Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something effortlessly delicious with the perfect balance of sweet cherries and a golden, cakey crust, this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a simple, no-fuss dessert that comes together in minutes yet delivers big on flavor and comfort. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or an everyday treat, this recipe turns pantry staples into a delightfully moist and fruity cake that everybody will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Fast: No mixing bowls or fancy tools are needed, making it a perfect go-to dessert for busy days.
• Juicy Cherry Goodness: The canned or fresh cherries bring bright, sweet, and tart flavors that shine through in every bite.
• Buttery Crust: A generous layer of buttery cake mix on top melts and crisps into an irresistible texture contrast.
• Versatile Fun: This recipe is easy to customize with different fruits and toppings for endless variations.
• Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser, from kids to grandparents, that always gets requests to make it again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are the heart of this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe, each playing a key role in delivering that signature moistness, sweetness, and golden crust. Grab these basic pantry and fridge staples for a quick dessert fix.

• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: The foundation of the cake, packed with sweet and slightly tart cherries suspended in syrup.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the crumbly, buttery crust that bakes right on top without fuss.
• Butter: Melted and poured over the dry cake mix, it creates a crispy, golden-brown finish.
• Optional Chopped Nuts: Add crunch and a nutty twist, especially walnuts or pecans.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): A splash adds a subtle warm aroma that enhances the cherries’ flavor.

Variations for Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Want to make this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe your own? It’s incredibly flexible and can be tweaked to suit different tastes, seasonal ingredients, or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and transform it with these tasty variations.

• Mixed Berry Blend: Swap the cherry filling with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a colorful twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a dessert everyone can enjoy.
• Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add chocolate chips on top of the cake mix before pouring the butter for a rich flavor boost.
• Fresh Cherry Substitute: Use fresh pitted cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice to make your own filling.
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake mix for a warm, cozy aroma.

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How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving at the end.

Step 2: Pour the Cherry Filling

Dump the entire can of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the base completely.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry filling. Resist the urge to mix; the layers should stay distinct for that perfect texture contrast.

Step 4: Add Butter

Melt the butter and carefully pour it over the top of the cake mix in an even layer. The butter will soak down and create that crisp, golden crust as it bakes.

Step 5: Optional Toppings

If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before placing the dish in the oven.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

• Use Room Temperature Butter: It melts more evenly, ensuring a uniform crust.
• Don’t Stir Layers: Keep the cherry filling and cake mix separate for the ideal texture.
• Let it Rest: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking to prevent a runny filling.
• Experiment with Fruit: Use other pie fillings like apple or peach for different flavors.
• Use Fresh Cherries: When in season, fresh cherries with a little sugar make a wonderfully vibrant filling.

How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top complements the warm cherry dump cake perfectly, adding a fresh finishing touch that enhances the dessert’s richness.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake with freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting pairing, or bring it to a barbecue or picnic complemented by fresh fruit salads or light whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation, or layer cherry dump cake with whipped cream in a trifle dish to wow guests with layers of flavor and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover cherry dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator for up to five days to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—wrap it well with foil and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It will keep for up to three months, perfect for prepping desserts in advance.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, restoring that crispy top and luscious cherry filling perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used—you’ll just want to add a bit of sugar and possibly a splash of lemon juice to mimic the sweetness and syrup of canned pie filling.

Is this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses regular cake mix, but you can easily make it gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free yellow cake mix.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and choose vegan cake mix options available in many stores.

What kind of cake mix should I use?

Use any boxed yellow cake mix, but buttery or classic yellow ones work best to create that delicious crust and enhance the cherry flavor.

How long does the cake keep once baked?

When refrigerated and stored properly, the cake will stay delicious for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy over several occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is like a slice of cozy, sweet nostalgia that’s unbelievably simple to make yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert amateur, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite for every dessert table. Give it a try—you’ll be smiling with every juicy, buttery bite!

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