Hey y'all! If you're searching for a quick, scrumptious dessert that everyone will love, this Cherry Dump Cake is about to become your new favorite recipe. With sweet-tart cherries, golden buttery cake topping, and minimal prep work, it’s the ultimate treat for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you need something irresistibly easy and delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cherry Dump Cake
- Ridiculously easy with only four main ingredients.
- Perfectly sweet, gooey cherry filling with a crisp, buttery cake topping.
- No mixing bowls required—just dump, layer, and bake!
- Crowd-pleasing, great for holidays, BBQs, or weeknight desserts.
- Easily adaptable for different flavor combos!
Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional, for crunch)
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir!
Step 4: Drizzle the Butter
Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible across the surface of the cake mix. For extra crunch, scatter the sliced almonds over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Notes for the Perfect Cherry Dump Cake
- Want a less sweet dessert? Use one can cherry pie filling and one can of drained tart cherries.
- Try cutting the butter into thin slices and laying them over the cake mix for more even coverage (Taste of Home).
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
Cherry Dump Cake Variations
- Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake: Add a can of crushed pineapple (drained) with the cherry filling for a sweet-tart combo.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Substitute chocolate cake mix for yellow cake mix for a decadent twist.
- Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Use a combination of cherry and blueberry pie filling for a fruity variation.
Equipment Needed for Cherry Dump Cake
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Spatula or spoon
Cherry Dump Cake Storage & Shelf Life
Allow the dump cake to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cherry Dump Cake
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or iced tea for a comforting treat.
- For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint or extra cherries.
Cherry Dump Cake Pro Tips
- Make sure to spread the butter as evenly as possible to avoid dry spots in the cake mix (The Kitchn).
- Let the cake rest for at least 10 minutes after baking so the filling thickens up for perfect scooping.
- Try different cake mix flavors (like white or spice) for fun flavor variations.
Cherry Dump Cake FAQ
- Can I make Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
- Yes! Bake the cake up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge. Warm before serving for best texture.
- Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
- Absolutely! Just be sure to sweeten them and cook down to a pie filling consistency first. Learn more about pie fillings at Allrecipes.
- Is Cherry Dump Cake gluten-free?
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Stir in almond extract.
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3In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the cherry pie filling.
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4Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry layer. Do not stir.
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5Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible. Top with chopped pecans if using.
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6Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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