Easy million dollar chocolate cherry cake recipe! Made from scratch with chocolate cake mix, chocolate chips and cherry pie filling, it’s no wonder this was a Pillsbury winner!
Let me just tell you how smart I thought I was. I’ve been digging into recipe boxes that were given to me when I got married. They are filled with handwritten notes and I was looking for a chocolate cake recipe. So when I stumbled upon this handwritten recipe for cherry chocolate cake, I knew I had to try it. The recipe looked easy while at the same time seemed so creative. And let me tell you, it is the BEST homemade chocolate cake recipe EVER.
Chocolate Cake With Cherry Pie Filling
Imagine my surprise when my parents came over for dinner and I served this cake only to find out it’s the million dollar winner from Pillsbury from years ago. 1974 to be exact. Well, I sure do know a good recipe when I see one?! I can’t wait to go into my recipe box and see what else pops up for me to make for you. 🙂
Well, if you were in the dark like me. Here’s is an absolutely delicious and rich recipe to serve for dessert. It’s even better the second day.
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How To Make Chocolate Cherry Cake
In a large bowl combine all the cake ingredients which include the cake mix, cherry pie filling, eggs and almond extract. You don’t need a mixer. You mix this by hand.
One thing to note is the cherry pie filling. Make sure you get cherry PIE filing and not just cherry filling. There is a difference, so read the can, man. 🙂
The batter will be very thick. You can see that it is much thicker than a brownie batter.
I need to make this cake again, I’m getting hungry.
Spread the batter into a 9×13 cake pan that has been sprayed with PAM. I used a spatula to even it. It’s fool proof! Bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 350˚ F.
You can find my other must have baking tools here.
Once the cake is baked, remove it and place on a cooling rack. Immediately get to work on the glaze as you’ll want to top the cake while it’s still warm.
To make the icing, combine the sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir constantly. Let it boil for one minute. Remove it from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips.
Resist the urge to lick the spoon. This stuff is hot lava. Pour the frosting over the entire warm delicious best homemade chocolate cake recipe.
Enjoy, friends! This chocolate cherry cake is amazing!
More Simple Cake Recipes
- Lemon Lime Jello Poke Cake
- Rhubarb Cake Recipe
- Peach Dump Cake
- Easy Homemade Strawberry Shortcake From Scratch
- Orange Delight Cake Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 package of chocolate cake mix
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Icing:
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Cup butter
- 1/2 Cup milk
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350˚ F. Grease a 9×13 inch cake pan.
- Mix the cake mix, eggs, pie filling and almond extract. Pour batter into the cake pan. Bake 25 – 30 minutes at 350˚ F.
- Remove from oven once toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Chocolate Icing
- Combine the sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the icing over the warm cake and let cool completely before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Originally shared 2014.
Comments & Reviews
Mickie says
I love this cake, so easy to make, and tastes so good. I wanted to try a gluten free version for my daughter, so I made it with Betty Crocker gluten free chocolate cake mix, and it was just as good as the regular cake mix. I made the gluten free one in cupcake form, baked for 20 minutes.
Lynette says
Awesome! This is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing that it worked Gluten Free too!
martha keller says
This is my third cake. I went to get indgredents and all were on sale so l made two one to share. They turned out perfect again! Wonderful recipe and so easy!
Lynette says
So glad you liked it Martha! It’s a keeper. 🙂
Pam says
I have been making this cake for years!!! I am so glad to see it making a come back 🙂 It has been a family favorite since Pillsbury came out with it years ago, and I know everyone that has commented on it will love it! So glad to see you bringing back some of the classics, and I am even happier that I found your website!!! Happy cooking!
Lynette says
Thanks Pam! The classics are a favorite of mine. I’ve been going through my grandma’s recipe box. Some of turned out great and some not so great. 🙂 I only share the great so I’m glad you like it!
Sharon says
Can you freeze the Cherry Chocolate cake?
Lynette says
Hi Sharon, I don’t see why not!
Erin says
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Lynette says
Hi Erin, I don’t keep it refrigerated and it is fine.
Kim says
You forgot to mention temperature and time to bake. I assumed 350 but it took longer than I thought. Not sure how long because I kept checking and leaving it more and more minutes.
It was awesome and the whole family loved it, thanks.
Lynette says
Hi Kim! I’m sorry for the confusion. The bake time is listed in the printable recipe box at the bottom but I’ll add it to the post as well. You’re right, 350 for 25 – 30 minutes.
Tina says
Do you add all the ingredients from cake box with the other two eggs, pie filling and extract?
Lynette says
Hi Tina. No. You just add the ingredients that are listed above. Ignore the box instructions for the chocolate cake.
Megan K says
As I am making this for a BBQ, I’m wondering if it would turn out well using a white or spice cake mix and apple pie filling. I have a can of apple, and ran to the store for cherry…. Gonna have to try it. 🙂
Lynette says
That sounds awesome. Let me know how it goes!
Karen says
I have made this cake for years and it is my favorite! Serve it with whipped cream on top and it tastes like black forest cake!
Kristen @ Pink Toes and Power Tools.com says
My mom has made this cake for years, and passed it down to me and my sister once we were out of the house. I agree–BEST cherry chocolate cake ever!