The BEST Chocolate Cake With Cherry Pie Filling

This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling is a classic dessert, made from scratch with chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips, and cherry pie filling. It’s no wonder this recipe was the million-dollar winner from Pillsbury in 1974!

If there’s such a thing as the BEST homemade chocolate cherry cake recipe, this recipe is the one! It’s a soft, moist cake perfectly complimented by the sweet-tart flavor of the cherry pie filling. And let’s not forget the chocolate icing, which takes this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of chocolate and cherry together, you’ll love my chocolate cherry oat bars. And if you’re craving more classic chocolate desserts, my old-fashioned chocolate pie and chocolate chocolate chip cookies are worth trying!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Pillsbury Winner: This is the million-dollar winning recipe from Pillsbury in 1974. So you know it’s a tried and tested classic that everyone will love.
• Classic Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet cherry pie filling is a timeless flavor pairing that never goes out of style.
• Leftovers Taste Great: This chocolate cherry cake actually tastes better the next day, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions or potlucks.

Key Ingredients

• Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the base of our cake, giving it a rich, chocolatey flavor and a moist, tender crumb without the need to measure out all the individual ingredients.
• Eggs: These will be slightly beaten and then added to the cake mix, helping to bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Cherry Pie Filling: This will be folded into the cake mix, providing a sweet and tangy surprise with every bite.
• Almond Extract: Just a teaspoon of this will enhance the chocolate and cherry flavors, giving the cake a subtle, nutty undertone.
• Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten our chocolate icing, giving it a deliciously sweet flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Butter: This will add a rich, creamy texture to the icing and also enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Milk: This will help to thin out the icing and also add a bit of sweetness.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These will be melted into the icing, giving it a smooth, chocolatey finish. You can also use dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer.

Equipment

• 9×13 inch Cake Pan – You’ll need this to bake the chocolate cake. Make sure to grease it well before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
• Saucepan – This will be used to make the chocolate icing. It’s where you’ll combine the sugar, butter, and milk, and then stir in the chocolate chips.

How to Make Chocolate Cake With Cherry Pie Filling

Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350˚ F. You’ll also need to grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.

Step 1 – Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, slightly beaten eggs, cherry pie filling, and almond extract. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Do not use an electric mixer.

Step 2 – Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the greased cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 350˚ F.

Step 3 – Check for Doneness

After the baking time is up, remove the cake from the oven and insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Step 4 – Prepare the Chocolate Icing

While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate icing. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are completely melted.

Step 5 – Pour Icing Over Cake

Once the chocolate icing is ready, pour it over the warm cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface. The icing will seep into the cake, making it even more moist and delicious.

Step 6 – Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely. This will allow the icing to set and the flavors to meld together. Once the cake is completely cool, it’s ready to serve.

Expert Tip

When adding the chocolate chips to the boiled sugar, butter, and milk mixture for the icing, make sure to stir the mixture well. This will help the chocolate chips to melt evenly and give your icing a smooth, creamy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Cupcakes: For a fun twist on this recipe, use the same batter and filling, but instead of a cake, pour the batter into cupcake liners. Bake for 15-20 minutes for delicious cherry chocolate cupcakes.
• Topping: Instead of the chocolate icing, try a chocolate ganache or glaze for your cake. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the cherry filling.
• Other Fillings: You can also use other fillings such as raspberry or blueberry pie filling. This recipe is a great base for customizing.

What to Serve With

• For a classic dessert combination, serve this chocolate cake with cherry pie filling alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich, chocolatey cake.
• If you’re a coffee lover, pair this cake with a cup of strong, black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee helps balance the sweetness of the cake, making for a delicious afternoon treat.
• Hosting a brunch? This cake can also be served as a sweet addition to your spread. Pair it with some fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice for a refreshing start to the day.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this cake does not freeze well due to the moist nature of the cherry pie filling.
• Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as it can make the cake dry.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This chocolate cake with cherry pie filling recipe yields a delicious 9×13 inch cake, enough to serve 12 people.
• How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger cake pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as a larger cake may take a little longer to bake.

Originally shared in 2014. Updated in 2018 with new pictures. Updated again to give more detailed instructions.