Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Effortless Sweet Treat

Whipping up a delectable cherry dump cake can transform an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of simplicity.

Dessert magic happens when minimal ingredients create maximum flavor with zero fuss.

Bakers seeking a quick and delightful treat will adore this foolproof recipe.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this straightforward dessert strategy.

Pantry staples and a few simple steps are all you need to craft something utterly delicious.

Layers of cherries, cake mix, and butter combine to create a rustic, irresistible dessert that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want to dive right in and savor every single bite of this effortless confection.

Ingredients for a Cherry Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet and tangy base that provides the primary fruity flavor for the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds moisture and extra tropical sweetness to complement the cherries.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Convenient base that creates a quick and easy cake topping with minimal effort.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy top layer with rich, moist texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Optional crunchy element that adds nutty flavor and textural contrast.

How to Bake a Cherry Dump Cake Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Cherry Filling

Pour two cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a smooth, vibrant red base that will make your dessert look absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Gently spread dry yellow cake mix directly over the cherry filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface in a light, even layer.

Step 4: Add Butter Topping

Cut cold butter into thin slices and distribute them across the top of the cake mix, creating a delicious grid of buttery goodness that will melt and create a golden, crispy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling to bubble around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes. The cake will settle and become even more delectable as it rests. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

• Cherry pie filling
• Yellow cake mix
• Unsalted butter

Helpful Tips for Dump Cake Baking

• Preheat with Precision: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for consistent baking results.
• Grease Wisely: Choose butter or cooking spray with flour to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Cherry Selection Matters: Opt for sweet, ripe cherries when possible, or use high-quality canned cherries for maximum flavor intensity.
• Customize Your Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans over the cake mix for added crunch and nutty depth.
• Serve Temperature Perfect: Allow the dump cake to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.

Storing Cherry Dump Cake for Later

• Store leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the dessert fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months for a sweet treat later.
• Warm individual slices at 350F for 10-15 minutes, restoring the cake's crispy top and warm, gooey texture.
• Quickly reheat single servings for 20-30 seconds, creating a soft, comforting dessert in moments.

Great Combos with Cherry Dump Cake

• Pair this rich cherry dump cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the dessert's warm, fruity notes and create a delightful temperature contrast.
• Choose a light, slightly sweet Moscato or Rosé wine that mirrors the cake's cherry flavor and provides a refreshing counterpoint to its buttery richness.
• Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel undertones that will beautifully highlight the cake's sweet and slightly tart cherry profile.
• Add a small side of fresh mint leaves or a citrus-infused sparkling water to cut through the dessert's sweetness and refresh the taste buds between bites.

Cherry Dump Cake Versions You’ll Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix and use certified gluten-free canned cherries for a celiac-safe dessert.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use dairy-free yellow cake mix, and select plant-based cherry pie filling for a cruelty-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Select sugar-free cake mix, use fresh cherries instead of canned filling, and replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
• Berry Blend Variation: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berry compote or a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and tangy dessert experience.

FAQs for Cherry Dump Cake Fans

• What ingredients do I need for this cherry dump cake?

You’ll need canned cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter, and optional chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for topping.

• How do I know when the dump cake is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. The cake should be set and slightly crispy around the corners, which usually takes about 45-50 minutes in the oven.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Fresh cherries work, but you’ll need to add sugar and cornstarch to create the right consistency. Canned pie filling is easier and provides consistent results, making it the preferred option for this recipe.

• Do I need to mix anything before putting it in the baking dish?

No mixing required! Simply layer the ingredients in order: cherry pie filling first, then dry cake mix spread evenly, and finally dot with butter slices on top before baking.

Cherry Dump Cake: Why It’s So Loved

• Minimal effort transforms simple ingredients into a delightful cherry dump cake that anyone can master in minutes.
• Just layer canned cherries, cake mix, and butter without complex mixing or complicated techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers or busy home cooks.
• Kids and adults will love this sweet treat that delivers classic comfort with zero fancy skills required, creating instant smiles around the dinner table.
• Works brilliantly as a last-minute dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or unexpected guests, delivering impressive results with shocking ease.

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comfort descends with this effortless Cherry Dump Cake, blending sweet fruit and buttery crumbs into a delightful dessert. Simple ingredients merge seamlessly, promising warm satisfaction you’ll savor from first heavenly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 (21 ounces/595 grams) cans cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Serving Suggestions:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit, preparing the heating environment for a delectable dessert.
2. Select a rectangular glass or ceramic baking vessel and apply a thin, even layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent ingredient adhesion.
3. Spread the canned cherry filling uniformly across the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a vibrant fruity base.
4. Gently distribute the dry cake mix over the cherry layer, ensuring complete and even coverage without disturbing the underlying fruit layer.
5. Slice cold butter into thin, uniform pieces and strategically scatter them across the top of the dry cake mix, allowing for comprehensive melting and flavor distribution.
6. Place the prepared dish into the preheated oven, positioning it in the center for consistent heat circulation.
7. Bake for approximately 50-55 minutes, monitoring the surface until it transforms into a golden-brown, crispy texture with bubbling cherry edges.
8. Remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes, permitting the layers to settle and flavors to meld.
9. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Opt for fresh or frozen cherries when fresh aren’t available, ensuring consistent flavor and texture throughout the dessert.
• Experiment with different cake mix varieties like yellow, white, or even vanilla to create unique flavor profiles that complement the cherry base.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking for added crunch and depth of flavor, transforming the simple dump cake into a more sophisticated dessert.
• For a dairy-free version, use margarine or coconut oil instead of butter, making the recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions while maintaining a delicious result.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg