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. 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! You start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, grease a cake pan with oil, butter, or nonstick spray. You can also use lard or shortening.
For the cake batter, just follow the instructions on the box! Beat the eggs beforehand, as it produces a lighter cake. Whisk the batter vigorously to rid it of lumps. Don’t overmix it, otherwise, the cake will be tough.
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to assemble the layers. Spread the mini marshmallows at the bottom of the pan. Pour the cake mix batter over them.
As for the cherry pie filling, there’s no need to spread it over the batter. Just drop is in spoonfuls.
All that’s left is to pop it in the oven. This cake takes around an hour to bake, but start to check for doneness 5 minutes earlier. It’s cooked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely, then serve it with your choice of toppings.
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.