Cherry dump cake was my dad’s all-time favorite dessert when he was alive. It was a special treat that he looked forward to, and whenever we traveled, we would always return home to find the leftovers waiting for us. My mom, knowing how much he adored it, would often bake it as a special surprise. Inspired by those childhood memories of my dad’s favorite recipe, I decided to recreate it.
This simple dessert is not only a comforting nod to the past but also incredibly easy to make. It doesn’t take long to prepare, making it the perfect dessert to whip up when you’re craving something sweet with minimal effort. Even if you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a special occasion like Christmas or Thanksgiving, this easy cherry dump cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
What is Cherry Dump Cake?
Cherry dump cake is a simple dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort. You literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, and in less than an hour, you have a warm, gooey dessert ready to serve. It’s a classic cherry dump cake that uses a can of cherry pie filling, a box of cake mix, and a drizzle of butter to create a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
The best part? You can customize this cherry dump cake recipe with variations like adding whipped cream or even vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience.
Ingredients for the Best Cherry Dump Cake
This homemade cherry dump cake comes together with just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling (or 4 cups of homemade cherry pie filling)
1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow or white cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp carob fruit syrup or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)
Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
This recipe uses yellow cake mix for a soft, moist base that complements the cherries perfectly. If you prefer, you can try other cake mixes like white or gluten-free cake mix.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Making this easy cherry dump cake is as simple as it gets. Here’s the step-by-step process for the best cherry dump cake:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring that it reaches the right temperature before you start baking your cherry dump cake with cake mix.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You can use butter or non-stick cooking spray to make sure the cake doesn’t stick. This one-pan cherry dump cake is so simple!
Step 3: Add Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. If you’re using fresh cherries, toss them with a little sugar before adding them to the dish. This will help release their natural juices while they bake.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling. Don’t stir; the cake mix will form a beautiful topping on its own while baking. This step is what makes this dessert so easy and quick!
Step 5: Drizzle the Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. The butter is what helps create the crumble topping that makes this dessert so delicious and irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You may see the edges becoming a little crispy, which adds to the delightful texture.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving. The cherry dump cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to serve it, adding a creamy element to balance out the sweet, tart cherries.
Why This is the Best Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
What makes this cherry dump cake the best? It’s easy to make, and the flavor is unmatched! The combination of cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter creates a dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak it to your liking, from adding pecans, coconut flakes, or a caramel drizzle to turning it into a chocolate cherry dump cake.
Different Variations of Cherry Dump Cakes to Try:
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips to the top for a rich, decadent flavor.
Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Add some crushed pineapple to the cherry filling for an added tropical twist.
Gluten-Free Cherry Dump Cake: Use gluten-free cake mix and make sure your pie filling is gluten-free to make this dessert suitable for all dietary needs.
Cherry Dump Cake with Cream Cheese: Swirl in some softened cream cheese for a tangy twist.
Cherry Dump Cake with Almonds: Toss in some slivered almonds for a crunchy topping that pairs beautifully with the sweet cherries.
How to Store Cherry Dump Cake
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), store your cherry dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
Reheat: To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs on Cherry Dump Cakes
1. Why is my cherry dump cake runny?
Your cherry dump cake may be runny if the filling has too much liquid, or it wasn’t thickened enough. You can prevent this by using less juice from the cherries or adding a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour to the fruit filling before baking.
2. How to fix a dry dump cake?
If your dump cake is too dry, try adding a bit more butter to the topping, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. You can also add a small amount of milk or heavy cream to the cake mix before baking to keep it moist.
3. Can I use other pie fillings for dump cake?
Yes, you can use other pie fillings for dump cake, such as blueberry, peach, apple, or even mixed berry. Just make sure the filling has a similar consistency to the original recipe.
4. What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake to avoid is not fully covering the cake mix with butter. It’s important to distribute the butter evenly to ensure the topping bakes properly and doesn’t remain dry or powdery.
5. Why is my dump cake still powdery?
If your dump cake is still powdery, it’s likely because the cake mix wasn’t properly moistened by the butter or other liquids. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed, and consider adding a little more butter if necessary.
6. Do I need to refrigerate dump cake?
You do not need to refrigerate dump cake immediately after baking. It can be left at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to store it for longer, refrigerating it is recommended.
7. How do you know when dump cake is done?
Dump cake is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the cake mix topping to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
8. Why is it called a dump cake?
It’s called a dump cake because the ingredients are simply “dumped” into the baking dish without much preparation or mixing, making it a quick and easy dessert to prepare.
9. How do you ensure that a dump cake is properly baked and not undercooked in the center?
To ensure your dump cake is properly baked, make sure you spread the cake mix evenly and cover it completely with butter. Bake it long enough for the center to cook through, and check for bubbling filling and golden brown edges as indicators of doneness.
This easy cherry dump cake recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re making it for a holiday like Christmas or just craving a simple yet indulgent dessert, this classic cherry dump cake will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. You can customize it with fun variations, making it your own perfect cherry dessert. Try it out today, and don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence!
Other Recipes
NO BAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE RECIPE
CRANBERRY SPRITZ MOCKTAIL RECIPE
STRAWBERRY TANGHULU RECIPE: SWEET AND CRUNCHY
RED VELVET HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
CHOCOLATE FREAKSHAKE RECIPE: A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE DRINK
Moist Red Velvet Bundt Cake Recipe
Valentine Cake Pop Recipe: Easy And Fun Way To Make Valentine’s Day
Strawberry Pancakes Recipe: Fluffy And Easy To Make
Watermelon Slushie Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Drink
