Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dessert that’s practically a hug in a pan: my Cherry Dump Cake. Seriously, if you’re having a day, this is your answer. It’s easier than making boxed brownies (and we all know how easy those are!), tastes like something your grandma would spend all day making, and it only uses a handful of ingredients. Think of it as the lazy baker’s cobbler – all the delicious fruit and cakey goodness, with about 1/10th of the effort. I always whip this up when I need something sweet, fast. And let me tell you, the cherry flavor? Divine. The golden crust? Irresistible. This is one of those recipes that’s so simple, it’s almost embarrassing to admit how much I love it. But trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I call this my weeknight wonder.
What is a cherry dump cake?
So, what *is* a Cherry Dump Cake? Well, the name kind of gives it away! Think of it as the ultimate shortcut dessert. It’s essentially a cake where you “dump” all the ingredients into a pan, bake it, and voila – a delicious, gooey, cherry-filled masterpiece emerges. There’s no mixing bowls overflowing, no crazy layering techniques, just simple ingredients combined for pure bliss. It gets its name from the method. Instead of creaming butter and sugar, you literally dump canned cherry pie filling and cake mix into a baking dish and bake! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a no-fuss dessert that still tastes incredible. It’s essentially the opposite of those complicated layered cakes you see on baking shows – this is real-life baking at its finest!
What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Cherry Dump Cake is how ridiculously easy it is. Seriously, you can have this thing in the oven in under 10 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you’re craving something sweet. The flavor is just fantastic – the sweet and tangy cherry pie filling combined with the buttery, cakey topping is a match made in dessert heaven. My family goes absolutely crazy for it! It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so you don’t have to break the bank to make a delicious dessert. And the versatility? Endless! You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, top it with whipped cream, or even add a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch. I’ve even experimented with different fruit fillings, like apple and blueberry, and they’re all equally delicious. If you are feeling more adventurous you can try my Pineapple upside-down cake which is also amazing!
How do you make a cherry dump cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Cherry Dump Cake is as simple as 1, 2, 3! Seriously, it’s that easy. You just layer the cherry pie filling in the pan, sprinkle a box of Cake Mix over the top, drizzle with melted butter, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The beauty of this method is that there is virtually no way to mess this one up! You don’t even need to mix anything – the oven does all the work for you. I promise, even if you’ve never baked anything before in your life, you can successfully make this cake. It is the simplest cake you will ever bake.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling – I prefer using a high-quality brand like Lucky Leaf. Comstock is the best flavor, but any brand will work. Can you experiment with different flavors like black cherry or dark sweet cherry?
Is there a good brand for yellow Cake Mix? Make sure the cake mix isn’t expired for optimal results!
* 34 cup (1 12 sticks) unsalted butter, melted – Use good-quality butter for the best flavor. I always use unsalted so I can control the amount of salt in the cake. Make sure it’s fully melted but not too hot, or it might cook the cake mix prematurely.
* Optional: 14 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) – These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. I usually toast them before adding them to the cake for extra flavor.
For the Glaze:
What is the best glaze for dumplings? Powdered sugar and lemon juice. If you’re making a cake, whisk together powdered sugar and icing sugar until it reaches your mouth. What is the desired consistency I like to add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. How do I prevent a cake from sticking to the bottom?
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling
What is the best cherry pie filling recipe? Pour it into a baking dish and spread it evenly over the top. I like to give the filling a quick stir before pouring it in to make sure the cherries are evenly distributed. I have topped this up with some whipped cream. Don’t worry about making it perfect – it will all bake together in the end!
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
If you are making a cherry pie filling, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface as evenly as possible. I find it helpful to use a sifter or whisk to break up any clumps in the cake mix before serving. sprinkling it over the filling. How do I bake a cake evenly?
Step 4: Drizzle with Melted Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. What is the secret behind a golden brown crust? Make sure to get every corner and edge of the cake mix covered with butter. If you want to take it up a notch, you can brown the butter before drizzling it over the cake mix. For a richer flavor. How do you burn a candle?
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top of the cake. I love the added crunch and nutty flavor they bring to the cake, but this is totally optional. What are some good toppings for a cupcake?
Step 6: Bake
Is it safe to bake a cherry in the preheated oven for 30 minutes? Filling is bubbly around the edges. How do you test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake? If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes until the toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
How do I remove a cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving? How do I make a cake that is not gooey? I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait!
Step 8: Glaze (Optional)
If desired, drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. I like to wait until the cake is completely cool before glazing it to prevent the glaze from sticking. You can also get creative with the glaze and add different flavorings like vanilla extract, almond extract or nutmeg. What is lemon zest?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the cake and serve warm. I love serving this Cherry Dump Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Is it delicious on its own? Is it good to eat a tomato the next day?
What do you serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Cherry Dump Cake?
For Breakfast:A slice of this cherry cake is amazing with a cup of hot coffee or latte. What is a good way to start the day? I sometimes sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra warmth.
For Brunch:What can I serve with a side of fresh fruit like berries or melon for brunch? I love to arrange the fruit around the cake on a platter for an elegant presentation.
As Dessert:Top it with whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra special treat. What are some of the What’s your go-to dessert for a potluck?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy it warm with a glass of milk or tea for supper. What are some of the best late-night snacks that you can have but don’t want to spend a lot of time on the couch? How many hours is it in the kitchen?
What is my favorite family tradition to make a Cherry Dump Cake? What are the different types of birthdays and holidays? What is the best way to get everyone involved in the kitchen? Is it always worth it? My grandma used to serve it with a scoop of her homemade vanilla ice cream, which made it even more delicious. Now, I carry on that tradition with my own family.
How do I make a perfect cherry dump cake?
How do I make a cherry dump cake? What makes a perfect wedding happen?
Cake Mix:What are some variations on yellow cake mix? Is chocolate good? Each one will give the cake a different flavor profile. What do you serve with lemon cake mix?
What is the distribution ofMake sure the butter is evenly distributed over the cake mix. If you have any dry spots, the cake mix won’t bake properly and you’ll end up with some powdery spots. I like to use a fork to spread butter around and make sure everything is covered.
Cherry Pie Filling: Cherry pie fillCan you use any flavor of pie filling you like? What are some good alternatives to apples, blueberries and peaches? Can you mix and match different flavors for a unique twist? What is my favorite combination of cherry and blueberry?
Nut Options:If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out altogether or substitute them with other things. What are some good toppings for a party? I’ve seen people add crushed graham crackers on top for extra crunch.
Baking Time:Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. What is the best way to check for doneness in your oven? The cake is done when the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Glaze ConsistencyHow much milk or lemon juice should be added to a glaze? If you want a thinner glaze, use more liquid. I like to add a pinch of salt to the glaze to balance the sweetness.
One lesson I learned the hard way is to not overbake the cake. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly cake that’s not nearly as delicious. If you’re not sure if the cake is done, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take it out of the oven a few minutes early. It will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big “if” in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. I usually put a piece of bread in the container to help absorb any excess moisture.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. I recommend reheating the cake before serving it, as it tastes best when warm.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to add the glaze until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy or melting during storage.
I’ve found that the cake tastes best when reheated in the oven or microwave. To reheat it in the oven, wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. To reheat it in the microwave, microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will become dry and rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Cherry Dump Cake recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I know it seems too good to be true, but trust me, this cake is a total winner. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll make again and again, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other dump cake variations and quick dessert recipes for more easy and delicious treats. Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Let me know in the comments if you try it and be sure to leave a rating if you enjoyed this recipe!
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
- 0.5 cups butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry pie filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
