Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350F. Place a rack in the center of the oven.

Step 2

Make the filling. Combine 2 ½ cups fresh pitted cherries, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and ¼ tsp Kosher salt in an 11″ tart pan or pie dish, stirring to evenly coat the cherries.

Step 3

Add the cake mix. Pour 1 box of chocolate cake mix on top. Spread into an even layer.

Step 4

Add melted butter. Melt ¾ cup unsalted butter, then pour directly on top of cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface with butter as possible. Do not stir or mix.

Step 5

Bake the cake. Place the cake in a preheated oven and cook for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is mostly set and the cake has puffed up.

Step 6

Cool, then serve. Allow the cake to cool slightly for 5 minutes, then serve immediately. We recommend serving with powdered sugar or fresh whipped cream!