This simple chocolate cherry cake is made by combining a box of cake mix with cherry pie filling. This recipe is simple enough for kids to make and but so delicious you can serve it to guests. The cake is topped off with a fudgy chocolate glaze. Quick and easy cheater cake recipe!
This delicious chocolate cake is super easy to make! A boxed cake mix combines with a can of cherry pie filling for a decadent chocolate dessert.
This is like a chocolate sheet cake with tasty cherries in every bite. If you love chocolate covered cherries this is the cake for you!
To make the cake even better it is topped off with a chocolate glaze that is poured over the warm cake and adds a layer of fudgy goodness.
This is the perfect recipe for a day you have no time or energy, but still want to make dessert. Or if you have unexpected guests you can make this cake fast! And if you are looking for another quick and easy cake try this blackberry dump cake!
Old Fashioned Recipe
When I was cleaning out my in-laws house last year I found an old spiral bound church recipe book. These were put out in the 70s and 80s as fundraisers, with all the members contributing their family’s favorite dishes.
Some of the recipes I’d never make – there are so many jello salads – but some are quite good. I have posted a number of recipes that are based off the book, like frozen lemonade pie and bread and butter pickles.
This recipe is similar to the lemonade pie in that it is very much a “cheater” recipe for those who like shortcuts! It uses store bought ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and combines them in a way that stands the test of time.
Cake Ingredients
This cake is made with only four ingredients:
- Chocolate cake mix
- Canned cherry pie filling
- Eggs
- Almond or vanilla extract
I have made this cake with both vanilla extract and with almond extract. It is really good with vanilla extract, but the almond extract takes it to another level. Chocolate and almond are the perfect flavor combination.
Chocolate Glaze
In addition to the cake this recipe also includes a chocolaty glaze. Now you don’t have to make the glaze.
You could just sprinkle some powdered sugar on the cake or use a can of chocolate frosting. It would still be a moist and delicious cake and I am sure that it would still be a big hit.
But the chocolate glaze is amazing. It is poured over the warm cake and forms a thick and soft fudgy layer on the top. So make the glaze!
Glaze Ingredients
Similar to the cake the glaze is made from things you probably already have in your refrigerator or pantry.
- Chocolate chips
- Sugar
- Butter or margarine
- Milk
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cake
1. Make the Cake
Mix the chocolate cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs and extract in a mixing bowl. Stir it to combine the ingredients – there is no need for a mixer for this recipe.
Ignore the directions on the box of cake mix! Whatever they tell you to add don’t. Just add the pie filling, eggs and extract.
Spread the cake batter in a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and then bake it in a preheated 350 F oven for 30 minutes.
2. Make the Glaze
This cake is a little different because you spread the glaze on the cake while it is still hot. So as soon as the cake is done baking, start making the glaze.
To make the glaze combine the butter, sugar and milk in a small saucepan and stir. Heat the saucepan until the sugar melts and the glaze boils for about 1 minute.
Then take the glaze off the stove and stir in the chocolate chips. Continue to stir until chocolate chips are completely melted and the glaze is smooth.
Once the glaze is smooth pour the entire saucepan over the cake. Spread it out with a spatula to cover the cake.
How to Serve
Once the cake has cooled cut into slices and serve. I have also cut into this cake when it was still warm because I am impatient!
The cake is delicious as it is. Sure, you can top it with more cherry pie filling, maraschino cherries or chocolate chips if you like, but it really doesn’t need anything else.
How to Store
This cake keeps well covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. It tends to get eaten quickly at my house!
Other Flavor Combinations
The combination of a box of cake mix with pie filling is intriguing. It seems like there are a few other combinations that could be almost as tasty as this one. Here are some I am planning to try over the next few months:
- Spice cake with apple pie filling
- Lemon cake with blueberry pie filling
- Yellow cake with peach pie filling
If any of these are especially delicious I will be sure to post the recipes!
Find More Easy Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract
Glaze
- 5 Tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- In a bowl combine the cake mix, eggs, extract and pie filling. Stir to mix thoroughly and get most of the lumps out.1 box chocolate cake mix, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract, 1 can cherry pie filling
- Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the band and spread it to the edges.
- Bake in the 350 F oven for 25-30 minutes, until the a toothpick in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Set the cake aside and make the glaze while the cake is still warm.
- For the glaze combine the sugar, milk and butter in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the butter and sugar melt. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute.1/3 cup milk, 1 cup sugar, 5 Tablespoons butter or margarine
- Take the glaze off the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate chip melts and the glaze becomes smooth.1 cup chocolate chips
- Pour the glaze over the still warm cake and use a spatula to spread it all over the top.
- Let the cake cool before cutting.
Notes
- If you like you can add more pie filling or chocolate chips to the top of the cake, although it is delicious without any extra toppings.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
This recipe was the grand prize winner of $25,000 in the Pillsbury Bake-off in 1974. I had the newspaper for many years, but unfortunately no longer.
The original recipe calls for DEVIL’S FOOD CHOCOLATE cake mix. It turns out much better than with a plain chocolate mix.