Irresistibly Sweet Cherry Dump Cake Recipe for Lazy Bakers

Sweet memories bloom with this effortless cherry dump cake that transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical dessert.

Your kitchen will soon radiate warmth and comfort from this simple treat.

Layers of rich cherries mingle with buttery cake crumbs, creating an irresistible texture.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Pantry staples become something extraordinary with just a few quick steps.

Home bakers of all skill levels can nail this foolproof recipe without stress.

Jump in and surprise everyone with a dessert that looks like you spent hours preparing.

Cherry Dump Cake FAQs In One Spot

• What exactly is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a super easy dessert where you simply “dump” ingredients into a baking dish without mixing, creating a delicious, rustic-style cake with minimal effort.

• Can I use different pie fillings instead of cherry?

Absolutely! You can swap cherry for apple, blueberry, peach, or any other fruit pie filling you enjoy. The basic technique remains the same, making this recipe incredibly versatile.

• Why shouldn't I stir the ingredients after adding them to the pan?

Not stirring is key to creating the cake’s unique texture. When you layer ingredients and bake without mixing, you create distinct layers with a crispy top and gooey fruit bottom that gives dump cake its signature appeal.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! Dump cake is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a quick, foolproof dessert. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, you can easily create this delicious treat with just a few simple steps.

What Makes Cherry Dump Cake So Effortless

• Whip Up Effortless Dessert: This cherry dump cake requires minimal prep work, letting you create a delicious treat with just a few simple steps and no complicated mixing or measuring.
• Nail Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights or sudden dessert cravings, this recipe takes less than an hour from start to finish, delivering warm, sweet satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize With Ease: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding almond extract, sprinkling nuts, or topping with ice cream, making it adaptable to different tastes and special occasions like potlucks or family gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults with its classic cherry flavor and irresistible golden-brown top, this dump cake turns basic ingredients into a crowd-favorite dessert that feels like a homemade indulgence.

All The Goodness In Cherry Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling: Sweet, tangy foundation that provides the fruity base for the dessert. Choose high-quality, rich cherry filling for best results.
• Dry Cake Mix: Provides structure and sweetness. Yellow or white cake mix works perfectly.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden topping. Use unsalted butter for better control of overall sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Optional flavor booster that intensifies cherry taste. Pure extract recommended for best flavor.

• Chopped Nuts, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Provide texture and complementary flavors. Pecans or walnuts work great for added crunch.

How To Bake Cherry Dump Cake In A Snap

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Cherry Wonderland

• Cherry pie filling
• Almond extract (optional)
• Dry cake mix
• Unsalted butter
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Pour the entire cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’re feeling adventurous, splash in a touch of almond extract for a flavor boost.

Generously shower the dry cake mix over the cherry landscape. Important: Do not mix or stir – let the ingredients sit untouched!

Melt the butter and create a buttery waterfall across the cake mix, making sure to cover most of the surface. For extra texture, scatter chopped nuts on top if desired.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let it transform for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

After removing from the oven, allow the dessert to rest and cool for 5-10 minutes – this helps the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Serve with Delicious Flair

Scoop the warm cherry avalanche into serving bowls. Crown your creation with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Pro Tip: This dessert tastes even more magical when shared with friends and family!

Tips To Get That Cherry Dump Cake Just Right

• Boost Cherry Flavor: Add almond extract to intensify the cherry taste and create a more complex, aromatic dessert experience.
• Prevent Dry Topping: Ensure even butter distribution by thoroughly drizzling or carefully placing butter pats across the entire cake mix surface for a perfectly moist and golden-brown crust.
• Customize Texture: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty dimension that complements the sweet cherry filling.
• Make It Diet-Friendly: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free or sugar-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the dessert's delicious essence.
• Serve with Flair: Pair the warm dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert's richness and create a crowd-pleasing treat.

How To Store Cherry Dump Cake With Care

• Refrigerate leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to sealed containers to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire cake in a 325F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Avoid leaving the dump cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze cooled dump cake for maximum 3 months by wrapping it securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and enjoying your delicious dessert.

Tasty Companions For Cherry Dump Cake

• Scoop Up Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream creates a dreamy contrast with warm cherry dump cake, melting softly and adding rich creaminess that complements the cake's rustic texture.
• Pour Rich Dessert Wine: A sweet port or late-harvest Riesling matches perfectly with the cherry's fruity profile, enhancing the dessert's sweet and tart notes while providing a sophisticated adult touch.
• Brew Smooth Coffee Companion: A medium-roast coffee with subtle caramel undertones balances the cake's sweetness, cutting through the richness and offering a warm, comforting accompaniment that cleanses the palate.
• Sprinkle Nutty Almond Garnish: Toasted almond slivers add delightful crunch and nutty depth, echoing the optional almond extract and providing a textural contrast to the soft, gooey cherry cake.

Ways To Switch Up Cherry Dump Cake Flavor

• Berry Bliss Variation: Swap cherry pie filling with mixed berry compote and use white cake mix for a vibrant, tangy dessert that bursts with seasonal fruit flavors.
• Peach Paradise Variation: Replace cherries with sliced peach pie filling and sprinkle cinnamon over the cake mix for a southern-style rustic sweet treat that screams summer comfort.
• Chocolate Cherry Dream Variation: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white, add dark chocolate chips on top of cherry filling, and garnish with chocolate shavings for an indulgent rich dessert.
• Tropical Coconut Escape Variation: Combine pineapple pie filling with cherry, use yellow cake mix, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a vacation-inspired fruity adventure.

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful cherry dump cake brings nostalgic comfort straight from Midwest kitchens with minimal effort. This simple dessert combines sweet cherries and buttery cake mix into a magical treat you’ll crave after just one warm, gooey bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 (21 ounces / 595 grams) cans cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Serving Accompaniments:

• No additional ingredients

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the greased dish, creating an even layer that will form the fruity foundation of the dessert.
3. Enhance the cherry flavor by gently stirring in a splash of almond extract, which will deepen the fruit’s natural sweetness.
4. Distribute the dry cake mix uniformly over the cherry filling, ensuring complete coverage without mixing or stirring the layers.
5. Drizzle melted butter across the cake mix, allowing it to seep into the dry ingredients and create a rich, moist topping.
6. For added texture and crunch, scatter chopped nuts over the surface if desired.
7. Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the cake is perfectly cooked.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
9. Serve warm in individual bowls, complementing the rich cherry dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize the cherry filling by mixing in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Experiment with different cake mix flavors like yellow, white, or even spice cake to create varied taste profiles.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar-free cake mix and low-sugar cherry pie filling for a lighter dessert option.
• Create a gluten-free version by selecting a gluten-free cake mix and checking that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg