In the mood for a decadent slice of chocolate cake, but too busy to bake one? This chocolate dream cake recipe has you covered.
Don’t let your hectic life get in the way of baking.
There are plenty of easy recipes that result in restaurant-quality desserts. And this cake is no exception.
With this easy 3-ingredient recipe, your palate will be treated to a moist and fudgy chocolate cake.
It’s filled with sweet and tart cherry pie filling and gooey marshmallows, to boot!
This show-stopping treat takes little to no effort but delivers maximum results.
Chocolate Dream Cake
Whoever came up with the name “chocolate dream cake” hit the nail right on the head. Having a slice of this cake is a dream come true!
The combination of cherries and chocolate is irresistible. The addition of marshmallows is genius, too. It gives the cake a fudgy, ooey-gooey texture.
As a bonus, it becomes even moister on the 2nd day! It just keeps getting better and better.
How to Make Chocolate Dream Cake
It couldn’t be easier!
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a cake pan.
2. Make the cake batter per the box instructions.
3. Assemble the cake. Spread the mini marshmallows in the bottom of the pan. Pour the cake mix batter over them, then drop spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling on top.
4. Bake for about an hour. Then slice and enjoy!
How to Keep the Cake From Sticking
This cake contains marshmallows and cherry pie filling. So there’s a high possibility for it to stick to the pan.
If you’ve been through this disaster, you know how awful it is. The last thing you want is to make a delicious cake that won’t come out of the pan!
Ensure this doesn’t happen to you! Here are ways to keep the cake from sticking:
- Grease and flour the pan: Brush the bottom and sides of the pan with butter. Lightly coat the pan with flour and shake off the excess. You can use the same method with non-stick oil spray.
- Use flour-based non-stick spray: This is like a 2-in-1, so if you have this on hand, it’s even better!
- Use lard or shortening: Both work the same way that butter and oil do.
Tips for the Best Cake
- Customize it: This recipe is easily customizable. As long as you stick to the basic formula, you can customize the cake as much as you like. Try different cake mixes and fruit pie filling and let me know which combo you like best!
- Beat the eggs first: The cake package instructions will usually tell you to combine the cake mix, eggs, water, and butter all at once. But you yield a lighter and airier cake if you beat the eggs before adding the cake mix.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Whisk the cake batter well to prevent lumps, but at the same time, don’t overwork it either. Stop whisking when all the clumps of the dry mix are gone.
- Keep it fresh: Cover and store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Topping Ideas
This cake is traditionally served with a dollop of whipped cream. But don’t let that stop you from trying other toppings. Let your creative juices flow! Here are some great topping choices:
- More mini marshmallows – The lovely colors make it even more beloved by kids.
- Chocolate – You can’t go wrong with more chocolate! I’m talking chocolate syrup, ganache, shavings, chips, you name it!
- Ice cream – You can go the classic route and pick vanilla, or try different flavors. It’s divine with butter pecan ice cream! Microwave the cake so it’s a little warm, then top it with the ice cream. The playful contrast of hot and cold is amazing!
- Cherries – Make it with cherry filling in the middle and cherries on top. This one’s for the ultimate cherry fan!
- Nuts – This cake is primarily soft, so a crunchy contrast is nice. How about some crushed walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, or almonds? Feel free to mix and match!
- Bananas – Chocolate cake, cherry pie filling, and slices of bananas are a drool-worthy combo, indeed.
- Berries – Whether fresh or in a compote, jam, or preserves, berries never disappoint.
do you have to use mini marshmellows or can you leave them out??
Hi Carrie! You can leave the marshmallows out, but the cake won’t be as fudgy.
It’ll still taste great, though, with the chocolate and cherry 🙂
Good morning, this looks deliious but I am confused by the photo showing the cherries on the bottom, when the recipe clearly states that the cherries go on top of cake batter…Do they sink during baking?
TYIA, Tanya
Hi Tanya! Yes, that’s exactly right. The cherries should sink into the cake as it bakes. If you’d rather they didn’t, leave them off and just spread the cherry pie filling over the finished cake at the end!
The photo of the Chocolate Dream Cake looks like it has a chocolate icing on top and maybe even with nuts in it. ????
Hi Martha!
That’s the marshmallow magic 🙂
They sort of float to the top during baking and give it a sweet crust.
And if enough is exposed, it kind of caramelizes, which is what looks like nuts.
The “icing” is from the cherries and juice.
I’ve made this for years but, the pie filling is mixed into the batter along with a bit of almond flavoring, 2 eggs and no marshmallows. It is called a Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake and is rich and needs no icing. It doesn’t last long here. My husband loves it.
Can I leave the marshmallows out?
Hi, Teresa! You can leave the marshmallows out, and the cake will have more of a traditional black forest cake taste and texture. You could also replace them with marshmallow creme or fluff. If you’re trying to avoid marshmallows in all forms, you can substitute crushed nuts for a crunchier, sturdier base.