Simple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: A Sweet Family Favorite

Sweet summer nights call for an irresistible cherry dump cake that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.

This simple dessert blends tart cherries with a buttery, golden cake topping in mere minutes.

Bakers of all skill levels can nail this crowd-pleasing treat without breaking a sweat.

One-pan convenience meets delectable results in this foolproof recipe that comes together faster than you can say “dessert.” The magic happens when canned cherry filling meets pantry staples, creating a warm, comforting dessert everyone will adore.

Serve this heavenly creation warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Prepare to be the star of any gathering with this ridiculously easy cherry dump cake.

How To Make Cherry Dump Cake With Ease

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking dish, giving it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Create Cherry Magic

Pour those vibrant cherry pie filling gems right into your greased dish, spreading them out for an even canvas. Toss in a splash of almond extract if you’re feeling fancy. Blanket the cherries with dry cake mix, letting it sit undisturbed like fresh fallen snow. Drizzle melted butter across the top, making sure most of the mix gets a buttery kiss. For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts if you want.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top that signals deliciousness is ready. Give it a quick 5-10 minute rest after pulling it out.

• Serve with Joy

Scoop this gorgeous dessert into bowls while it’s warm. Crown it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate sweet experience.

Baking Tips For Cherry Dump Cake

• Butter Distribution Magic: Ensure even butter coverage by slowly drizzling melted butter or placing small butter pats across the entire cake mix surface for perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Add 12 teaspoon almond extract to cherry pie filling for deeper, more complex cherry taste that elevates the entire dessert.
• Texture Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds on top before baking to create a delightful crispy texture and nutty undertone.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix for celiac-friendly version; use sugar-free pie filling for lower-carb alternative; substitute dairy-free margarine for vegan adaptation.
• Fruit Variation Possibilities: Experiment with different pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach to create unique dump cake variations that match seasonal preferences or personal taste preferences.

How To Serve Cherry Dump Cake Warm And Sweet

• Scoop of Comfort: Serve this warm cherry dump cake in rustic bowls to capture its homey charm and invite cozy vibes.
• Creamy Companion: Crown each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt slightly to create a delightful sauce that complements the warm cherry dessert.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor that elevates the dessert's overall profile.
• Breakfast Remix: Transform leftovers into a morning treat by pairing a slice with Greek yogurt or serving alongside morning coffee for a decadent breakfast experience.

Storing Cherry Dump Cake Without Mess

• Quick Chill & Store: Keep leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or place in a 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a scoop of fresh ice cream to revive the dessert's deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dump cake up to 24 hours in advance, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 minutes to the total baking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients List For Cherry Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant fruity base with deep, sweet-tart flavor, choose high-quality brand for richer taste.
• Almond Extract: Enhances cherry essence with subtle nutty undertone, use sparingly for balanced flavor.

• Dry Cake Mix: Creates golden, crumbly topping with minimal effort, select yellow or white cake mix for classic texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create crispy, golden crust, use unsalted butter for better control of sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Provides delightful crunch and subtle earthy notes, optional but recommended for textural contrast.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds creamy coolness that complements warm cake, choose premium brand for indulgent experience.
• Whipped Cream: Offers light, airy topping that balances dessert's richness, homemade version recommended.

Baking Tools For Cherry Dump Cake

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the dump cake, providing the perfect size and depth.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Helps spread cherry pie filling and distribute ingredients evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Necessary for precise almond extract measurement.
• Pastry brush or spoon: Useful for drizzling melted butter over the cake mix.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop nuts for optional crunchy topping.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade cherry dump cake delivers a simple dessert beloved by families nationwide. Sweet cherries and buttery cake layers combine for an effortless treat perfect for quick weeknight celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp almond extract
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly lubricate a 9×13-inch baking vessel to prevent adhesion.
2. Foundation Layer: Meticulously spread cherry pie filling across the dish, establishing an even, vibrant base with a splash of almond extract to amplify the fruit’s inherent sweetness.
3. Dry Coverage: Uniformly disperse cake mix over the cherry layer, ensuring complete blanket-like coverage without disrupting the underlying fruit foundation.
4. Moisture Enhancement: Cascade melted butter across the cake mix, allowing it to permeate the dry ingredients and create a luscious, decadent surface. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts for textural complexity.
5. Baking Transformation: Position the assembled dish in the preheated oven, baking for 40-45 minutes until a golden-brown crust emerges and edges bubble with tantalizing promise.
6. Resting and Serving: Extract from the oven and permit the dessert to settle for 5-10 minutes, facilitating layer integration. Serve while warm, crowned with a pristine scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for an indulgent finale.

Notes

• Customize Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla or rum extract to enhance the cherry pie filling’s depth and complexity.
• Prevent Dry Topping: Ensure even butter distribution by drizzling slowly and thoroughly across the entire cake mix surface to create a moist, golden crust.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version, or use sugar-free pie filling for a lower-sugar alternative.
• Perfect Baking Technique: Check doneness by looking for bubbling edges and a rich golden-brown top, which signals the cake is perfectly cooked and the butter has fully integrated.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg