Name: Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling; 1 box yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as easy as it is impressive, Cherry Dump Cake is here to sweep you off your feet! This retro treat is pure nostalgia—just layer a few pantry staples, bake, and dive into bubbling cherry sweetness with a golden, buttery top. Whether you’re headed to a potluck, need a last-minute treat, or just want to spoil your family on a busy weeknight, this Cherry Dump Cake delivers big flavor with hardly any effort. It’s foolproof, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to become an instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Dump Cake shines thanks to its fuss-free, simple lineup. Each ingredient plays a deliciously important supporting role, from the vibrant cherries to the golden cake crust, coming together for a dessert that always tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Cherry pie filling: Sweet, tangy cherries form the juicy, fruity base of this classic crowd-pleaser—no need for fresh pitting!
Yellow cake mix: This is the magic ingredient that creates the perfectly tender, slightly crisp topping, making this recipe so simple.
Unsalted butter (melted): Drizzled over the cake mix, it turns the dry mix into a golden, crunchy, decadent crust.
Granulated sugar (optional): A final sprinkle dials up the sweetness and encourages even more bubbles and browning as it bakes.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This little bit of prep ensures your Cherry Dump Cake will come out easily and makes cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Layer the Cherries

Open both cans of cherry pie filling and spread every delicious scoop evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Try to get an even layer so you get juicy cherries in every single bite of your cake.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Take the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherries. Resist the urge to stir—the magic of Cherry Dump Cake is in the layering! Carefully cover the entire top so the cake bakes up golden everywhere.

Step 4: Drizzle with Butter

Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly across the surface of the dry cake mix. Go slow and try to cover as much of the mix as possible so you get that crave-worthy buttery top. For an extra burst of sweetness and sparkle, now’s the time to sprinkle on the optional granulated sugar.

Step 5: Bake

Slide your pan into the hot oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden, crispy around the edges, and the cherry filling is bubbling up through the cracks. Let it cool for a few minutes—then grab a spoon and get ready for pure joy!

How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake

Garnishes

Dollop thick whipped cream or creamy vanilla ice cream right on top for the ultimate treat. A scatter of shaved chocolate, extra cherries, or even toasted almond slices all add a pretty (and tasty!) finishing touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar is easy, too.

Side Dishes

Cherry Dump Cake stands strong with just a coffee or tea, but for a fresh twist, try pairing it with a fruit salad, a crisp green salad to break up the sweetness, or a small bowl of lemon sorbet if you’re hosting a bigger get-together. The simple flavors play nicely with nearly any menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins are adorable for parties or holiday tables, giving everyone their own perfectly portioned dessert. For a picnic, bake cherry dump cake in a disposable pan and take it along—no worries if the pan doesn’t come home. Want a Black Forest spin? Swap in chocolate cake mix for a decadent upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cherry Dump Cake is just as dreamy the next day. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, let your cake cool completely, then portion it into freezer-friendly containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or digging straight in (it’s surprisingly tasty cold, too).

Reheating

To revive those delicious flavors and textures, reheat Cherry Dump Cake in the microwave for about 30 seconds per serving, or pop the whole pan into a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. Don’t forget your ice cream or fresh whipped cream on top!

FAQs

Can I use different pie fillings for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry is classic, you can easily substitute blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for a new flavor. Experiment and find your family’s favorite.

Do I need to prepare the cake mix as directed on the box?

Nope, just sprinkle the dry cake mix right out of the box over the cherry layer. The melted butter and fruit juices combine with the mix while baking for perfect moisture and texture—no extra eggs or oil needed.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Cherry Dump Cake earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Alternatively, bake it ahead and reheat before serving—it stays delicious even after reheating.

What if I don’t have a yellow cake mix?

White, butter, or even chocolate cake mix all work beautifully and add their own unique twist. Chocolate is amazing for a Black Forest-inspired cherry dump cake!

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan or plant-based stick butter, and double-check the cake mix ingredients. Most canned cherry pie fillings are naturally vegan, so it’s an easy switch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for an easy dessert that feels both effortless and special, give Cherry Dump Cake a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share (but probably won’t want to!) and it always gets rave reviews. Go on—treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this warm, comforting classic tonight!

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of this Cherry Dump Cake, a delightful dessert made with just a few pantry staples. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cherry Dump Cake:

2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional for extra sweetness:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the ingredients: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherries, making sure to cover them completely.
Add the final touches: Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, and sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.