Your Friends !!
I “invented” this a few years ago when I needed a dessert for some friends who were planning to drop by. I usually have a least one box of chocolate cake mix, walnuts and a can of cherry pie filling in my “larder” – so I made a simple and delicious cake which turned out so well I’ve been making it ever since. I know most people don’t have lots of extra time, so it’s always good to have a little help from your friends – even if those “friends” come in a box, bag or jar!!
++ As an aside, if you ever see something on this idea – buy it! It comes in so handy ’cause it’s not electric, it’s small – so it’s easily stored – and all the parts can go in the dish washer. I use mine all the time, even though I have electric “gadgets”.
Oven at 350 F 9″ x 13″ pan Bake for 40 – 45 minutes
Ingredients a.k.a “Your Friends”!
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (I like “Duncan Hines” Devil’s Food)
- 1 (21 oz.) can of cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans
Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13″ x 9″ pan.
Spoon cherry pie filling on top of the cake batter. (Many of today’s cherry pie fillings contain ‘more sauce than cherries’, which results in a bit more sauce in the ‘Chocolate Cherry Nut Cake’. If you prefer a slightly less runny cake, use about half to two-thirds the ‘saucy’ part of the cherry pie filling. ++ I used ALL the sauce.)
With a knife, swirl the cherry pie filling a bit, trying not to go all the way down with the knife. (Looks like peanut butter & jelly, doesn’t it?)
Sprinkle on 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup nuts.
Bake at 350 F for 40 – 45 minutes.
++ The cake is done when 1. it pulls away from the sides of the pan and 2. a knife put into the center of the cake comes out clean.
++ Don’t confuse the melted chocolate chips with the cake batter. If some chocolate does stick to the knife – taste it. You’ll know if it’s uncooked batter. (That’s what I do!)
There’s a cake called “Earthquake Cake” ’cause the top of the cake comes out with cracks. My ‘Chocolate Cherry Nut Cake’ has a similar, cracked appearance.
myyellowfarmhouse.com 
Hi Cecile!
Funny seeing a similar cake that I made for a re-enactment. I didn’t add chocolate chips and nuts. My chocolate cherry cake had cream cheese cut into pieces placed over the cherries. Cooked in a Dutch oven over an open fire. Boy is it mouth watering!!! Thank you for sharing your version!
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Your version sounds delish!! I used to be a costumed interpreter at Storrowton Village in Mass. I think it’s great you are involved with re-enactments!!
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I don’t really think it matters that the Ice Cream was melting and the chocolate was runny. All I can see is a very delicious dessert that I would love to dig in and eat right now. It looks very tempting. Thanks so much for sharing. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Hi Liz – one of the unexpected “perks” of having a blog is the wonderful new friends we have !! Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. And I LOVE your blog !!
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Thank you for loving my blog. I love yours too and you are a great person and that’s what really matters. Have a lovely day!
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Hi Pamela – I brought some of this Chocolate Cherry Nut Cake to share with friends – they loved it!! Thanks for your sweet comments AND I just, just, just posted something with links to some of my favorite bloggers – and included you! The link I included for you is your Baked Onion Rings !!
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I love the swirly photo, I could just eat that with a spoon! This looks delicious!
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Chocolate and cherries are a match made in heaven. Your cake looks wonderful…no need to re-photography it. 🙂
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Thanks Karen ! Because the photo seems to be fine, according to kind folks such as yourself, I’m gonna “leave it be” !
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You’ve created a fantastic cake, Cecile, and I bet a scoop of ice cream really does set it off. Your photos are fine.Cake and ice cream are at their best when the ice cream is melting into the cake. I wouldn’t change a one. 🙂
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Thanks John – for both your compliment on the cake AND for your comment regarding my “melting ice cream” photos!! And guess what? Another blog I follow also posted “Spaghetti Carbonara” – it’s funny how that happens pretty often, meaning bloggers posting the same type of recipe within a short time of each other.
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My mom made a cake like that. I can taste it just looking at your photo. YUMMMM!
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Sounds like you had a wonderful mom who was a great baker!! My mother used to make a cake with jello poured into holes made in the cake by a fork. Then she made some kind of frosting which, I think, also contained jello and Dream Whip. She used to use lime jello and the cake was soooo delicious. I’m gonna have to look up that recipe!!
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I think the running and melting make it look even tastier! 🙂 Looks delicious.
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Aren’t you sweet. You made my day… I was thinking, “What other blogger would post a photo which wasn’t “up to par” with plans to have another, improved, photo later?” Fact is, I’m waiting for some company to arrive. We’re gonna have fun eating the Chocolate Cherry Nut Cake… and I have no idea when I’ll have to time to re-do the photo.. I’m so very pleased you visited my blog – and that you took the time to post a comment !!!!
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