Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of cake, all baked together in one easy dish. This dessert is perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying treat without the hassle of traditional baking.
The name “dump cake” comes from the effortless preparation—ingredients are simply layered in a baking dish without mixing. The result is a warm, cobbler-like dessert with a crispy, golden topping and a gooey, fruity filling. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a last-minute dessert craving, Cherry Dump Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box white or yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble the Ingredients
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
3. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Serve
Let the cake cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~333
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 284mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 57g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g
The History of Dump Cakes
Dump cakes have been around for decades, originating as a quick and convenient dessert option. They became especially popular in the mid-20th century when cake mixes became widely available. This dessert style fits perfectly with the trend of “quick and easy” home cooking that many families embraced during that time.
The basic concept of a dump cake is similar to a cobbler or a crumble, where fruit is layered beneath a baked topping. However, unlike those desserts, a dump cake skips the need for mixing and measuring dry ingredients, relying instead on boxed cake mix and canned fruit fillings. This innovation allowed home bakers to create delicious desserts with minimal effort, making dump cakes a staple in many households.
Over the years, different variations of dump cakes have emerged, incorporating various fruits, toppings, and even chocolate. Cherry Dump Cake remains one of the most popular versions due to its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Why Cherry Dump Cake is a Must-Try Dessert
Cherry Dump Cake stands out for several reasons, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
1. It’s Incredibly Easy to Make
One of the biggest appeals of Cherry Dump Cake is how effortless it is to prepare. You don’t need to be a skilled baker or have a kitchen full of tools. Everything is layered in a baking dish, placed in the oven, and then served warm with no complicated steps.
2. It Requires Minimal Ingredients
Unlike traditional cakes that require multiple ingredients, Cherry Dump Cake typically uses just three or four items: cherry pie filling, cake mix, butter, and optional nuts. These pantry staples make it easy to whip up this dessert whenever you need something quick and delicious.
3. It Has a Perfect Balance of Flavors
The tartness of the cherry pie filling contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake mix and the richness of the butter. The result is a dessert that isn’t overly sweet but still satisfies your sugar cravings.
4. It’s a Versatile Dessert
Cherry Dump Cake can be served in different ways. It can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven, topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence, or even eaten cold as a breakfast treat.
5. It’s Great for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing dessert for a holiday feast, a potluck, or just a simple family dinner, Cherry Dump Cake fits the occasion. It’s a no-fuss dessert that still feels special and homemade.
Popular Variations of Cherry Dump Cake
While the classic version of Cherry Dump Cake is already delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit different tastes.
1. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
For chocolate lovers, this variation swaps the vanilla or yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix. The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a decadent dessert that tastes like a black forest cake without the extra effort.
2. Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
Adding crushed pineapple to the cherry pie filling brings an extra layer of fruity sweetness and juiciness to the dessert. This version is especially refreshing in the summer.
3. Almond Cherry Dump Cake
Since cherries and almonds pair wonderfully, adding sliced almonds on top or using almond extract in the filling enhances the flavor of the cake. The nuttiness complements the cherries beautifully.
4. Streusel Topping Cherry Dump Cake
Instead of just using cake mix, mixing it with brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats creates a crunchy streusel topping that adds extra texture and depth of flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Cherry Dump Cake
By using a gluten-free cake mix, you can easily make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The results are just as delicious as the traditional version.
Expert Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake
While Cherry Dump Cake is already easy to make, a few expert tips can help you achieve the best results.
- Use High-Quality Cherry Pie Filling – The better the quality of your cherry pie filling, the better your cake will taste. Look for brands that use real cherries with less artificial flavoring.
- Spread the Cake Mix Evenly – Make sure to sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling to ensure an even bake.
- Use Melted Butter Instead of Sliced Butter – Drizzling melted butter over the cake mix ensures even coverage and prevents dry patches.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – If you like extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds on top before baking.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the cake to cool for 10 to 15 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry Dump Cake can be enjoyed in many different ways, making it a versatile dessert.
1. Serve It Warm with Ice Cream
One of the best ways to enjoy Cherry Dump Cake is fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream makes for an irresistible treat.
2. Top It with Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cake.
3. Enjoy It with Coffee or Tea
Cherry Dump Cake makes a wonderful companion to a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great option for an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner.
How to Store and Reheat Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry Dump Cake can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
Cherry Dump Cake is a timeless dessert that combines ease, flavor, and nostalgia. Its simplicity makes it accessible to anyone, even those with little baking experience, while its taste rivals more complicated baked goods. Whether you prefer the classic version or enjoy experimenting with variations, this cake is a guaranteed hit.
