Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s effortless yet irresistibly sweet, this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully simple to throw together, bursting with vibrant cherry flavor, and perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe quickly becomes a trusted favorite for easy entertaining or a comforting treat that always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-Easy Prep: Just dump the ingredients into a pan—no complicated mixing or precise measurements needed.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of tart cherries and sweet cake topping creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, holiday, or simple dessert craving, this recipe fits right in.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple, common pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Great Crowd-Pleaser: Serves a crowd with ease and is sure to get rave reviews from friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients come together to create a dish loaded with flavor and a delightful texture contrast. Each ingredient plays its part in making the final dessert irresistibly moist, sweet, and perfectly golden.

• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: Brings that juicy, tangy cherry flavor that’s the star of the show.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Easy and quick to use, providing a light, fluffy topping with a hint of vanilla sweetness.
• Butter: Melted butter helps crisp up the cake mix for the perfect crunchy top layer.
• Optional Chopped Nuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of nutty flavor to contrast the softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and depth.

Variations for Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

One of the great things about this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand, dietary preferences, or simply to mix up the flavors and textures.

• Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Swap cherry pie filling for mixed berries for a tangy twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert friendly for those with dietary restrictions.
• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips or use a chocolate cake mix for a rich, decadent variation.
• Add Citrus Zest: Incorporate a little lemon or orange zest into the cake mix for a subtle fruity brightness.
• Nut-Free Option: Simply omit nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch without allergens.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving later.

Step 2: Pour Cherry Pie Filling

Dump the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This juicy layer forms the flavorful base of your dessert.

Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry filling, covering it completely. Don’t stir or mix—this layering is what makes it a true dump cake.

Step 4: Add Butter

Melt the butter and drizzle it generously over the cake mix. The butter will melt into the cake during baking, creating a crispy, golden crust.

Step 5: Add Optional Nuts or Extras

If you’re using chopped nuts or other mix-ins, sprinkle them on top now to add texture and flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving to set up.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

• Choose Quality Pie Filling: Using a good brand of cherry pie filling ensures the best texture and flavor.
• Do Not Stir: Resist the urge to mix after layering; the dump cake’s charm is in its layered texture.
• Melt Butter Slowly: Melt butter gently to avoid browning it, which can alter the flavor.
• Use a Light Hand with Nuts: Too many nuts can weigh the cake down; sprinkle just enough for crunch.
• Cooling Time Matters: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes so it sets nicely and slices cleanly.

How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream atop a warm slice makes the dessert truly indulgent. Fresh whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar also add lovely finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Pair it with fresh fruit or a light salad to balance sweetness, or enjoy it solo as a cozy dessert to wind down your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in mason jars for charming presentation or layer it with whipped cream and cherries in a trifle dish for a show-stopping treat at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows flavors to mellow and the cake to stay moist without drying out.

Freezing

This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap airtight and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes—just enough to bring back the freshness without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

Yes, but fresh cherries should be cooked with some sugar and thickener like cornstarch to replicate the texture and sweetness of pie filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a vegan cake mix, dairy-free butter substitute, and check that pie filling is free of animal products to make it vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

What type of cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is classic for this recipe. However, white or butter cake mixes also work well depending on your flavor preference.

How do I get a crispier top crust?

Evenly distributing the melted butter over the cake mix and baking until golden brown helps achieve a beautifully crisp crust.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple, sweet, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re a busy cook looking for no-fuss dessert ideas or hosting a big gathering, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved classic that’s easy to make and impossible not to love.

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