Welcome to your new favorite dessert! This cherry dump cake is a true classic, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect treat for busy parents and beginners alike. You’ll simply “dump” a few key ingredients – cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter – into a dish, bake, and enjoy. Get ready for quick assembly and even quicker cleanup with this irresistible dessert.

The simplicity of “dump cakes” has a fascinating background; some sources suggest the name originated with a Duncan Hines recipe in 1980, while others trace its roots to southern church cookbooks. You can learn more about the history of dump cakes on Wikipedia.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake

This simple cherry dump cake is a game-changer for anyone craving a delicious dessert without the fuss.

Quick & Easy: Our “dump and bake” method means practically no prep work.
Few Ingredients: You only need four core items for this delightful treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy night in.
Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Irresistible Texture: Enjoy a warm, fruity, moist cake base with a buttery, golden-brown topping.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious cherry dump cake:

2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling: Look for “extra cherry” for more fruit!
1 box yellow cake mix: Standard size, typically 15.25 ounces.
½ cup salted butter: This is one stick, melted for easy pouring.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Optional, but it truly enhances the cherry flavor.

Notes & Substitutions

Cake Mix: Most standard box sizes (13-15 oz) work perfectly. Yellow cake mix is classic for this cherry dump cake.
Cake Mix Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with French vanilla, white cake, or even chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest twist.
Pie Filling Variety: Don’t limit yourself to cherries! Peach, apple, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling are fantastic alternatives.
Almond Extract: This extract truly complements the cherry. Skip it if you have nut allergies or prefer a simpler flavor profile.
Butter vs. Margarine: For the best flavor and texture, always opt for real salted butter.
Optional Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the cake mix before adding the butter.

Equipment

You won’t need much to whip up this easy dessert:

9×13 inch baking dish
Non-stick cooking spray
Measuring spoons and cups
Small bowl (for melting butter)

Instructions

Let’s get baking your perfect cherry dump cake!

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the filling. Stir half of the 1 teaspoon almond extract (about ½ teaspoon) into each of the 2 (21 ounce) cans of cherry pie filling. This ensures the almond flavor is evenly distributed.
Layer the fruit. Pour both cans of the almond-enhanced cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out gently with a spatula.
Add the cake mix. Evenly sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir it in; just let it sit on top.
Add the butter. Slowly pour the ½ cup of melted salted butter all over the top of the dry cake mix. Ensure you get even coverage across the entire surface.
- Alternatively: If you prefer, you can slice cold butter into thin squares and arrange them evenly over the cake mix instead of melting and pouring. This method also creates a delicious, buttery topping for your cherry dump cake.
Bake. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The cherry dump cake is ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges.
Cool. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up nicely.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve your best cherry dump cake with these helpful hints.

Butter Application: Ensure the melted butter completely covers all the dry cake mix. This prevents any powdery spots and ensures a crisp, buttery crust.
Avoid Stirring: Resist the urge to stir the layers together. The “dump” method relies on the distinct layers for its signature texture.
Doneness Check: Look for a beautiful golden-brown crust and a visibly bubbly fruit filling around the edges of the dish.
Adjust Bake Time: Every oven is different, so your baking time may vary slightly. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
Prevent Burning: If the top browns too quickly before the cake is fully cooked, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Make the most of your delightful cherry dump cake with these suggestions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a warm slice of cherry dump cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Top individual servings with a generous dollop of whipped cream or cool whip for an extra treat.
Garnish with a few fresh cherries for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Instructions

Allow the cherry dump cake to cool completely before storing it.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, or use a microwave for quick reheating.

Flavor Variations

Fruit Filling: Swap out cherries for apple, peach, blueberry, or even mixed berry pie filling.
Cake Mix: Combine chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling for a “Black Forest” inspired cherry dump cake.
Extra Tartness: Add a can of drained, crushed pineapple to the cherry filling for a brighter, more complex flavor.
Nutty Boost: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top of the cake mix for added crunch.
Other Extracts: Experiment with vanilla extract or a touch of orange extract instead of almond for different aroma profiles.
Cream Cheese Layer: For an extra decadent treat, spread a mixture of softened cream cheese layer, sugar, and a little vanilla between the fruit and cake mix layers.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious cherry dump cake.

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	350-400 kcal
Total Fat	15-20g
Saturated Fat	9-12g
Cholesterol	30-45mg
Sodium	300-400mg
Total Carbohydrate	50-60g
Dietary Fiber	1-2g
Total Sugars	30-40g
Protein	3-5g

Disclaimer: These values are approximate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used and preparation methods.

FAQ

Got questions about making your perfect cherry dump cake? We have answers!

Can dump cake be made in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the topping is set and golden.
What kind of cake mix should I use? Yellow cake mix is traditional, but French vanilla or even chocolate cake mix work wonderfully for this recipe.
Can I use any flavor pie filling? Absolutely! Peach, apple, blueberry, or strawberry pie fillings are excellent choices if you want to vary your cherry dump cake.
How to make it less sweet or more tart? The almond extract helps balance the sweetness. Adding a can of drained crushed pineapple to the filling can also introduce a pleasant tartness.
What can I add for crunch? For a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle some sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the cake mix before baking.

Conclusion

This easy cherry dump cake recipe truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight family dinners to special gatherings. We encourage you to try this incredibly versatile and satisfying dessert soon. Share your delicious creation with us and don’t forget to leave a rating!

Close-up of a delectable slice of cherry dump cake, featuring a golden crumbly top, vibrant cherry filling, and a moist base in a glass dish.

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