Cherry Dump Cake

This cherry dump cake is rich, sweet, and requires only three ingredients! Simply ‘dump’ and bake. It is one of the easiest desserts of all time!

Most cherry dessert recipes take lots of steps or ingredients to make. But this recipe is quick and easy. All you need to do is ‘dump’ the only three ingredients into a 13×9 pan and bake! It doesn’t get better than that if you ask me!

If you enjoy this cherry dump cake, you might also like my peach dump cake and cherry pineapple dump cake. They’re just as easy to make and have a great flavor combination!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy – just dump the ingredients into a pan and bake. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
• Only 3 Ingredients: While other recipes call for loads of ingredients, you only need three to make this easy cake recipe.
• Classic Flavors: The combination of cherry pie filling and yellow cake mix creates a classic, time-tested flavor that’s always a hit. It’s also great for potlucks!
• Comfort Food: There’s something so comforting about a warm, sweet dessert. This dump cake is the ultimate comfort food, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Key Ingredients

• Cherry Pie Filling: This ingredient is the star of our recipe, providing a rich, sweet, and fruity layer that contrasts beautifully with the cake mix.
• Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base of our dump cake, adding a soft, crumbly texture and a buttery, sweet flavor.
• Salted Butter: This ingredient adds a delicious, buttery richness to the cake mix, helping it to brown and crisp up in the oven.

Equipment

• 13×9 Pan – You’ll need this to bake your dump cake. Make sure to grease it beforehand to prevent sticking.
• Mesh Sifter – Use this to sift your cake mix for a smooth, lump-free texture.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Preparation

To start, preheat your oven to 350˚ F and grease a 13×9 baking dish. This will make sure that your dump cake doesn’t stick to the pan and bakes evenly.

Step 1 – Layer the Cherry Pie Filling

Pour the cherry pie filling into the greased baking dish. This will be the fruity, sweet base of your dump cake.

Step 2 – Add the Dry Cake Mix

Now, sift the yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. This will give your dump cake a soft, crumbly texture and a buttery, sweet flavor.

Step 3 – Spread the Butter

Cut the butter into ½ tablespoon sizes and spread it evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will melt in the oven, helping the cake mix to brown and crisp up.

Step 4 – Bake the Dump Cake

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the dump cake is bubbly. This will ensure that your dump cake is cooked through and has a delicious, golden crust.

Step 5 – Serve the Dump Cake

Once baked, remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, serve it warm and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors of this classic dessert.

Expert Tip

After sifting the yellow cake mix, use a fork to gently spread the cake mix so it is even.  This accompanied by the dotting of the butter evenly over the cake mix ensures that every bit gets covered to bake avoiding any “dry” places.

Recipe Variations

• Homemade Pie Filling: Add a personal touch to your dump cake by using homemade pie filling from my cherry pie recipe. It’s a great way to elevate the flavor and make it truly your own.
• Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding chopped pecans to the cherries or the cake mix. This will add a delicious crunch and a hint of nutty flavor to the dessert.
• Different Fruit Filling: While this recipe calls for cherry pie filling, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like apple pie filling, strawberry, blueberry pie filling, or any other fruit filling of your choice. It’s a great way to customize the dessert to your liking.

What to Serve With

• For a classic dessert pairing, serve your cherry dump cake with a dollop of whipped cream. The light, airy cream complements the rich, fruity flavors of the cake, making for a truly satisfying treat.
• Another classic idea is to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey cake.
• For a simple, yet elegant presentation, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch to your dessert.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge. Simply cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. They can be stored this way for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this cherry dump cake does not freeze well due to the nature of the cake mix and butter topping. Freezing can alter the texture and quality of the dessert.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place a serving in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm it in a preheated 350˚ F oven for about 10 minutes.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This cherry dump cake recipe yields a delicious dessert that can serve 12-18 people.
• How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd and want to double the recipe, simply use two 13×9 baking dishes and follow the instructions as directed. This way, you can make sure that each cake bakes evenly and turns out just as delicious as a single batch.