Cherry Dump Cake is the epitome of simplicity and satisfaction, perfect for anyone craving a sweet treat with minimal effort. This delightful dessert features luscious cherry pie filling topped with a tender cake layer, creating a texture that is both moist and crumbly. Golden and bubbly from the oven, it fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that’s hard to resist. What makes this dessert even more special is how easily it comes together—just a handful of ingredients and about an hour of your time.
I first stumbled upon this easy recipe during a family gathering when we were overwhelmed by dessert choices. Looking back, I realize it’s those few recipes, like Cherry Dump Cake, that become family favorites. It quickly won over my loved ones and became our go-to for potlucks, birthdays, and even quiet weeknights. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and delivers a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. I’m excited to share this gem with you, inviting you to experience the pure joy of making and enjoying Cherry Dump Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can throw this together in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Combining tart cherries with the sweet buttery cake creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden crust contrasted with rich cherry filling makes this dessert look stunning on any table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dessert or a showstopper at parties.
- Diet-Friendly Options: You can adapt it easily to suit dietary needs—think gluten-free cake mix if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 oz each): The star of the show, these cans provide a sweet, tart base for your cake. You can use homemade cherry filling if you’re feeling adventurous.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white, 15.25 oz): This is your base layer, bringing in a moist and fluffy texture. If you prefer, a gluten-free cake mix works well too.
- 1 cup salted butter, melted (2 sticks): The key to moisture and flavor in this dessert. Using salted butter balances the sweetness of the cherries. Unsalted butter can also be used—just add a pinch of salt to the batter.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: This enhances the cherry flavor beautifully and adds depth. Feel free to swap it out for vanilla extract if that’s what you have on hand.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional): A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes this dessert even more delicious.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the Cherries: Pour the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the greased dish. Stir in the almond extract to ensure every bite is filled with that lovely flavor.
- Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling, covering it completely. Remember, don’t stir! The distinct layers are what makes a dump cake special.
- Pour the Butter: Gently drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Aim to cover as much of the surface as possible and don’t worry if some spots remain dry; you can dot these with extra butter.
- Bake Away: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color on top and bubbling cherry filling around the edges.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before diving in—this helps the center set beautifully. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting, indulgent treat.
Storing & Reheating
Once your Cherry Dump Cake has cooled, you can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it for future cravings, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in a well-sealed container. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains delightful, the texture may change slightly, so a scoop of fresh ice cream can help renew that indulgent experience!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always let melted butter cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake mix to avoid cooking any flour patches.
- If you notice dry spots after pouring the butter, feel free to add additional melted butter to those areas to ensure even cooking.
- For an extra cherry kick, stir in half a cup of fresh cherries or berries into the filling before adding the cake mix.
- If you’re using a dark baking dish, watch the cake closely as it may bake faster than in a glass or light metal dish.
- Don’t skip allowing the cake to cool slightly before serving; this helps set the filling and gives you beautiful slices.
Cherry Dump Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in a pan. Its straightforward recipe and comforting flavors make it a go-to for any occasion, whether it’s an unexpected visitor or a planned family dinner. Feel free to switch up the fruit filling or add toppings for a personal twist.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this dish is a sure hit. Dive into the fun of creating your version of this classic dessert and enjoy every bite of your Cherry Dump Cake!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
Absolutely! For fresh cherries, you’ll need about 4 cups, pitted and sliced. To mimic the sweetness of canned filling, you’ll want to add some sugar, cornstarch, and water to create a pie filling consistency.
How can I make this dump cake gluten-free?
You can easily make this Cherry Dump Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Just be sure to check the labels on your cherry pie filling as well to avoid any hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven as directed.
What should I serve with Cherry Dump Cake?
While it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream elevates the dessert experience. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
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Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry Dump Cake features a delightful combination of sweet cherry filling and a buttery, golden topping. This easy recipe requires minimal prep and delivers rich flavors, making it perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat at home.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white) 15.25 oz
- 1 cup salted butter, melted 2 sticks
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Evenly spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the dish, mixing in the almond extract until well distributed.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries without stirring, as the layers are crucial for a dump cake.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry cake mix as evenly as possible, ensuring to cover all areas, and add extra butter to any dry spots.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top turns golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes to let the center set before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with white cake mix if preferred.
For added flavor, use fresh cherries instead of pie filling, but adjust sugar accordingly.
This cake is best served warm, but can also be enjoyed cold.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
