Cherry Dump Cake

Cherry Dump Cake is a quick, easy, and delicious dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients—cherry pie filling, a yellow cake mix, and a buttery topping—this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet without all the fuss of traditional baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Dump Cake is the definition of a “dump and bake” dessert, meaning you simply layer the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic. The result is a warm, gooey, and slightly crunchy dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. With its sweet cherry filling and buttery cake topping, this cake is the ultimate easy dessert for any event.

Ingredients

• 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ cup whole milk

• Almonds (optional, for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Prepare the Cherry Layer:

2. In a medium bowl, mix both cans of cherry pie filling together with the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the cherries evenly across the bottom.

Add the Cake Mix:

3. Pour the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling. Make sure to cover the filling completely.

Prepare the Butter Mixture:

4. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and milk.

5. Slowly pour the butter and milk mixture over the entire dry cake mix layer. Make sure there are no large pockets of dry cake mix. If necessary, use a spoon to gently push the dry mix under the butter mixture. Do not stir the layers together.

Add the Almonds (Optional):

6. Spread almonds over the top of the cake for added texture and flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice crunch.

Bake:

7. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Serve:

8. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

• Fruit variations: Swap the cherry pie filling for other pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a different twist.

• Nut-free version: If you prefer a nut-free dessert, simply omit the almonds and enjoy the classic cherry and cake flavor.

• Make it richer: Add a layer of cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk between the cake mix and the cherry filling for an extra creamy version.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, you can use other cake mixes like white, yellow, or even chocolate for a fun variation on this recipe.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dump cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Using fresh cherries will require extra preparation. You’ll need to cook them with sugar and cornstarch to make your own cherry filling, as canned pie filling is already thickened and sweetened.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter if needed, but the flavor might not be as rich as using butter.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free, and be sure to check the other ingredients for any gluten content.

6. Can I add more butter for a richer topping?

Yes, you can add extra butter to the cake mix layer to make it more buttery, but be mindful not to make the topping too greasy.

7. Can I freeze this dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

8. How can I make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the sugar in the cake mix or use a sugar-free pie filling for a lighter version of this dessert.

9. Can I add other fruits to the cherry filling?

Yes, you can add fruits like berries or sliced peaches to the cherry filling to make a mixed fruit dump cake.

10. Can I use a larger baking dish?

If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking dish or larger pan, adjusting the baking time if needed.

Conclusion

Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. With its sweet cherry filling, buttery cake topping, and optional crunchy almonds, it’s a treat that everyone will love. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finish to any meal. Whether for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a simple weeknight treat, this dump cake is sure to become a favorite!

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