Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Introduction
Cherry Dump Cake is an easy, comforting dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling with a buttery cake topping. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone craving a classic, homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix (dry mix)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine both cans of cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry layer.
- Step 4: In another medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and whole milk until combined.
- Step 5: Slowly pour the butter and milk mixture over the dry cake mix layer, making sure no large pockets of dry mix remain. Gently push any uncovered dry mix under the wet mixture with a spoon. Avoid stirring the layers together.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
- Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped topping for an extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use fresh or frozen cherries when in season instead of canned pie filling, mixing them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch.
- Try substituting the yellow cake mix with white or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the top before baking for added crunch.
- To reduce sweetness, use only one can of cherry pie filling and supplement with fresh cherries or berries.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pie filling for this dump cake?
Yes, other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach work well and can be used interchangeably to suit your taste.
Do I need to mix the cake batter before pouring it on the cherries?
No, the dry cake mix is poured directly over the fruit, then the butter and milk mixture is poured on top without stirring. This layering creates the cake’s signature texture.
PrintCherry Dump Cake Recipe
This Cherry Dump Cake is a quick and easy dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling with a buttery yellow cake mix topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped topping for a comforting treat that’s simple to make and sure to please.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cherry Filling
- 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Topping
- 15.25 ounces box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cherry Layer: In a medium bowl, combine both cans of cherry pie filling with the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula to create a smooth and uniform layer.
- Add Dry Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix over the cherry filling layer, ensuring a consistent coverage across the surface.
- Mix Butter and Milk: In another medium bowl, stir together the melted butter and whole milk until well combined.
- Pour Butter Mixture: Slowly pour the butter and milk mixture over the dry cake mix layer. Make sure to cover all areas so no large patches of dry mix are visible. If needed, gently push dry mix under the butter with a spoon, but do not stir the layers together to maintain the ‘dump’ cake structure.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra indulgent finish.
Notes
- Do not stir the cake mix and filling layers together; this layering creates the classic texture of a dump cake.
- If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
- Feel free to substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, peach, or apple for a variety of flavors.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels; salted butter may affect flavor slightly.
Keywords: Cherry Dump Cake, easy cherry dessert, dump cake recipe, yellow cake mix dessert, summer fruit dessert
