Cherry Dump Cake
If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious dessert, cherry dump cake is the perfect choice. This delightful treat combines the tartness of cherries with a buttery cake topping, creating a heavenly flavor that will leave you craving more. With minimal effort, this dish is ideal for busy bakers and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Let’s get started on this easy recipe that promises to impress with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and baking time is approximately 40-45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/8 of the cake):
– Calories: 350
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Sugars: 28g
– Protein: 3g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy your delicious cherry dump cake!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach for a different flavor. Additionally, gluten-free cake mix can be used for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
Serving and Pairings
Cherry dump cake is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t skip greasing the pan to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the butter is evenly drizzled; otherwise, the cake may not bake properly.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the cake topping; it should be crumbly.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid burning.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix.
- Try adding fresh cherries for a more natural taste.
- Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a nice presentation.
- Experiment with different cake mixes for unique flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to add sugar and cornstarch to create a filling consistency similar to pie filling.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free cake mix to make a gluten-free version of cherry dump cake.
Can I add other fruits to the cherry filling?
Yes, mixed berries or other fruits can be added to create a delicious fruit medley.
Conclusion
Cherry dump cake is a delightful and simple dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful combination of cherries and cake in every bite!

Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy your delicious cherry dump cake!