Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious, the Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the simplicity of a dump-and-bake cake method that saves you time without compromising flavor. Perfect for family gatherings, weeknight treats, or spontaneous dessert cravings, this quick cherry dessert is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply dump the ingredients into a pan—no need for complicated mixing or multiple bowls.
• Flavorful Results: Sweet cherries paired with buttery cake topping deliver a comforting and nostalgic taste.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, meaning you can often whip it up without a special trip to the store.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect warm with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat.
• Ideal for Any Occasion: Whether casual or festive, this cake fits the bill with its inviting look and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that effortlessly come together to create a moist and flavorful dessert. Each plays a role: cherries provide juicy sweetness and vibrant color, cake mix forms the tender crust, and butter adds richness and moisture.

• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The star ingredient delivering sweet, juicy bursts of cherry flavor throughout the cake.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Adds a light, fluffy base with a buttery hint to complement the fruit filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and poured over the cake mix to create a golden, crunchy topping.
• Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture.

Variations for Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Feel free to personalize this recipe to match your taste buds or dietary preferences. The beauty of dump cakes is how adaptable they are; you can swap ingredients easily for a twist or to fit what’s in your pantry.

• Fruit Mix: Substitute cherries with mixed berries, peaches, or apples for seasonal changes.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to keep it accessible for all guests.
• Nutty Crunch: Add pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free.
• Sugar Adjustment: Select sugar-free or low-sugar pie filling and cake mix for a lighter dessert.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your dump cake doesn’t stick and cleans up easily afterward.

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling

Open the canned cherry pie filling and pour it evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the bottom surface.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Next, evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix right over the cherry filling. Do not mix. This dry layer will transform into a perfectly crisp, sweet crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Drizzle Melted Butter

Melt the unsalted butter and carefully pour it evenly across the top of the cake mix. The butter will soak in during baking, creating a golden crust with rich flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should bubble with cherry juice and the top should be golden brown and set.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Helps it melt evenly for consistent topping texture.
• Don’t Mix Layers: Keeping ingredients separate during assembly lets the cake crust form properly.
• Watch Baking Time: Avoid overbaking by checking around 45 minutes to keep the top from drying out.
• Choose Quality Pie Filling: A good canned cherry filling makes all the difference in taste and texture.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the cake cool slightly to set the juices and make slicing easier.

How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar elevates the dessert and adds delicious contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside fresh whipped cream or a cup of rich coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with warmth and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the dump cake in individual ramekins topped with toasted nuts and a mint leaf for a pretty, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover cherry dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days, preserving freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze baked dump cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions briefly to enjoy it like it’s fresh out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but fresh cherries will release more liquid, so you may want to add a thickening agent like cornstarch to keep the cake from becoming too soggy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional versions use regular cake mix, but you can make it gluten-free easily by choosing a certified gluten-free cake mix.

How long will the dump cake last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a vegan cake mix, ensuring the cherry pie filling is free of animal products as well.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

Make sure to pour the melted butter evenly and avoid stirring the cake mix with the filling; this separation helps form a golden, crisp crust.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a true kitchen winner — it’s quick, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this dessert offers the perfect combination of sweet cherries and buttery cake with minimal effort. Give it a try today and discover how easy it is to impress your family and friends!

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