Introduction
Cherry Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make with just a few pantry staples. Sweet cherry pie filling is layered in a baking dish, topped with dry cake mix, and finished with melted butter that bakes into a golden, buttery crust. With minimal preparation and maximum flavor, this classic dessert is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow or white cake mix
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish. Stir in the almond extract if using.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Do not stir.
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface, covering as much of the cake mix as possible.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Description
This Cherry Dump Cake features a warm, juicy cherry filling beneath a buttery, crisp cake topping. The contrast between the soft fruit layer and the lightly crunchy golden crust creates an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Every bite delivers sweet cherry flavor with rich, buttery goodness.
Tips
- Spread the butter evenly to avoid dry patches of cake mix.
- For an extra crispy topping, slice cold butter into thin pats instead of melting it and arrange them evenly over the cake mix.
- Let the dessert rest before serving so the filling thickens slightly.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Cherry-Pineapple: Add one can of crushed pineapple (drained slightly) beneath the cherry filling.
- Berry Blend: Combine cherry pie filling with blueberry or blackberry pie filling.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the cake mix before baking.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm flavor.
Correction
For the best results:
- Do not mix the layers after adding the cake mix.
- Make sure the butter covers nearly all of the dry cake mix to prevent powdery spots.
- Bake until the topping is evenly golden and the fruit filling is bubbling.
- If small dry patches remain after 30 minutes of baking, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those areas.
Enjoy
Cherry Dump Cake is a wonderfully simple dessert that delivers homemade comfort with almost no effort. Whether served warm with melting vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this sweet and buttery classic is guaranteed to become a favorite for family gatherings, holidays, and everyday dessert cravings. Enjoy every warm, fruity bite!
