If you’re chasing the ultimate comfort dessert that is both effortless and irresistibly delicious, the Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. This sweet treat takes just minutes to prepare, combining luscious cherry pie filling with a buttery crumb topping made from cake mix. It’s like a wonderful cherry cobbler and classic cake got together to create a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe delivers that homestyle charm with every bite, guaranteed to become your go-to dessert for potlucks, family dinners, or a simple weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these few simple ingredients is all you need to make something spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting the Cherry Dump Cake Recipe’s perfect balance of juicy sweetness, tender crumb, and buttery richness.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show, providing delightful bursts of cherry flavor and color that make this cake unique.
- Yellow or white cake mix: Gives the topping structure and a soft, cakey crumb that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Melted butter: Adds buttery richness and helps the cake mix form golden, crunchy crumbs when baked.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking once you assemble the cake. Spraying your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray is essential to prevent the cake from sticking and to make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Open the two cans of cherry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This juicy layer will bubble up and create a luscious fruit base, steeping the crumb topping with its sweet, tangy flavor.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
In a large bowl, pour the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Use your hands or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is fun and hands-on, and it ensures that the buttery crumbs bake into a perfectly textured topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle your crumb mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling layer. Don’t worry if some areas look clumpy or uneven—they’ll bake into a wonderfully rustic top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown, and the cherry filling bubbles enticingly around the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your cake cool slightly to set up, which helps with slicing and serving. While still warm, this dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take it over the top.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream is all you need to elevate this already heavenly cake. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar add a delicate touch of elegance without overwhelming the cherry flavor.
Side Dishes
Cherry Dump Cake is versatile enough to enjoy alongside a cozy cup of coffee or tea for dessert, or as the grand finale to a summer barbecue. Consider fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness if serving as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in pretty glass trifle dishes layered with whipped cream for a deconstructed look. Or turn leftovers into parfaits by layering chunks of cake with yogurt and fresh berries to create a fresh twist for breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your Cherry Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness over several days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it securely in foil and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. This will refresh the bubbly topping and soften the cherries perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Though fresh cherries need extra steps like pitting and possibly cooking down with sugar and cornstarch to get the right consistency, they provide a delightful fresh taste. Just keep in mind the filling must be thick enough to bake well in the dump cake format.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free yellow or white cake mix in place of the traditional one will make this dish gluten-free. Make sure your other ingredients, like cherry pie filling, do not contain gluten additives, and you’re all set!
What can I substitute for butter in the topping?
If you want a lower-fat option or dairy-free version, melted coconut oil works wonderfully here. It adds a subtle tropical hint while keeping the crumb topping crisp and golden.
Why is it called a dump cake?
The name comes from the simple method of “dumping” ingredients into a pan—no mixing bowl needed! This makes the Cherry Dump Cake Recipe a fun, stress-free dessert that anyone can whip up quickly.
Can I use other fruit fillings instead of cherry?
Definitely! Peach, blueberry, apple, or mixed berry pie fillings all work splendidly in place of cherry. Each variation offers a unique flavor experience while keeping the ease and charm of the dump cake format.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug and comes together effortlessly, this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is made for you. Full of bright cherry flavor and topped with buttery crumbs, it’s a dish that invites smiles bite after bite. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a delightful staple in your recipe collection and a guaranteed hit with everyone around your table!
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Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy and delicious Cherry Dump Cake is a perfect no-fuss dessert. Featuring a layer of cherry pie filling topped with a buttery cake crumb mixture, this recipe requires minimal prep and yields a golden brown, bubbly treat that pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cans (540 mL each) cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25 oz / 432 g) box yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup (113 g) melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Spread the two cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the base layer.
- Mix Cake Crumbs: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with the dry cake mix. Use your hands or a pastry blender to mix until coarse crumbs form.
- Add Crumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the cherry pie filling layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Use yellow or white cake mix depending on your flavor preference.
- Butter must be melted to combine properly with the dry cake mix.
- This dump cake can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumb topping before baking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
