I remember the first time I stumbled upon the cherry dump cake recipe, it felt like a lifesaver on a hectic evening. With just a few simple ingredients and little fuss, I could whip up a comforting dessert my family loved. If you’re like me and always looking for quick, easy sweets that still wow the table, this cherry dump cake is your new best friend. It takes barely 60-70 minutes total and is totally foolproof.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake (Our Unique Edge!)
- This cherry dump cake is completely foolproof recipes, perfect for busy cooks and beginners looking for guaranteed success.
- Its simplicity means minimal cleanup, just one baking dish and a few pantry staples.
- The recipe offers versatility, letting you easily customize with extras or switch out flavors.
- I provide detailed, supportive instructions that guide you every step of the way to a perfect golden crust.
What is a Dump Cake? The Science Behind This Easy Dessert
A dump cake gets its name from the straightforward method of “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish without much stirring. The magic happens during baking: the cherry pie filling slowly moistens the dry cake mix on top, transforming it into a tender, cakey base while the butter creates a golden, crunchy crust. The butter melting over the cake mix ensures it browns perfectly—no mixing required! This simple science makes dump cakes so quick and reliably delicious.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Cherry Dump Cake
- 1 teaspoon almond extract ((divided use – optional))
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup salted butter (1 stick), melted ((see notes below))
When choosing your cherry pie filling, look for one with a good balance of sweetness and tartness. The yellow cake mix size can vary;15.25 oz or 18.25 oz boxes will work just fine. Using the larger box may create a slightly thicker topping, which some prefer, similar to a simple ooey gooey butter cake. Brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are reliable choices to ensure consistent results. Adding the optional almond extract is a little secret that deepens the cherry flavor beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need for Your Cherry Dump Cake
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish to achieve the ideal thickness and bake time. Alternatively, an 8×8-inch pan or Bundt pan works but might affect baking duration—you’ll likely need to bake a bit longer with smaller pans due to the thicker layer. A good nonstick spray ensures your dessert comes out cleanly. Also handy is a rubber spatula to spread the filling evenly. Choosing a sturdy glass or ceramic dish can help with even baking.
How to Make the Perfect Cherry Dump Cake (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Preheat Your Oven & Prep Your Pan: Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish evenly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Make sure every corner gets covered for an easy release.
- Flavor Your Cherry Pie Filling: Stir in half of the 1 teaspoon almond extract into each of the two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling. Be gentle when stirring—mix just enough to spread the flavor without mashing the cherries.
- Layer the Cherry Pie Filling: Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly for a uniform base.
- Add the Dry Cake Mix: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling. Aim to sprinkle, not dump in clumps, to ensure even baking. If possible, sift the cake mix first to prevent dry spots and promote a perfect golden crust.
- Distribute the Butter Evenly: Slowly pour the melted 1/2 cup salted butter all over the cake mix layer for even saturation, which creates a crunchy, golden top. Alternatively, you can slice the butter into small squares and dot them evenly over the cake mix. Melting the butter offers quicker absorption and more even browning, while the dotted method can yield slightly chunkier buttery pockets.
- Bake Until Golden Perfection: Bake for about 50-60 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Look for bubbly filling at the edges and a deeply golden, crunchy crust. For extra assurance, a toothpick inserted into the cake mix layer should come out mostly clean, and internal temperature if measured should be around 200-210°F.
Expert Tips for Cherry Dump Cake Success
- Sift the cake mix before sprinkling to avoid dry spots and achieve an even topping.
- For butter, melted works best for quick, even browning; butter slices give a richer texture but may bake unevenly if not spaced well.
- Look for bubbling edges and a golden crust as your doneness cues. If unsure, a toothpick test helps, but avoid stirring after baking.
- Use fresh almond extract for the best aroma and flavor boost.
Troubleshooting Common Cherry Dump Cake Issues
- Too Dry or Dry Spots: Ensure even sprinkling of cake mix and melted butter; sifting helps greatly.
- Too Soggy or Gooey: Avoid adding extra liquid, and bake until you see bubbling and golden crust.
- Uneven Browning: Distribute butter evenly and check pan placement in oven; rotate if needed halfway.
Cherry Dump Cake Variations & Creative Twists
| Variation Name | Key Ingredients to Swap/Add | Quick Instructions / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Frozen Cherry Boost | 4-5 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries (pitted) + 1 cup sugar | Toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch before layering instead of canned. Adjust bake time slightly based on fresh or frozen cherries. |
| Peach-Almond Delight | Peach pie filling, white cake mix, extra almond extract | Swap cherry filling with peach. Almond extract enhances the peach flavor wonderfully. |
| Tropical Pineapple | Crushed pineapple (drained), coconut cake mix | Use drained crushed pineapple as base with coconut cake mix for tropical flair. |
| Chocolate Cherry Dream | Chocolate fudge cake mix | Replace yellow cake mix with chocolate fudge for a rich, decadent chocolate cake twist paired with cherries. |
| Oatmeal Streusel Topping | 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter | Sprinkle mixture over cake mix and butter before baking for extra crunch. |
| Nutty Crunch | 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts | Add nuts evenly over butter layer for added texture and flavor. |
| Gluten-Free Option | Gluten-free yellow cake mix | Use a certified gluten-free cake mix; method stays the same for safe indulgence. |
| Lower Sugar Option | Sugar-free cherry pie filling, sugar-free yellow cake mix | Substitute sugar-free pie filling and cake mix. Expect slight texture differences since sugar affects moisture. |
| Double Cherry Delight | Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (no sugar added) to pie filling | Stir extra cherries into canned filling for intensified cherry flavor and texture. |
Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Dump Cake
Enjoy your cherry dump cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and elegance. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a delicate finish. Feel free to get creative, try drizzling chocolate sauce or adding chopped nuts for texture.
Storage and Reheating Your Cherry Dump Cake
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While freezing is not generally recommended to maintain texture, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This refreshes the crust’s crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips for Your Cherry Dump Cake
To save time before a gathering, mix the almond extract directly into the cherry pie filling and keep covered in the fridge. You can also assemble the dump cake a day ahead, tightly covered, and bake it shortly before serving. This keeps the flavors melded and the topping fresh and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Dump Cake
- What is a dump cake? A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are literally dumped into a pan without mixing, then baked, creating a cake with a fruit filling base and cakey topping.
- Is dump cake supposed to be gooey? Yes, the filling is juicy and bubbly, but the topping should form a golden crust for contrast.
- What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake? Not distributing the cake mix and butter evenly, which can lead to dry spots or uneven browning.
- Can dump cake be made in a slow cooker? Yes, but baking in an oven helps achieve a crisp topping that’s harder to get in slow cookers.
- Can I use any flavor pie filling for a dump cake? Absolutely! Cherry is classic, but peach, apple, and more work beautifully.
- Could I add anything to give my dump cake a little crunch? Try chopped nuts or an oatmeal streusel topping for pleasant texture variations.
- Could I use other cake mix flavors? Yes, chocolate and white cake mixes are popular alternatives.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free or with a lower sugar option? Definitely. Use gluten-free cake mix and sugar-free pie filling for these versions.
- Why don’t you stir dump cake? Stirring would make the batter and filling mix, losing the unique texture of tender cake on top and juicy filling beneath.
Conclusion
This cherry dump cake is truly one of the easiest, most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make. Its quick prep, minimal ingredients, and foolproof method mean you can enjoy a comforting, homemade treat without stress. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on it! Please drop a comment below with how it turned out, your favorite variations, or any questions you have. Don’t forget to share your cherry dump cake photos on social media and tag Aisha recipes. For more quick and comforting recipes, sign up for my newsletter—let’s keep making cooking joyful and doable together!
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Divide the almond extract equally between both cans of cherry pie filling and stir well.
- Pour the cherry pie filling mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling.
- Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. Alternatively, you can slice the butter into squares and place them evenly on top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
