This Cherry Dump Cake recipe is a classic that is bursting with sweet cherries in every single bite. An easy 3-ingredient cake recipe that uses yellow cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter. Dump and bake is all it takes to make this cherry cake.
Dump cakes have always been very popular for church potlucks and family gatherings. It's a dessert that comes together in minutes with minimum prep required.
It is so delicious, sweet and perfect paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A easy family-friendly dessert everyone will enjoy.
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What is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is really about how it's prepared. There is no mixing required. You just dump the ingredients into the baking dish. It's similar to a cobbler type dessert. Easy and simple.
Dump cakes are versatile and you can easily change it by switching the flavor of the cake mix or pie filling you use. This makes it perfect for any occasion.
Pie filling, cake mix and butter, layered in that order are all you need to make this easy dump cake. It's a budget-friendly dessert made in a 9x13 pan that can serve a crowd. A delicious dessert to make for the holiday get togethers.
More easy cherry dessert recipes to try include these cherry pie filling bars and these Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes which are so decadent and rich.
Ingredients
See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.
Cake Mix - A yellow boxed cake mix is what I used for this recipe. You can use your favorite brand of cake.
Cherry Pie Filling - Canned cherry pie filling is used as the fruit in the recipe. You can use classic or even sugar-free.
Butter - I recommend using unsalted butter as the cake mix already has salt. Use real butter, not margarine for this.
Variations to Recipe
Check out these simple changes you can make to alter the recipe a bit.
- Change up the flavor of the cake mix you use. White or even chocolate cake are both great ones to swap. Even a butter cake would taste delicious.
- Any pie filling works for this recipe. Peach, blueberries, strawberries, etc. You'll two cans of your favorite pie filling.
- Sprinkle the cake with some slivered almonds or pecans for a crunch factor.
- If you want you can use a homemade pie filling in replace of canned.
- If you need a gluten-free dessert use a gluten-free cake mix.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
This dump cake recipe is so easy that anyone can make it, even if they are new to baking. No mixing or measuring required. Just follow directions for layering the ingredients and bake!
- Preheat Oven and Spread Pie Filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a prepared baking dish spread the two cans of pie filling in an even layer.
- Cake Mix: Next you will sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
- Slice Butter: Slice your butter into thin cubes and evenly arrange butter over the top of the cake.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until the top is browned and the cake is fully cooked.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to slice the butter in thin slices and evenly place it over the top of the cake. This allows the cake mix and butter to blend and avoids a dry mixture.
- Don't mix any of the ingredients together. Layer them as instructed in recipe and bake.
- If there is a little bit of dry cake mix still on top after it is baked, you can add a little more butter or spread any melted butter in that area to soak up the batter. Then return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
How To Store Cake
Refrigerate - You will need to refrigerate any of the leftover cake. Allow the cake to cool and then cover baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap. Or place leftovers in an airtight container. Store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezing - You can freeze the cake as well. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw place in the refrigerator overnight.
Cherry Dump Cake FAQs
No it should not be runny. Dump cake should have a thick and gooey texture. It's a consistency similar to the fruit filling in a cobbler.
They are very similar. Both have a fruit filling. A dump cake has a cake mix topping and a cobbler has a biscuit or pie crust topping.
Toothpick test does not work on a dump cake. It should be golden brown on top with some of the fruit filling bubbling out. It usually needs to bake between 45 to 50 minutes.
Handy Kitchen Items
Here are a few basic kitchen items that I recommend and use in my kitchen. (Affiliate links).
- One of the most used items in my kitchen is this Pyrex 3-piece mixing bowl set.
- This CorningWare French White 3-Quart Ceramic Oblong Casserole Dish is perfect for baking desserts or cooking your favorite casserole.
- If you need a good spatula this 4-piece Silicone Spatula Set is is 600 degrees Fahrenheit heat resistant.
Easy Cake Recipes To Try
If you need more easy cake recipes like this one here are a few of our favorites.
I hope you enjoy this easy Cherry Dump Cake! If you try this recipe, please come back and rate it and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from you!
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and spray a 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into bottom of baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Evenly Sprinkle the cake mix over the cherry pie filling.
- Slice butter into ¼ inch slices and evenly place over top.
- Bake in the oven for 45 minutes until golden brown on top.