Sometimes I love spending time in the kitchen creating a delicious dessert. Other times I want (or need) to whip up a sweet treat on the fly — that’s where this Cherry Dump Cake saves the day.
Similar to a cobbler, all it takes is a simple box of cake mix, cherry pie filling, and some melted butter. There are a few possible add-ins, but you can choose what you want to use to make it your own.
The prep is easy, too — just top the cherry filling with the dry cake mix and butter and then bake. The end result is a fruity cake that is basically begging to be topped with whipped cream or a big scoop of ice cream to make it extra decadent.
If you love a mixed berry cobbler, cherry fritters or a cherry crisp, you’re going to love this cherry dump cake recipe. The next time you’re looking for new recipes for desserts that come together quickly, try this — you won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Dump Cake
Dump cakes are excellent and here is why:
- Simple – This may be the easiest dessert recipe that you’ll ever make that has only a handful of ingredients.
- Customizable – You can make this dessert your own by adding anything you want to it.
- Fast – This quick dessert requires only a few minutes of prep time before it goes in the oven.
- Versatile – This is a great dessert to serve any night of the week or to take to a special occasion.
Ingredients
- Cherry pie filling – What makes this an easy recipe is that you can use simple ingredients that are store bought. However, if you’re feeling like putting in a little extra time, you can make your own homemade cherry pie filling.
- Maraschino cherry juice – This is optional, but adding the juice of maraschino cherries gives the cake a burst of extra flavor.
- Vanilla extract – This extract is optional but it will also give you more well-balanced. If you can find it, cherry extract also maximizes the cherry flavors!
- Yellow cake mix – Choose whichever box of yellow cake mix is your favorite. Or, use homemade cake mix if you keep it on hand.
- Salted butter – To make this recipe super simple we’re using salted butter instead of unsalted. Melt it in the microwave at 30 second increments
How To Make Cherry Dump Cake
It’s a dump cake, so no mixing bowls needed- just your pan!
- Add cherry filling. Pour the cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add juice and extract. Add the maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract (if using) to the pie filling. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Smooth it out. Using a spatula, smooth out the filling into an even layer. If you are omitting the cherry juice or extract, just smooth out the canned pie filling on its own into an even layer.
- Sprinkle cake mix. Sprinkle the cake mix over the top of the cherries. You can shake it straight from the box or use a sifter to help with evenly dispersing it.
- Pour butter. Pour the melted butter over the top, saturating as much of the cake mix as possible.
- Bake. Bake the cherry dump cake until it’s golden brown on top. It should be bubbly.
- Cool. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes then serve with your favorite toppings. You can serve it slightly warm or at room temperature.
Variations
You know we love to put a spin on things.
- Fruit filling – Change the fruit filling to whatever you prefer. Try using apple pie filling in the fall or make a peach dump cake in the summer.
- Cake mix – Choose a different flavor cake mix. Vanilla, lemon, devil’s food, milk chocolate, chocolate fudge, dark chocolate or white cake mix will all work well.
- Toppings – Try any number of things on top of the dump cake! I like a scoop of ice cream on mine, but you can also try chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, crushed pineapple, whipped cream, caramel sauce, powdered sugar, or chocolate chips.
- Lemon juice – Try adding a bit of lemon juice to add some citrusy flavor to the cake. It contrasts well with the sweet cherries.
- Extracts – Switch out the cherry extract in this cherry dump cake for any flavor you prefer including almond extract for nuttiness, lemon extract for brightness, or vanilla extract for a traditional flavor.
Storage and Freezing
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also just wrap the top of the cake pan with plastic wrap. Freezing is not recommended.
More Easy Cake Recipes
Let them eat cake! But let it be super easy cake for lazy bakers like me… here are some more easy cake ideas.
Mini Carrot Cake Recipe
Double layer mini carrot cakes sandwiches with rich cream cheese frosting.
See The Recipe!
Honey Bun Cake Recipe
A soft and buttery Honey Bun Cake recipe with a spiced sugar filling and a shiny glaze. This classic is EASY to make in under an hour!
See The Recipe!
Stuffed German Chocolate Cupcakes
Decadent chocolate cupcakes with a coconut pecan filling and topped with a whipped chocolate frosting- the BEST German Chocolate Cupcakes!
See The Recipe!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe
With tons of cherries and pineapple flavor, this EASY classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe is sure to be a winner for any event!
See The Recipe!
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
With only five ingredients, you can have this EASY Cherry Dump Cake recipe ready in under one hour! Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Servings:
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 21 ounce cans cherry pie filling
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup salted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add the maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract if using. Stir to combine and smooth out the filling into an even layer. If you are not using the cherry juice or extract, just smooth out the canned pie filling in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the filling evenly.
- Pour the melted butter all over the top, and try to saturate as much of the cake mix as possible. Some may be dry, that is fine.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbly. Let sit for 15 minutes and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, make sure to come back and leave us a comment or a quick star rating!
Nutrition
Calories: 327 kcal, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 31 mg, Sodium: 415 mg, Potassium: 92 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 19 g, Vitamin A: 466 IU, Vitamin C: 2 mg, Calcium: 101 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
This is a totally yummy recipe and we loved it. I added the optional cherry juice and vanilla, and I think they really took it over the top flavor-wise. So easy to make!
Oooh, such a wonderful and easy use for cherry pie filling! It looks so good, especially paired with that scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This dump cake was the best and so easy! Love the simple and easy ingredients and it’s perfect for just about any occasion! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Cherries always get my vote. This was so yummy. I used a Victoria sponge cake recipe instead as we don’t have cake mixes like that in the UK. Worked a treat.
The combination of canned cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter resulted in a deliciously gooey and sweet dessert. So easy and so delicious!