Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Everyone Loves
Looking for a dessert that’s rich, fruity, and quick to make? /Our cherry dump cake uses only three simple ingredients and always comes out warm, bubbly, and golden. It’s an easy recipe for busy days and is sure to please your taste buds.
I still remember the first time I made this cherry dump cake on a hectic weeknight, hoping for something sweet without creating a mess in the kitchen. I tossed the ingredients together, slid the pan into the oven, and was amazed at how quickly the house filled with that warm, fruity smell. Ever since then, it’s been my go‑to dessert when I want something comforting and effortless.
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
- Cherry pie filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each)
- This creates the cake’s sweet, juicy base and gives it its bold cherry flavor.
- Yellow or white cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces)
- The dry mix forms a golden, crumbly topping as it bakes, giving the dessert its classic dump‑cake texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup / 1 stick)
- The butter soaks into the cake mix, helping it brown, crisp, and turn beautifully buttery.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup, optional)
- A sprinkle adds a deeper caramel sweetness and helps the top develop extra crunch.
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- These bring a cool, creamy finish that pairs perfectly with the warm cherry filling.
If you prefer, you can make your own cherry pie filling with frozen cherries.
How To Make Cherry Dump Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your cake is assembled.
Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving much easier.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure it reaches all the corners so every bite has plenty of fruit.
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Don’t stir. Just let it sit on top like a blanket.
Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the surface as you can. This helps the topping bake to a golden, slightly crisp finish.
If you’re using it, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. It adds a lovely caramel flavor and a little extra crunch.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Let the cherry dump cake cool for a few minutes so it can set a bit. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect cozy dessert.
Looking for more fruit desserts? We have a lovely selection here.
Tips for Making Cherry Dump Cake
- Make sure the butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible so the topping bakes up golden and crisp.
- Don’t stir the layers; the magic happens when the ingredients stay stacked.
- Let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking so the filling thickens and the topping sets.
Variations to Try
- Swap the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix to make a black forest‑style version.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the sugar for extra crunch and caramel flavor.
- Use white cake mix and almond extract for a cherry‑almond flavor combo.
- Try different fruit fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach to create new dump cake flavors with the same easy method.
This cherry dump cake is the kind of easy, cozy dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead and print the recipe so you can try it for yourself and enjoy how simple and delicious it really is. And don’t forget to save a pin so you can find your way back anytime you need a quick sweet treat.
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not stir; let it sit on top.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible for even baking. Sprinkle on the brown sugar if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and bubbly. The edges may be slightly crisp, which is perfect!
- Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking so the filling thickens and the topping sets.