Dump cake recipes are my jam, and this easy cherry dump cake is one of my favorite dessert recipes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a tasty treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for an easy dessert recipe, cherry dump cake is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dump Cake Recipe
Our easy cherry dump cake recipe is like a quick and easy cherry cobbler. It’s a go-to recipe for those times when you need a quick dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit. It requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. The result is a scrumptious, moist cake with a rich cherry filling, perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat for your family.
What is Cherry Dump Cake?
Cherry dump cake is a type of dessert that involves “dumping” ingredients into a cake pan without mixing. It typically includes a box of cake mix, cans of cherry pie filling, and butter. The ingredients layer in the pan, and as it bakes, they combine to create a delicious, fruity cake with a golden-brown top. It’s known for being an easy, no-fuss dessert that anyone can make.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Making cherry pie filling dump cake is as easy as its name suggests. Let’s go through the steps:
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 stick butter, melted
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This ensures that the oven is ready and at the right temperature for baking.
Step Two: Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
Step Three: Dump both cans of cherry pie filling into the baking dish. Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the pan to form a uniform layer.
Step Four: Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the layer of cherry pie filling. Try to cover the cherry layer as evenly as possible. This forms the base of your cake.
Step Five: Melt the stick of butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This helps the cake mix and cherry filling combine as they bake, creating a moist and flavorful cake.
Step Six: Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the top. This adds a bit of extra sweetness and helps the top of the cake achieve a golden brown color as it bakes.
Step Seven: Bake the cake for 55 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cake Mix: You can use white cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or even lemon cake mix instead of yellow boxed cake mix for a different flavor.
- Fruit Filling: Try using apple pie filling, peach dump cake, or crushed pineapple for a twist.
- Add-ins: Consider adding almond extract, vanilla extract, or sprinkle pecans on top for added flavor.
Best Tips
- Even Layers: Ensure the layers are even for consistent baking.
- Butter Coverage: Cover as much of the cake mix with butter as possible to avoid dry spots.
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different fruit fillings or cake mixes.
- Check the Oven: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake a few minutes before the timer goes off.
- Serving: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for extra yumminess.
How to Store Cherry Dump Cake
Store any leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also cover the cake pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cherry dump cake in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Making cherry dump cake in a slow cooker is a convenient option. Simply layer the ingredients in the crockpot just like you would in a baking dish. Cook on low heat for about 2 hours on high or 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a moist, evenly cooked cake. It’s a great method if you need to free up your oven or want to keep the dessert warm at a gathering. Pro tip, add a double layer of paper towels under the lid to prevent too much condensate water from dripping down onto the dessert. Note, I do prefer the oven method over the slow cooker due to the wet factor.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
The key indicator that your cherry dump cake is done is when the top layer becomes golden brown and the edges start to bubble. These bubbles are the cherry filling caramelizing and combining with the cake mix, which is exactly what you want. Additionally, the top should be firm to the touch. If it’s still powdery or too soft, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Canned Pie Filling?
Using fresh cherries is a delightful alternative, though it requires a bit more prep work. You’ll need to pit and halve the cherries and cook them with sugar to create a homemade cherry filling. Consider adding a thickener like cornstarch to achieve the right consistency. This variation will give you a fresher, less sweet flavor profile compared to the canned filling.
Can I freeze cherry dump cake?
Yes, cherry dump cake can be frozen. Make sure it’s completely cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake at room temperature and, if you like, reheat it in the oven. Freezing can slightly alter the texture, but it still tastes great.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Making a gluten-free version is easy – just use a gluten-free cake mix. These mixes are widely available and work just as well in this recipe. The result is just as delicious, and it’s a great way to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
Cherry dump cake is a simple, delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make a dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat, it’s sure to become a favorite.
More Easy Dessert Dump Cakes
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling
- 1 stick butter melted
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch glass baking dish.
- Dump both cans of cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the layer of cherry pie filling as evenly as possible.
- Melt the stick of butter and drizzle it evenly over the top of the cake mix covering as much as possible.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until golden brown.
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I have made a cherry pineapple dump and it is amazing!!! 1 can cherry pie filling, 1 can crushed pineapple (I like Dole) mix together and add a little almond extract (personally I never measure so I can’t tell you how much) then I add white cake instead of a yellow and sprinkle slivered almonds on top. Bake 45 minutes on 350!!!!
It’s amazing and refreshing and delish!!!
Also knowing how good the cherry pineapple is I can’t wait to try your cherry recipe!!
I’m not a cherry fan. Wonder if I could use blueberry pie filling?
Yes, blueberry would be great — just about any kind of pie filling. Haven’t tried lemon, but it sure sounds good. Also, try mixing up the cake mixes — apple with butter pecan cake mix, etc.
Does this need to be refrigerated after baking?
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Thank you!!
Easy and delicious! I made one cherry and one apple and both were both were great topped with vanilla ice cream. . I will definitely make it again.
Hi Amy, I’m so glad you liked this recipe!!!
Hi Crissy, I, myself, did not make this recipe. . .my hubby did. I am disabled and trying to teach this old fellow how to cook.
I found your great site online and found so many really simple recipes there. He liked the sound of this CHERRY DUMP CAKE, so we read the ingredients and recipe and I talked him into trying to prepare this cake.
Your directions were clear and the ingredients readily available. He had no trouble in the preparations at all.
The best part was eating the cake. We loved it. He’s already bragging to family about it,and planning to make it again, substituting some other fruits, and/or adding some kind of nutmeats or other ingredient. Thank you for awakening this adventurous spirit in him. Sharon
Sharon, thank you so much for leaving a comment! I am so glad that you and your husband enjoyed the recipe. Nothing like a little teamwork to get the job done! You are blessed with a great husband, it sounds like! :) I’d love to know which other fruits or nuts you used!! :)
I’ve always started with a can of crushed pineapple on the bottom! My mom always made it that way. Very good
This is so easy and looks so good, i will be making this soon.
I enjoyed the cherry dump cake. I also tried the apple bites, and my husband really liked them. So easy, quick and delicious.
My grandma use to make a cherry and canned pineapple combo and that was really good. She didn’t use the brown sugar though so I may have to try that because that would add a new touch. Also I wanted to try Apple or Apple with pineapple and then you could use spice cake instead of the yellow. Haven’t made these in a long time!!
Melissa, apple with pineapple sounds amazing!!! Might have to try that! :)
Definitely try pineapple and apple. I need to myself. I just have such fond memories of my grandma and my mom making these for us. Thanks for the reminder!! ?