If you are looking for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple, Cherry Dump Cake might be exactly what you are looking for. This recipe is the answer to a quick dessert that looks fancy but takes minimal time and effort to whip up.
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Cherry Dump Cake is all about ease and flavor. Like the name says, you “dump” all the ingredients right into a baking dish, and the oven does all of the work. It combines the fruity sweetness of cherry pie filling with the buttery topping of a classic cake mix. Top it off with crunchy pecans for texture, and you’ve got a totally satisfying dessert.
This dessert has become an instant favorite with my family for a few reasons. First, it requires no special skills, basic prep, or complicated techniques, which makes it perfect for a beginner baker. It’s also incredibly versatile; while cherry pie filling is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other fruit fillings like blueberry or apple. Plus, it’s quick to make, needing just a few ingredients, one dish, and about 40 minutes in the oven.
If you love all things cherry, make sure to try this recipe for Sweet Cherry Hand Pies or this Old-Fashioned Cherry Pandowdy recipe.
- Type of recipe: Dessert
- Cooking method: Oven baking
- Skill level: Very easy – Dump and go
- Flavors & textures: Cherry flavor with a bit of crunch on top
Recipe Ingredients
- Cake Mix—The cake mix forms the crumbly, buttery topping. Depending on your flavor preference, both white and yellow cake mixes work well.
- Pie Filling – Canned cherry pie filling offers the perfect fruity, sweet-tart base for this recipe. If you prefer homemade fillings, feel free to go for it!
- Butter – Butter is the key to creating that rich, golden crust on top. Stick with unsalted butter since the cake mix already has enough sweetness and a hint of salt.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans add crunch and balance out the sweetness. Toast them beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
How To Make Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with non-stick spray, set aside.
Step 2. In a small bowl, melt the butter.
Step 3. Combine the cake mix and the melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly and coarse.
Step 4. Spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 5. Sprinkle the cake mix and melted butter over the pie filling in an even layer.
Step 6. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
Step 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until slightly browned and the pie filling is bubbly.
Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Storage
This dump cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to enjoy it within the first 24 hours when it is at its freshest and most delicious.
What To Pair This Cherry Dump Cake
Here are some great dishes to pair with Cherry Dump Cake:
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a refreshing, airy touch.
- Ice Cream: Staying with the fruit theme, this Fresh Peach Ice Cream with Blackberries would be perfect to scoop on top of this dump cake!
- Something warm: A hot cup of coffee or Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows adds sweetness perfectly.
FAQ’s
Yes! If you’d like fresh cherries, make your pie filling by simmering them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. This way, you get complete control over the sweetness.
Absolutely! This recipe is a great base, but feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some ideas include crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, caramel sauce, or even fresh fruit. The possibilities are endless!
Add More Cake Recipes To Your Table
- Red Velvet Bundt Cake
- Strawberry Cake with fresh strawberries
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Apple Cake with Cinnamon
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Recipe
Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box White Cake Mix optional, use yellow cake mix
- 2 – 20 ounce cherry pie filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cups chopped pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with non stick spray, set aside.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and the melted butter. Stir with a fork until it is crumbly and coarse.
- Spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix and melted butter over the pie filling in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until slightly browned and the pie filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
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Nutrition
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Hello there, I’m Jere’
From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending. Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven® sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.
