Cherry Dump Cake is the kind of dessert that surprises you—in the best way. With just a handful of pantry staples and a can of cherry pie filling, you get a warm, gooey, golden-topped treat that tastes homemade, even though it takes under 10 minutes to prep. If you think “dump cake” means compromising on flavor or presentation, this recipe is about to prove otherwise.
At SofyaRecipes, we love bringing back nostalgic desserts with a modern twist. Founded by Sofya Petrova, a Chicago-born food writer and baking expert, the blog is a haven for home cooks looking to simplify their baking while creating standout flavors. Drawing inspiration from global comfort food traditions and updating them for today’s kitchens, Sofya’s mission is to empower home bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re planning a holiday party or just want a cozy, low-effort dessert, this Cherry Dump Cake delivers every time. It’s ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and even special occasions when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a ton of effort, giving you all the sweet satisfaction without the stress. If you’re someone who loves the nostalgic feeling of classic home-baked goods, this cake is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients List
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (or vanilla)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances cherry flavor)
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips
Substitutions:
- Use chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest-style twist
- Substitute with homemade cherry pie filling if you want a scratch version
- Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version
Looking for other easy dessert bases? Explore Decadent Caramel Brownies Made With Cake Mix for another shortcut classic. Or check out our fruit-forward Delicious Raspberry Crumble Cookies that also use minimal prep time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or use a nonstick spray. This will help your cake release cleanly and give you that perfect golden bottom crust. If you’re serving guests, using a glass dish can help showcase the beautiful layers.
Step 2: Add Cherry Filling
Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. Stir in vanilla and almond extract if using—they add depth and enhance the fruity flavor of the cherries. You can even mix in a handful of fresh halved cherries if they’re in season to give the cake more texture and natural fruit flavor.
Step 3: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix directly over the cherry layer. This is the signature step of any dump cake: no mixing required. Just dump, spread, and let the oven do the rest. Smooth out the top gently with a spoon to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Butter
Drizzle melted butter slowly and evenly across the cake mix. Try to moisten as much of the top layer as possible to ensure crisp golden patches after baking. Some bakers slice cold butter and place it across the surface instead—both methods work! If you’re a fan of buttery crusts, add an extra tablespoon or two.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbling at the edges. If your oven runs hot, start checking at the 40-minute mark. The edges should be lightly caramelized and the center should jiggle slightly but not be soupy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes. The filling will set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For added texture, sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed graham crackers on top. You can also drizzle it with a bit of cherry syrup or even balsamic glaze for an elevated presentation.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Cherry Dump Cake is 50% faster to prepare than most classic layer cakes. It’s a true lifesaver for last-minute get-togethers or weeknight desserts. It’s also perfect when you’re craving something warm and fruity but don’t have the energy to make a pie from scratch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 320mg
This nutritional profile is based on 12 servings and may vary depending on added toppings or substitutions.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to lighten up this classic? Try these ideas:
- Low-sugar pie filling: Available in most grocery stores
- Reduced-fat butter: Or use a mix of applesauce and butter for moisture
- Gluten-free cake mix: Perfect for sensitive diets
- Dairy-free: Coconut oil or vegan butter substitutes work well
You can even create a tart-sweet balance by mixing cherry filling with raspberries or cranberries. For another healthy-ish treat, don’t miss our Festive Cinnamon Banana Bread or Blueberry Banana Nut Bread for breakfast or dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or a dash of cardamom for a spiced variation
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate for a Black Forest vibe
- Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Pair with coffee, chai, or dessert wine for a dinner party treat
- Create a trifle by layering cherry dump cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass bowl
Hosting a summer gathering? This dessert pairs beautifully with Strawberry Cake and Shortcake, giving guests two delicious fruit-forward choices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t mix ingredients: The layering is what creates the cobbler-style texture
- Uneven butter distribution: This can leave dry spots in the topping
- Underbaking: Ensure the top is golden and the sides are bubbling
- Using expired cake mix: Fresh mix rises better and tastes brighter
- Forgetting to cool: Hot filling can burn and be difficult to serve cleanly
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 4–5 days. Reheat for 20 seconds in the microwave
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge
- To Refresh: Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for best texture
Have leftovers? Crumble chilled dump cake into vanilla yogurt for a fast parfait, or stir into oatmeal for a fruity breakfast twist.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving something sweet in a pinch or need a nostalgic dessert for a crowd, Cherry Dump Cake is your answer. Simple, satisfying, and full of old-school flavor with zero stress. It’s everything a weeknight dessert should be—and then some. With just five basic ingredients and a baking dish, you’re only an hour away from a dish that’s guaranteed to be devoured.
Have your own twist on the classic dump cake? Share it in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe to SofyaRecipes for more easy-bake inspiration!
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down into a filling with sugar and cornstarch. Homemade fillings give more control over sweetness.
Can I make Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving. Reheat to bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
Is Cherry Dump Cake supposed to be gooey?
Yes! The filling stays soft and jammy while the topping becomes golden and crisp. It’s like a cobbler and cake hybrid.
Can I use white or spice cake mix instead of yellow?
Definitely. White for a lighter taste, or spice for cozy fall vibes. Lemon cake mix also pairs beautifully with cherries.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Microwave individual servings or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Is Cherry Dump Cake freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze in individual portions for easy desserts on demand. Great for meal prep or unexpected guests.
