Irresistibly Easy Cherry Dump Cake: Simple & Scrumptious
A cherry dump cake is the easiest thing you’ll make all summer and once you’ve cooked it, you’ll wonder why it took so long to try it.
My son and I were craving something sweet so we decided to try out a dump cake recently.
It’s so easy he could have easily made it without me and it took us no time.
Join us as we explore everything you need to know about creating this irresistible dessert from scratch.
And “from scratch” I mean pouring it out of the box of course!
What is Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a type of dessert that is simple to make because it typically involves “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish without much mixing or preparation.
The basic idea behind a dump cake is to layer canned fruit (like pie filling or fruit cocktail) on the bottom of a baking dish, then top it with dry cake mix and butter.
As it bakes, the cake mix forms a crust, and the fruit filling creates a moist, fruity layer underneath.
Key characteristics of a dump cake include:
- Minimal preparation: Ingredients are usually just poured or “dumped” into the dish.
- Quick assembly: It takes only a few minutes to prepare before baking.
- Versatility: Dump cakes can be made with various combinations of fruit fillings and cake mixes.
- Simple ingredients: Typically, only a few basic ingredients are needed, such as canned fruit, cake mix, and butter.
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
Honestly, you can make this with just 3 ingredients if you want – melted butter, cake mix, and canned cherry filling. That’s it. The stuff I’ve listed below are extras if you like.
- Cherry Pie Filling: 4 cups of cut fresh cherries OR 1 can (21 ounces) pie filling
- Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box (15.25 ounces)
- Salted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
- Water (1/3 cup)
- Flour – 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Extract – (optional) 2 teaspoons. You could also use almond extract if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Spray pan with nonstick cooking spray
- If you’re using fresh cherries, cut your cherries like I did into bite-sized pieces. Pour 1/3 cup of water onto cherries. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to your cherries. Mix in bowl
Adding Cherry Pie Filling
- Pour the cherry pie filling layer into a pan that’s been sprayed with cooking spray
- Spread evenly in the baking dish
Adding Topping
- Open the box of cake mix and pour it evenly on top of the cherry layer
- Pour one stick of melted butter evenly over the cake layer. You could also slice butter thinly and place over the cake mix to ensure even distribution of butter.
Baking and Serving You Cherry Dump Cake
- Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes
- You’ll know when it’s done when the top layer is a perfect golden brown
- Serving suggestions (with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, etc.)
Tips for Success
- Keep an eye on your cake mix topping because it will tell you when it’s done. Different ovens cook differently so watching it is the best way to know.
- If you want to make the base ahead you can store it in the fridge overnight and cook when you’re read for it.
Variations and Customizations for Your Recipes
- You can try different fruit fillings (peach, crushed pineapple, blueberry pie filling, strawberry, apple pie filling etc.)
- Consider adding nuts to the recipe like chopped pecans or sliced almonds
- If you want a creamier filling consider adding cream cheese to your mixture
- Sprinkle powdered sugar on the top of the cake
- Add homemade whipped cream to your golden brown cake
- You could also swap out the yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix
- Homemade vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake
Pairing Suggestions
What to Serve Alongside Your Cherry Dump Cake
Air Fryer Chicken Wings:
Yummy air fryer wings served with a side of roasted vegetables provide a savory contrast to the sweet cherry dump cake.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches:
Serve pulled pork sandwiches on soft buns with a side of coleslaw. The savory and tangy flavors of the pulled pork complement the sweetness of the dessert.
Baked Ham:
A glazed baked ham with a side of scalloped potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes makes for a hearty meal that balances well with the cherry dump cake.
Vegetarian Option – Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Roasted or grilled stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese can provide a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian option that pairs nicely with the dessert.
Salmon Fillets:
Baked or grilled salmon fillets with a lemon herb butter sauce served alongside steamed asparagus or a fresh salad offer a lighter yet flavorful option that complements the cherry dump cake without overwhelming it.
Conclusion
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers the next day, the combination of rich cherry filling and golden cake mix crust is perfect
I hope this guide has inspired you to try this classic dessert or perhaps experiment with different fruit fillings and cake mix flavors.
Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients and enjoy the irresistible taste of homemade cherry dump cake!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
