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake topped with vanilla ice cream and juicy cherries on a white plate. — This Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is pure bliss—rich, gooey, and topped with creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Can I substitute anything?

If you don’t have salted butter, use unsalted + a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Sugar‑free cherry pie filling can work, but might be less bubbly or a bit more watery; you might need to cook a little longer.
You could try a different flavor of cake mix (like devil’s food or chocolate fudge) if you want something richer.

What about cooking on Low instead of High?

Yes, you can. But expect to wait longer—probably 4‑5 hours or until you see the cherries bubbling and the cake set. Keep an eye so the sides don’t dry out.

How do I store leftovers?

Let it cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Should keep well for 3‑4 days. Reheat in microwave or in the slow cooker on a warm setting.

Sweet Finale

This Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a little moment of joy for busy days, a warm treat that asks for minimal effort and gives maximum flavor. So the next time evenings feel long or you just want something cozy, this dessert will be your go‑to. Potluck, family dinner, or solo indulgence—it always delivers.

More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

Once you’ve fallen in love with this Slow Cooker Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake (and trust me, you will), don’t stop there—your slow cooker still has plenty of magic to offer. Here are a few more delicious, comforting meals to add to your weekly menu:

Craving a savory, stick-to-your-ribs dinner after dessert? Try this hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Smothered Steak—it’s rich, satisfying, and practically melts in your mouth.
For a tropical twist on your weeknight chicken, the Crockpot Coconut Lime Chicken brings zesty brightness and creamy comfort all in one dish.
Looking for the perfect party appetizer or game-day snack? You’ll love the sweet and tangy Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Meatballs—they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
And when you’re in the mood for the coziest of classics, nothing beats a bowl of Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew—perfect for chilly nights or lazy Sundays.

These tried-and-true slow cooker recipes are just what you need to keep that “set-it-and-forget-it” lifestyle deliciously alive.