Cherry Dump Cake – Easy, Delicious & Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
When it comes to simple desserts that never fail to impress, cherry dump cake takes the crown. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe delivers a warm, gooey, and buttery treat that tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its name—you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, bake, and enjoy!
Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings, this recipe requires no special skills but guarantees a bakery-style dessert every time. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in under an hour.
Ingredients (Serves 12)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the baking dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Add the filling – Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cake mix – Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Do not stir.
- Add butter – Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Add toppings – Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if using.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool slightly & serve – Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 12 servings
Tips & Variations
- Extra fruity: Add a can of crushed pineapple along with cherry filling for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a rich black forest flavor.
- Nut-free version: Skip the pecans/walnuts if serving to guests with allergies.
- Crispier topping: Cube cold butter and dot it across the cake mix instead of melted butter for a crunchier crust.
- Holiday flair: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 26 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free cherry pie filling and sugar-free cake mix.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free butter and a vegan cake mix.
- Lower-Fat Option: Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry dump cake is best served warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect quick dessert for any occasion—whether you’re hosting guests or craving something sweet on a busy weeknight. Simple, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make cherry dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it in advance, cover, and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving for best results.
Q2: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a filling-like consistency.
Q3: Can I make dump cake in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook on low for 2–3 hours or until the top is set.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I freeze cherry dump cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
