Cherry Dump Cake
A perfect balance of sweet cherries and buttery cake crumbles that comes together in minutes with minimal effort. This Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion!
Easy Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
There’s something magical about the simplicity of a cherry dump cake. As the name suggests, you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, yet what emerges from your oven is a beautiful marriage of tart cherries and buttery cake that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This classic cherry dump cake recipe has been a family favorite for generations, bringing comfort with every warm, fruit-filled bite.
Cherry dump cake shines brightest during summer when fresh cherries are at their peak, but the beauty of this recipe is that it works perfectly with canned cherry pie filling any time of year. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, need a last-minute potluck contribution, or simply crave something sweet without the fuss, this cherry dump cake delivers every time.
THIS RECIPE:
- Requires just 4 simple ingredients
- Takes less than 10 minutes of hands-on time
- Creates the perfect balance of fruit and cake texture
- Can be customized with different fruit fillings
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 12 portions |
| Yield | One 9×13-inch cake |
What makes this cherry dump cake recipe truly special is its versatility and foolproof nature. Even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert with confidence. The contrast between the gooey cherry filling and the crisp, buttery cake topping creates a texture and flavor profile that belies its humble preparation. Let’s dive into exactly how to make this crowd-pleasing favorite!
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
The beauty of a great cherry dump cake lies in quality ingredients. While the ingredient list is refreshingly short, each component plays a crucial role in the final result. This is one of those recipes where spending a little extra on higher-quality items makes a noticeable difference in the finished dessert.
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
For serving (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Additional fresh cherries for garnish
When selecting your cherry pie filling, look for varieties that contain whole cherries rather than mostly gel. Some premium brands offer more fruit content and use real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, resulting in a more authentic cherry flavor. While you can certainly use store brand ingredients, the cherry filling is where splurging a bit pays off in flavor.
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Pie Filling | 2 cans (21 oz each) | Look for brands with whole cherries and minimal thickeners |
| Cake Mix | 1 box (15.25 oz) | Yellow or white cake mix both work well; butter recipe cake mix adds extra richness |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Unsalted, cold butter provides better control over flavor and texture |
| Nuts (Optional) | 1/2 cup | Sliced almonds complement cherries perfectly; can substitute chopped pecans or walnuts |
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Creating a cherry dump cake is about as straightforward as baking gets, but a few key techniques will elevate your results from good to exceptional. The layering process creates distinct textures that blend beautifully when baked, with the butter melting through the dry cake mix to form a golden, crispy topping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Open the cans of cherry pie filling and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to create an even layer and reach into the corners.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer, covering it completely. Do not mix the cake into the cherries—simply create an even layer on top.
Slice the cold butter into thin pats (about 1/8-inch thick) and distribute them evenly across the cake mix layer. Aim to cover as much of the surface as possible, as any dry spots will remain powdery rather than forming cake.
If using, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The cake will continue to set as it cools, making it easier to portion and serve.
Tips for Making Cherry Dump Cake
Success with cherry dump cake comes down to a few simple but crucial techniques that ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.
Butter distribution is key: Make sure your butter pats cover as much of the cake mix surface as possible. Any areas without butter will remain powdery instead of forming a proper cake crust.
Don’t stir the layers: Resist the temptation to mix the ingredients. The magic happens when the distinct layers meld together during baking.
Watch for proper browning: The top should be golden brown with no dry powder visible, and you should see bubbling around the edges when it’s done.
| Technique | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Butter preparation | Cut cold butter into thin slices | Ensures even melting and better coverage |
| Layer arrangement | Keep layers separate | Creates the signature dump cake texture contrast |
| Baking position | Middle rack of oven | Promotes even heating and proper browning |
| Doneness test | Look for golden top and bubbling edges | Indicates proper cooking of both cake and filling |
Pro tip: For an extra-rich version, melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix instead of using butter pats. This ensures no dry spots, though you’ll lose some of the interesting texture variations that make dump cake unique.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Cherry dump cake is perfect for preparing in advance, making it ideal for entertaining or holiday planning.
You can assemble the entire cherry dump cake up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare the layers as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
For even more convenience, you can prepare the components separately: measure out your cake mix and slice your butter ahead of time, storing them in separate containers until assembly. This approach works well when you want a freshly-baked dessert but need to minimize day-of preparation.
If preparing more than a day in advance, it’s best to freeze the unbaked cake rather than refrigerating it for extended periods.
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cherry dump cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended.
When refrigerated in an airtight container, cherry dump cake maintains its quality for up to 5 days. The texture may change slightly as the moisture from the filling continues to soften the cake topping, but many people enjoy this evolution of texture.
To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or place in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Adding a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream to a reheated slice revitalizes it perfectly.
Pro tip: Store cut portions in rectangular containers rather than covering the entire pan—this minimizes exposure to air and helps maintain freshness.
Freezing Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry dump cake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for advance preparation or preserving leftovers.
For best results, allow the baked cake to cool completely before freezing. You can freeze the entire cake or cut it into individual portions. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, or place in airtight freezer containers. Label with the date and contents.
Properly stored, cherry dump cake will maintain good quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. Beyond that timeframe, it remains safe to eat but may develop freezer burn or diminished texture.
To thaw, transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For a freshly-baked taste, reheat the thawed cake in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 45-60 seconds from the frozen state.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry dump cake shines brightest when served warm with complementary accompaniments that enhance its fruity-buttery profile.
For the classic experience, serve your cherry dump cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the cake. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream creates an irresistible texture and temperature play. Homemade whipped cream also makes an excellent topping, especially when lightly flavored with a touch of almond extract to complement the cherries.
For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh cherries and mint leaves. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal without overwhelming the flavors.
Beverage pairings that work particularly well include:
- Coffee or espresso, which balances the sweetness
- Almond milk for a complementary nutty flavor
- Port wine for an adult dessert experience
- Black cherry sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
FAQ
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to create your own filling first. Combine about 6 cups of pitted cherries with 3/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cornstarch, then cook until thickened before using in the recipe. Using fresh cherries requires this extra step but offers a more vibrant, less sweet flavor profile.
What can I substitute for the yellow cake mix?
White cake mix works perfectly as a direct substitute. For variations, try chocolate cake mix with cherry filling, or spice cake mix with apple pie filling. You can also use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version with nearly identical results.
My cake mix still has dry patches after baking. What went wrong?
This usually happens when the butter doesn’t cover enough of the cake mix surface. Next time, try cutting the butter into smaller pieces for better distribution, or melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the top. Some bakers also spray the visible dry patches with cooking spray halfway through baking.
Can I reduce the sugar content in this recipe?
Yes, look for reduced-sugar cherry pie filling and consider using a sugar-free cake mix. The flavor will be slightly less rich, but still delicious. Another option is to make your own cherry filling using fresh or frozen cherries with a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
How do I know when my cherry dump cake is fully baked?
A perfectly baked cherry dump cake will have a golden brown top with no visible dry cake mix powder. You should see the cherry filling bubbling around the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the filling) should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
