If you’re craving a rich, indulgent dessert that tastes like a cross between a fudgy brownie and a chocolate-covered cherry, this chocolate cherry cake is the perfect choice. It’s unbelievably easy to make, incredibly moist, and ideal for any occasion—from weeknight desserts to holidays and potlucks.

For more simple sheet-cake-style bakes, explore our main guide:
👉 Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes

The Easiest Chocolate Cherry Cake Inspired by Classic Recipes

This recipe is a hybrid of three highly-rated American recipes:
– a classic 4-ingredient chocolate cherry dump cake,
– a retro devil’s food cake mix dessert,
– and a fudgy chocolate cherry sheet cake topped with warm chocolate glaze.

The magic comes from combining:

• a chocolate cake mix,
• a can of cherry pie filling,
• eggs,
• and almond extract.

It all comes together in one bowl—no oil, no water, no mixer needed—making this one of the easiest easy chocolate cherry dessert recipes you’ll ever try.

For more sheet cake inspiration, browse the full pillar again here:
👉 sheet cake recipes

And explore related fruit-forward cakes like:
• cherry chocolate sheet cake
• apple cinnamon sheet cake
• banana sheet cake
• pineapple sheet cake
• coconut sheet cake recipe

These internal links strengthen the overall structure of the sheet cake recipes pillar and help readers discover more options.

Throughout this article you will also find essential secondary keywords naturally integrated, such as:
chocolate cherry dump cake, chocolate cake mix recipe, cherry pie filling cake, moist chocolate cake, chocolate glaze frosting, devil’s food cake mix dessert, easy chocolate cherry dessert, chocolate cherry sheet cake.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cake

✔ Only 4 Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday pantry items and transforms them into a rich, bakery-style dessert. You only need cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs, and almond extract.

It belongs to our easy-bake family of sheet cake recipes and works as a last-minute dessert when time is short.

If you enjoy simple recipes like this, you may also love our classic
👉 spice sheet cake

✔ Moist, Fudgy, Chocolate-Covered-Cherry Texture

The cherry pie filling replaces most of the fat found in traditional cakes, creating an ultra-moist, fudgy texture. The result is a moist chocolate cake that feels indulgent but requires almost no effort—very similar to a chocolate cherry dump cake, but richer and smoother.

For a slightly different texture and flavor profile, you can explore our
👉 red velvet sheet cake

✔ A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser

Reviews across all three source recipes highlight the same thing:
This cake never lasts long. It’s always the first dessert gone at potlucks, family dinners, bake sales, or office gatherings.

It’s also incredibly easy to transport in a 9×13 pan, just like the rest of our
👉 sheet cake recipes

For festive occasions, try pairing it with something bright and fun like
👉 funfetti sheet cake

✔ Foolproof & Customizable

Use a devil’s food cake mix or any good chocolate cake mix recipe. Add more cherries, top it with whipped cream, frost it with chocolate glaze frosting, or sprinkle powdered sugar on top. You can even bake it as a Bundt cake or turn it into cupcakes.

For fruity variations, explore cakes like
👉 coconut sheet cake
or
👉 pineapple sheet cake

Ingredients Needed (With Notes & Substitutions)

Before you start mixing, gather everything you need for this incredibly easy chocolates cherry cake. One of the reasons this dessert is so popular is that the ingredients are pantry staples you may already have at home.

For more one-bowl dessert ideas, check our full pillar again:
👉 sheet cake recipes

Dry & Wet Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix

Use Devil’s Food for the richest flavor.
This is the base of your chocolate cake mix recipe, and it pairs perfectly with cherries.

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

This ingredient creates the iconic moist texture—no oil, no water required.
The cherry syrup also transforms this into a luscious cherry pie filling cake.

• 2–3 large eggs

Most bakers use 2 eggs, but using 3 creates a slightly denser, richer cake (closer to a chocolate cherry sheet cake).

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Almond enhances the cherry flavor dramatically.
You can use vanilla instead, but almond is what makes the cake taste “bakery-quality.”

Optional (But Highly Recommended) Chocolate Glaze Frosting

This is the classic stovetop fudge topping used in many vintage chocolate cherry dump cake recipes.

• 1 cup sugar

• 5 tablespoons butter

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

These four ingredients melt into a glossy, luxurious chocolate glaze frosting that sets beautifully on top of the warm cake.

Ingredient Tips from E-E-A-T & USDA Guidance

As any experienced baker (or culinary professional) will tell you:
✔ Always check eggs for cracks
✔ Do not use expired dairy
✔ Handle baked goods according to food-safe guidelines

For official US food safety standards, refer to:
👉 https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

For more flavor inspiration, browse fruity variations like:
• apple cinnamon sheet cake
• banana sheet cake

Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy & Foolproof)

This easy chocolate cherry dessert follows a simple method: one bowl, one bake, one amazing result.

For more one-pan ideas, don’t forget the pillar:
👉 sheet cake recipes

Step 1 — Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan (metal preferred for even browning).

Step 2 — Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine:

• chocolate cake mix
• cherry pie filling
• eggs
• almond extract

Stir with a spatula or whisk.
Tip: Don’t overmix—you want whole cherry pieces for juicy bursts throughout the moist chocolate cake.

Step 3 — Pour Into the Pan

Spread the batter evenly.
It will be thick—don’t worry. This is what gives the cake its classic fudgy texture.

If you enjoy ultra-fudgy cakes, try our rich
👉 cherry chocolate sheet cake

Step 4 — Bake

Bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on your oven.
A toothpick should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

Step 5 — Make the Chocolate Glaze (Optional but AMAZING)

While the chocolates cherry cake is still warm:

1. Add sugar, milk, and butter to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth.

This turns into a shiny, pourable chocolate glaze frosting.

Step 6 — Pour & Set

Pour the warm glaze over the warm cake.
Let the cake cool so the topping sets into a fudge-like layer.

For sheet cake lovers, this method is very similar to our
👉 sheet cake with condensed milk

Storage & Reheating

This chocolates cherry cake keeps beautifully thanks to the moisture from the cherry filling.

Room Temperature (Best for 2–3 Days)

Store covered at room temperature.
The texture stays soft and fudgy.

Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days)

Chill if you used chocolate glaze frosting or cream-based toppings.
The cake becomes firmer and extra fudgy.

Freezer (Up to 2 Months)

Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap + foil.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Reheat

✔ Microwave: 10–12 seconds for a warm, gooey texture
✔ Air Fryer: 300°F for 2 minutes for a slightly crisp edge
✔ Oven: 300°F for 5 minutes

If you prefer warm fruity cakes, check our cozy
👉 apple cinnamon sheet cake

FAQs (People Also Ask Style)

What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Cake

Pairing matters! The richness of this chocolate cherry cake goes beautifully with bright, fruity, or creamy sides. For more pairing inspiration, explore our main pillar:
👉 sheet cake recipes

Serve It With:

• Vanilla Ice Cream or Cherry Ice Cream

The cold creaminess balances the fudgy texture perfectly.

• Fresh Berries or Cherry Sauce

Add more fruit for a “Black Forest” feel.
If you enjoy fruit-forward desserts, explore our
👉 banana sheet cake

• Whipped Cream or Mascarpone Cream

A light topping keeps the cake from feeling too heavy.

• Hot Coffee, Espresso, or Cappuccino

Chocolate + cherry + coffee = perfection.
Coffee enhances the cocoa flavor in any easy chocolate cherry dessert.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more crowd-pleasing desserts? Here are similar bakes that match the cozy, rich style of chocolate cherry cake:

• Cherry Chocolate Sheet Cake

A deep, fudgy cherry-forward dessert with glossy icing.
👉 cherry chocolate sheet cake

• Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake

Warm, spiced, comforting — great for fall gatherings.
👉 apple cinnamon sheet cake

• Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe

A tropical twist with fluffy coconut frosting.
👉 coconut sheet cake recipe

• Banana Sheet Cake

Moist, tender, and loved by families and kids.
👉 banana sheet cake

• Pineapple Sheet Cake

Bright, sunny, and naturally juicy.
👉 pineapple sheet cake

Recipe Card

🍒 Chocolate Cherry Cake (Moist, Fudgy & 4 Ingredients!)

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Conclusion (Chef James)

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! This recipe is one of those magical recipes that combines simplicity with rich, unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dessert, a holiday treat, or a last-minute potluck dish, this cake always delivers.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. With only four pantry ingredients and a silky chocolate glaze, you can create a dessert that tastes bakery-made — without the stress. It’s one of the reasons I include it in our broader collection of
👉 sheet cake recipes
because it fits beautifully into the world of fuss-free, family-friendly cakes that always satisfy.

As always, my cooking philosophy follows E-E-A-T: experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness — but also joy. And when dairy or eggs are involved, safe storage matters. For official food-safety guidelines, you can rely on:
👉 https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

Now it’s your turn!
Bake this chocolate cherry cake, take a photo, and tell me below:

⭐ Did you try it? Did you make your own twist?
I read every comment — and I love hearing from you.

Happy baking,
— Chef James