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
Heather says
Do you use salted or unsalted butter for frosting?
Lynette says
I always use salted because that is what I typically have on hand.
LP says
How long/what temperature for making cupcakes?
Christi says
I love this recipe so much I made my Two tier wedding cake with it. Frosted it with chocolate almond buttercream and sprinkled with toasted almonds. Everyone was pleasantly surprised!
Lynette says
Yum! This would be amazing as a wedding cake! Congratulations, by the way! 🙂
Gopika says
How much gms of Cake mix do you mean by One package?
Lynette says
The chocolate cake mix mentioned in the recipe is around 15.25 ounces. You’ll have to convert to grams to make this recipe if that is what you’re used to baking with.
Sue Schulze says
I didn’t make the cake but I made the icing for another cake. It was just like the cooked icing my mom use to make. I LOVED it.
Lynette says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it.
Melissa says
I don’t have regular sugar. I hope powdered sugar will work for the icing.
Lynette says
I’ve never tried it with powdered sugar. A quick look online says you can use it as a replacement but will need to change the quantity. Let me know how it goes. I’m curious. 🙂
Badria says
hello
can I use blueberry pie filling instead of the cherry
Lynette says
Yes! Let me know how it turns out. I love blueberry with chocolate.
Andrea Nelson says
Can you put it in a bundt pan?
Lynette says
Hi Andrea, I’ve never tried it in a bundt pan, but I’m not sure if the consistency of this cake would do well. It’s a super moist and soft cake so it might be difficult getting it out of the bundt pan. If you do decide to try it, make sure to adjust your baking time. And of course, let me know how it goes!
Rae says
My mom has made this before. Only, she let’s it cool before frosting.
Cindy says
I baked this cake yesterday, first off I am not a baker person, can’t remember last time I baked a cake! This is so easy and better yet so GOOD I’m sure I will bake it again. Thanks for sharing it.
Lynette says
So glad you enjoyed it Cindy! It’s such a great chocolate cake recipe – that’s super moist! It’s my go-to cake recipe when I have to take something to a potluck or friend’s house. Thanks for sharing!
Dauna Doyle says
I have been making this cake for a very long time. It is my family’s favorite cake in the whole world. Thanks for sharing it.