Introduction

Imagine pulling a warm, golden dessert out of the oven that smells buttery, fruity, and oh-so-inviting. That’s the magic of Cherry Dump Cake—a simple, no-fuss recipe that turns pantry staples into a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat. With its gooey cherry filling on the bottom and a crisp, crumbly cake topping on top, it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask, “Can I have seconds?”.

Fun fact: Dump cakes first became popular in the 1960s when home bakers realized they could “dump” canned pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter into a dish—and voilà, dessert was ready! Unlike fancy layered cakes that require precision, this recipe is unfussy and forgiving, making it a favorite for busy families and casual bakers alike.

What makes Cherry Dump Cake truly special is how quickly it comes together. In less than 10 minutes, you can have it in the oven, baking away while you prepare dinner or set the table. No mixers, no measuring cups full of flour, no complicated steps—just a few ingredients layered into one dish. It’s perfect for weeknights, holidays, potlucks, or just when a cherry craving strikes.

If you’ve tried our popular Peach Cobbler recipe, you’ll notice that Cherry Dump Cake delivers the same comforting sweetness but with an even easier process. Both recipes share that fruit-meets-cake magic, but this one might just win when it comes to sheer convenience.

So grab your baking dish and a can—or two—of cherries. Once you try Cherry Dump Cake, it may just become your go-to dessert for every occasion!

What is Cherry Dump Cake?

The name always gets a giggle, doesn’t it? Dump cake. Sounds a little funny, right? But the meaning is as easy as it sounds—you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, no mixing required. It’s like the laid-back cousin of pie and cake rolled into one. So why cherries? Because nothing beats that sweet-tart cherry goodness!

There’s even an old saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, this cake could win anyone’s heart—spouses, kids, friends, and neighbors. After all, who can resist a warm dessert with juicy cherries bubbling under a buttery, golden topping?

Once you understand how wonderfully easy this recipe is, you’ll never want to stress over fancy desserts again. So, why not try it today and share the joy of Cherry Dump Cake with someone you love?

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake

There are a few delicious reasons Cherry Dump Cake is unforgettable:

• The main highlight: The rich, juicy cherry pie filling baked with golden cake topping creates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Every bite melts in your mouth.
• Cost-saving joy: Instead of splurging on bakery desserts, you can whip up this cake with inexpensive, pantry-ready ingredients. No hard-to-find items required.
• Topping and flavor variety: Add walnuts for crunch, coconut for texture, or even chocolate chips for indulgence. It’s versatile, so you can make it your own.

If you enjoyed our Apple Crisp recipe, you’ll love this one even more because it has the same cozy dessert feel with half the effort. Ready to taste for yourself? This is one dessert you’ll definitely want to bake at home!

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Quick Overview

Cherry Dump Cake is a time-saver and a flavor bomb rolled into one. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a bake time of about 40 minutes, this recipe delivers maximum deliciousness for minimum work. Simple, buttery, moist, and crumbly all at once—it’s the kind of cake that satisfies every sweet tooth.

Key Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and sliced thin
• Optional add-ins: 1 cup crushed pineapple, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, or a handful of chocolate chips

(Insert image of ingredients displayed neatly in bowls here for visual appeal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your baking dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the cherries – Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. If you like extra sweetness, mix in a spoonful of sugar or drizzle of honey.
3. Add the cake mix – Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Don’t stir—just layer!
4. Top with butter – Place the butter slices evenly over the cake mix. Make sure most areas are covered for that golden topping.
5. Bake to perfection – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes, until the top looks golden brown and you see cherry bubbles peeking through.
6. Cool and serve – Let it cool for 10 minutes, then scoop it warm into bowls.

What to Serve Cherry Dump Cake With

Cherry Dump Cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast
• Whipped cream for a light, fluffy touch
• Fresh mint leaves for presentation and flavor balance
• Hot cocoa or coffee when serving as a cozy treat on cold nights

Top Tips for Perfecting Cherry Dump Cake

• Even butter coverage: Slice butter thin and cover evenly to avoid dry cake spots.
• Want extra gooey? Add crushed pineapple or an extra can of cherries before layering the cake mix.
• Customize the cake mix: Swap yellow cake mix with chocolate for a Black Forest-inspired version.
• Timing is key: Bake until golden brown—overbaking dries it out, while underbaking leaves raw patches.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Your Cherry Dump Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored easily:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds per serving, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes to recapture that crisp topping.

Cherry Dump Cake is everything dessert should be—simple, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re baking it for your family, bringing it to a gathering, or just treating yourself on a quiet night, this recipe is sure to impress without the stress.

So, what are you waiting for? Try this 5-step Cherry Dump Cake today and let the sweet magic bake its way into your kitchen!