This Black Forest Brownie Dump Cake is a rich and comforting dessert made with layers of sweet cherry pie filling and fudgy brownie mix baked into a gooey chocolate-cherry treat. It is one of the easiest desserts to prepare because everything is layered directly into the baking dish. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or weekend baking, this dessert delivers the classic black forest flavor combination with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses only a handful of simple ingredients.
The chocolate and cherry combination creates a rich and indulgent flavor.
No complicated mixing or decorating is required.
It is perfect for beginner bakers.
The dessert tastes amazing served warm with ice cream.
The brownie topping becomes fudgy while the cherries stay juicy underneath.
Great for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
Easy to customize with extra toppings or flavor additions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1/4 cup water
1 package (18.4 ounces) brownie mix
3/4 cup salted butter, frozen
Optional toppings:
Vanilla ice cream
Chocolate shavings
Whipped cream
Fresh cherries
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Pour the water evenly over the cherry layer.
Sprinkle the dry brownie mix evenly on top of the cherries. Do not stir the layers together.
Using a box grater, grate the frozen salted butter over the entire surface of the brownie mix. Make sure the butter is distributed as evenly as possible so the topping bakes properly.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top looks set and slightly crisp around the edges.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special dessert.
Servings and timing
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
Add chocolate chips between the cherry filling and brownie mix for extra richness.
Use dark cherry pie filling for a deeper fruit flavor.
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch.
Swap the brownie mix for chocolate cake mix if you prefer a lighter texture.
Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling for a bakery-style flavor.
Top with crushed chocolate cookies for extra texture.
Serve with chocolate syrup for an even more decadent dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Black Forest Brownie Dump Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until warm. You can also warm larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
For freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?
Yes, homemade cherry filling works very well in this recipe. Just make sure it has enough syrup to keep the dessert moist.
Do I need to prepare the brownie mix first?
No, the brownie mix is added dry directly over the cherry filling.
Why is the butter frozen?
Frozen butter is easier to grate and helps evenly cover the brownie mix for better baking results.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
What type of brownie mix works best?
Any standard fudgy brownie mix works great for this recipe.
Can I add fresh cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be added along with the pie filling for extra texture and flavor.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
The top should look baked and slightly crisp, while the filling underneath remains bubbly.
Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?
Yes, but the baking time may need adjustment depending on the pan size.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the salted butter helps balance the sweetness nicely.
What should I serve with Black Forest Brownie Dump Cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings pair perfectly with this dessert.
Conclusion
Black Forest Brownie Dump Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something rich, chocolaty, and easy to prepare. The sweet cherries and fudgy brownie topping create a comforting combination that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this simple dessert is guaranteed to become a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.
A rich and indulgent Black Forest Brownie Dump Cake made with layers of sweet cherry pie filling and fudgy brownie mix baked into a gooey chocolate dessert. This easy dump-and-bake recipe delivers classic black forest flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1/4 cup water
1 package (18.4 oz) brownie mix
3/4 cup salted butter, frozen
Vanilla ice cream (optional topping)
Whipped cream (optional topping)
Chocolate shavings (optional topping)
Fresh cherries (optional topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Pour water evenly over the cherry layer.
Sprinkle dry brownie mix evenly over the cherries without stirring.
Grate frozen butter over the top, distributing evenly.
Bake for 35 minutes until the top is set and slightly crisp.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
Do not mix layers to ensure proper dump cake texture.
Frozen butter helps create an even topping as it melts.
Use high-quality cherry pie filling for best flavor.
Serve warm for the best fudgy texture.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
