October 23, 2023
Review RecipeCherry Dump Cake
Easy, simple, and delicious, this cherry dump cake recipe will become a family favorite!
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Want a simple cherry dump cake recipe you’ll love to make again and again? Yellow cake mix combines with tart cherry pie filling and is baked to perfection for a decadent, bubbly, warm dessert that everyone will rave about.
Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients
This cherry dump cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet-tart essence of cherries with a moist, buttery cake layer.
The cherry filling bursts with fruity flavor, while the golden-brown top layer, created by melted butter and cake mix, adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness.
You’ll need:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 (2.25-ounce) package of sliced almonds
Substitutions And Additions
CAKE MIX: There are multiple flavors of cake mix that would work in your dump cake.
Try to stick with a yellow or white cake mix rather than a chocolate cake mix for this recipe.
FILLING: The cherry pie filling can easily be substituted for any other type of pie or fruit filling as a way to change it up the next time you make it.
SPICES: You could also add a dash of brown sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg as well to enhance the flavors in this easy recipe.
FRUIT: In addition to the pie filling, you could also top your dessert with fresh fruit before serving.
How To Make This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Making this dump cake is so easy. All you need to do is spread the pie filling in the bottom of the pan before topping it with the cake mix and popping it in the oven.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
I make this in a 9×13 cake pan. You could halve the recipe and make it in an 8×8 baking pan as well if you’d rather.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray.
STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, mix both cans of cherry pie filling together with the vanilla and pour into the 9×13 baking dish.
Use a spatula to make sure the entire dish is covered in an even layer.
PRO TIP:
Sometimes a pit sneaks into canned cherry filling. I suggest taking a quick glance when pouring your cherries out to be sure there isn’t a pit inside.
STEP THREE: Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherries.
STEP FOUR: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Do not stir!!
STEP FIVE: Spread the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
STEP SIX: Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown.
PRO TIP:
Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.
The fruit mixture should be bubbly around the edges of the pan when it’s finished baking.
How To Serve This Dump Cake With Cherry Pie Filling
I prefer to serve this simple dessert fresh and hot from the oven, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You could also serve it with fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip if you would prefer.
I love topping my cherry dump cake with almonds, but you could also top it with coconut. This delicious dessert is yummy, topped with a little shaved chocolate as well.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, enjoy your cake with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte.
Check out another family favorite with our pineapple upside down cake. Try our heaven on earth cake for a delicious no-bake treat.
MORE CAKE RECIPES
Storing This Easy Dump Cake
You might be wondering how to store any leftovers or make this dessert in advance for future indulgence.
MAKE AHEAD: Assemble the cake as instructed in the recipe, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it.
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove it from the fridge, uncover it, and bake it according to the recipe instructions.
IN THE FRIDGE: I love this easy cherry dump cake served hot, but it’s also yummy from the fridge.
Cover this tasty dessert with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheating can be done in the microwave if you would like. You might even find you like the texture of cold dump cake.
IN THE FREEZER: If you have leftover dump cake, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months.
I would suggest thawing in the refrigerator before serving.
Why We Love This Recipe
There is so much to love about this delicious dump cake recipe:
EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: This recipe is a breeze to make, perfect for busy days or when you’re short on time. With just a handful of simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade dessert ready in no time.
NO-FUSS INGREDIENTS: The recipe calls for pantry staples like cake mix, canned cherries, and butter. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
This cherry dump cake recipe is the perfect easy dessert to enjoy with family and friends any time of year. No matter how you serve this crowd-pleasing favorite, the layers of delicious flavors are irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is an easy and super moist cake in which the ingredients are simply dumped into the pan and baked – no mixing bowls required! Usually, they use a box of cake mix and a handful of additional simple ingredients resulting in a quick dessert.
Can you make a dump cake ahead of time?
This is a great recipe to make ahead. You can make cherry dump cake up to two days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Can I substitute a white cake mix for the yellow cake mix?
You can easily substitute white boxed cake mix for the yellow cake mix in this delicious recipe.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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- Apple Dump Cake
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- Chocolate Cherry Pie
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- Blueberry Cheesecake Dump Cake
- Chocolate Dump Cake with Cherries
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Cherry Dump Cake
Easy, simple, and delicious, this cherry dump cake recipe will become a family favorite!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 (2.25-ounce) package sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix both cans of cherry pie filling together with the vanilla and pour into the baking dish. Use a spatula to make sure the entire dish is covered in an even layer.
- Pour the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of the cherries.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the yellow cake mix. Do not stir.
- Spread the almonds over the top.
- Bake for 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped topping.
Video
Notes
- To make in an 8×8 pan instead, simply halve the recipe!
- Sometimes a pit sneaks into your canned cherry filling. I suggest taking a quick glance when pouring your cherries out to be sure there isn’t a pit inside.
- Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done. The fruit mixture should be bubbly around the edges of the pan when it’s finished baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
Erin at Table for Seven says
I love how easy this is! Looks delicious..pinned!
Treena says
Extraordinary taste and so easy to make. I’m interested in trying with rhubarb and maybe blackberries as well!
Toni Ayne Thomason says
I absolutlely LOVE this cherry dump cake! So different and full of flavor. You do not want to miss out on this.
Jen says
Do you mix the cake mix or sprinkle on dry? I love anything cherry.
Thankyou
Layne Henderson says
You just sprinkle it on dry!
Danny says
I have done this dish it was so good I will have it it all the time when I have my friends over
Hope says
Have ya ever tried using almond extract instead of the vanilla? I use almond in my cherry desserts all the time, enhances the cherry flavor.
Luella says
Cherry pineapple dump cake is 1 of my favorites. Instead of using 2 cans of cherry pie filling use 1 & 1 can crushed pineapple with the juice. Just recently I tried apple dump cake made with homemade apple pie filling & it’s a hit in this house.
Carol says
I also make this with crushed pineapple and any flavor pie filling. We like apple and peach too!
Sheila says
My husband’s new favourite dessert. It’s delish! Thank you so much!
Diana Jones says
YUMMY
Ruth says
I love this cake…I could eat it every week. The almonds really add to the flavor.
D says
How about with chocolate cake mix?
Layne Kangas says
We actually have a chocolate cherry dump cake recipe you can find here: https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/chocolate-cherry-dump-cake/ Enjoy!!
Ashley Taylor says
Can you make this ahead of time? Say 6 hours?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, enjoy!!
D Shook says
I had some pecan halves let over from Christmas cookie baking, I sprinkled a few of them instead of the almonds. The almonds worked really well
Betty Sutphen says
I for got the vanilla, how bad is that?
Layne Kangas says
It’s ok to skip it!
JC says
Hi…do you use salted or unsalted butter,
Layne Kangas says
I used unsalted. Enjoy 🙂
Beh Ho says
A hit with family and friends, especially the teenagers!
Sue says
Excellent dessert!
Mildred Stephens says
I will leave out the almonds because of allergies, but otherwise…delicious!
Deborah says
Truly delicious!!
I added a few ideas to change it up just a little.
Pineapple on bottom of starting all layers..
Next..cherry pie filling, mix in vanilla extract, spread on top of pineapple..Spread cake mix across cherry pie filling..
Heavy cream, drizzle over cake mix..melted butter drizzle over cake mix.. final touch, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon, spread over cake mix..
Gives a bit of crunch on the top.. Yummy!!
Trudy says
Served it to friends! Everyone had at least two helpings . I made 1/2 cherry, 1/2 blueberry!!So delicious and easy. My new
‘Go To’ dessert!