This Instant Pot Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake combines cherry pie filling, devil's food cake mix, cherry extract, and melted butter into a rich, gooey dessert that's ready in just 30 minutes, no oven required.
Updated January 20, 2026: Added FAQ section, oven instructions, and troubleshooting tips. Originally posted on January 27, 2020.
I've been making dump cakes for years, and this pressure cooker version is my go-to when I want a warm chocolate dessert fast. The Instant Pot creates an incredibly moist, almost fudgy texture that you just can't get from the oven. Plus, it's perfect for summer when you don't want to heat up the kitchen. If you love easy Instant Pot desserts, you'll also want to try my Apple Dump Cake.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 | Difficulty: Easy
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What You'll Need
Here's everything you need to make this easy Instant Pot dessert:
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz can) - The star of this dump cake! Use your favorite brand. I prefer the kind with whole cherries for more texture.
- Cherry extract (¼ teaspoon) - This is my secret ingredient that sets this recipe apart. It intensifies the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Devil's food cake mix (1¼ cups) - You won't use the whole box, just measure out what you need and save the rest for later. Any chocolate cake mix works.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted) - Melted butter creates that signature dump cake topping. Don't skip this!
- Chocolate syrup (optional) - For drizzling on top when serving. It takes this dessert over the top.
- Water (1 cup) - For the Instant Pot to create steam.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Dump Cake
Before you start, here are the tips that will guarantee success:
- Don't mix the butter into the cake mix. Just spread the melted butter on top as evenly as you can. It doesn't have to be perfect, the steam in the Instant Pot will help everything come together.
- Use the trivet. Always place the trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot first. This lifts your dish above the water and makes it easy to remove the hot cake.
- Choose the right dish. Use an oven-safe dish or 7-inch cake pan that fits inside your Instant Pot with room around the edges for steam to circulate.
- Remove immediately after cooking. Once the pressure releases, take the lid off right away and carefully remove the dump cake. If you wait, condensation from the lid can drip into your dessert and make it soggy.
- Don't use the entire cake mix box. This recipe only calls for 1¼ cups. Save the rest for another batch or a different recipe.
How to Make Instant Pot Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot
Grab your Instant Pot and place the trivet into the bottom. Add one cup of water. This creates the steam needed to cook the dump cake.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling
Use a dish or pan that fits inside your Instant Pot (a 7-inch round cake pan works great). Pour the entire 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the dish. Add the cherry extract and stir to combine. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Measure out 1¼ cups of devil's food cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry pie filling. Gently press it down into an even layer. Remember: don't use the entire bag!
Step 4: Top with Melted Butter
Drizzle the four tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the chocolate cake mix. Try to cover as much surface area as possible, but don't worry if it's not perfect.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Carefully lower the dish onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is set to Sealing (not Venting).
Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and set the time for 25 minutes on high pressure.
Step 6: Release and Serve
When the cooking time is complete, use the Quick Release method by carefully switching the valve to Venting. Once all the pressure has released and the pin drops, remove the lid immediately.
Carefully lift the dish out using the trivet handles or silicone mitts. Serve the dump cake warm with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker (6-quart or larger)
- 1 7-inch cake pan or oven-safe dish
- 1 Trivet
Ingredients
- 1 cup water (for the Instant Pot)
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling (1 can)
- ¼ teaspoon cherry extract
- 1 ¼ cups devil's food cake mix
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Place the trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water.
- In an oven-safe dish or 7-inch cake pan that fits inside your Instant Pot, spread the 21 ounces cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Add the ¼ teaspoon cherry extract and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle 1¼ cups of devil's food cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Gently press down to create an even layer.
- Drizzle the 4 tablespoons melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
- Lower the dish onto the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid with the valve set to Sealing. Press Manual/Pressure Cook and set for 25 minutes on high pressure.
- When cooking is complete, do a Quick Release. Once pressure is fully released, immediately remove the lid and carefully lift out the dish.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Do not mix the butter into the cake mix, just spread it on top.
- Remove the dump cake from the Instant Pot immediately to prevent condensation drips.
- Only use 1¼ cups of cake mix, not the entire box.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
This dump cake is best served warm, right out of the Instant Pot. Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- With vanilla ice cream - The most popular choice! The cold ice cream melting into the warm, gooey cake is pure heaven.
- Topped with whipped cream - A lighter option that still feels indulgent.
- Drizzled with chocolate syrup - For the serious chocolate lovers.
- With a dollop of Cool Whip - Quick and easy for potlucks.
- Alongside coffee - This makes a perfect after-dinner dessert with your favorite cup of coffee.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The texture will firm up when cold, but it's still delicious.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds until warm. You can also reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this dump cake, as the texture changes significantly when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! To make this in the oven, spread the ingredients in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are bubbling. The oven version will have a slightly crispier top.
A 7-inch round cake pan or a 1.5-quart oven-safe dish works best. Make sure it fits on the trivet with at least half an inch of space around the edges for steam to circulate. Glass and metal pans both work well.
Absolutely! Try dark chocolate, German chocolate, triple chocolate, or even red velvet for a fun twist. Any standard 15.25 oz box of cake mix will work, just remember to only use 1¼ cups.
This usually happens when the melted butter doesn't cover all of the cake mix. Make sure to spread or drizzle the butter as evenly as possible across the entire surface. Some people find it helpful to gently press the cake mix down before adding the butter.
Yes! Grease your slow cooker, layer the ingredients the same way, and cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours. The slow cooker version will be slightly more moist than the Instant Pot version.
This recipe is specifically sized for the Instant Pot, so I don't recommend doubling it. If you need to feed a crowd, make two batches or use the oven method with a larger baking dish.
Try adding ½ cup of chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before adding the butter. Chopped walnuts or pecans (about ¼ cup) are also delicious. Some readers have added a teaspoon of almond extract for a cherry-almond flavor.
You can, but you'll need to make a simple filling first. Combine 2 cups of pitted fresh cherries with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch, then cook until thickened before using in this recipe.
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
Love making desserts and dinners in your pressure cooker? Try these reader favorites:
- Apple Dump Cake - Same easy technique with cinnamon-spiced apples.
- Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans - A complete one-pot dinner.
- Easy Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers - Ready in under an hour.
- Instant Pot Brown Rice - Perfect fluffy rice every time.
Have you made this Instant Pot Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and don't forget to rate the recipe. Tag me on social media @simplylakita to share your creation!
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