Warm, gooey, and incredibly easy to make, this Cherry Dump Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires just a few pantry staples. With layers of tart cherry pie filling, buttery cake mix, and a golden, crisp topping, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake
This Cherry Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that always disappears fast. You only need a few ingredients and one pan, yet it delivers big on flavor. The sweet-tart cherries and buttery, crumbly top make every bite taste homemade. The optional almond extract adds a hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit. It’s also easy to customize with different cake mixes or fillings. You’ll love how little cleanup it takes and how impressive it looks when served warm with ice cream.
What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make. There’s no mixing or beating involved. You simply layer the ingredients and bake. The result is a mix between a cobbler and a cake with a bubbly fruit base and a crisp, buttery top. It’s a favorite for busy bakers who want something comforting and quick. This Cherry Dump Cake version showcases that classic balance of tart cherries and golden sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need cherry pie filling for the base, a box of yellow or French vanilla cake mix for the topping, melted salted butter for richness, and a touch of almond extract for extra flavor. You can also use other pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach, or try chocolate cake mix with cherry for a fun twist.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This keeps the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Add the Cherry Filling
Mix a bit of almond extract into the cherry pie filling to boost the flavor. Pour it into the baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
Add Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir. Drizzle melted butter across the top or lay thin slices of butter evenly so everything bakes up golden and crisp.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for about 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp. The filling should bubble around the edges. Let it cool a few minutes before serving so the texture sets slightly but stays warm and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Dump Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. The mix of cold cream and warm fruit filling is heavenly. You can also add sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or shredded coconut for crunch. If you like a bit of tartness, add crushed pineapple to the filling before baking. This dessert works for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy weeknights.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the dish in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. The top will regain its crispness. It’s best served warm again. Avoid freezing since the fruit layer can become too soft when thawed.
Slow Cooker Version
To make it in a slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the same order: cherries, cake mix, butter. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The filling will stay gooey, and the top will become perfectly soft and buttery.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Slice butter instead of melting it if you want better coverage and fewer dry spots. Do not stir the layers. The magic happens while baking. Add almond extract for a deeper cherry flavor. If you want a fun twist, try chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest-style version. Cover with foil near the end if the top browns too quickly.
Cherry Dump Cake Variations
You can make endless versions of this dessert. Try blueberry, peach, apple, or strawberry pie filling. Lemon cake mix adds brightness, while chocolate gives a rich, decadent feel. You can even mix in coconut or nuts for more texture. Every variation bakes up beautifully and stays just as easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you describe dump cake?
It’s a simple dessert where fruit filling, dry cake mix, and butter are layered together and baked until bubbly and golden.
What is needed for a dump cake?
You only need canned fruit or pie filling, boxed cake mix, and butter.
What is the most popular flavor of cake in the world?
Chocolate is the top favorite worldwide, with vanilla and red velvet close behind.
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
Never stir the layers. Mixing prevents the cake from forming that perfect crusty top.
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Final Thoughts
This Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate mix of simple and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a warm, buttery dessert that tastes like pure comfort. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or bringing to gatherings. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to easy treat. Don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can bake it again anytime.
Cherry Dump Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish Glass or metal
- Oven Preheated to 350°F
Ingredients
- Cherry pie filling
- Yellow or French vanilla cake mix
- Salted butter, melted
- Almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix almond extract into the cherry pie filling, then spread it evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the filling. Drizzle melted butter on top or layer thin butter slices across the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
