Easy Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Effortless Dessert in Just 3 Steps

Have you ever wished you could make a show-stopping dessert without the hassle of measuring, mixing, and multiple bowls? This cherry dump cake recipe is exactly what you need! This incredible cherry dump cake dessert proves that impressive doesn't have to mean complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of hands-on time, you'll create a warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Making this dessert at home saves you money, lets you control the ingredients, and delivers that homemade comfort that store-bought options simply can't match.

Ingredients List

    • 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
    • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Optional Add-Ins:

    • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
    • Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

This dessert is perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight treats. While it bakes, you'll have plenty of time to prepare your meal or set the table, making it an incredibly efficient choice for busy home cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Use a spatula to distribute it uniformly, ensuring every bite will have fruit. If using extracts, stir them into the filling now for enhanced flavor depth.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer. Don't stir or mix—just let it sit on top. This "dump" method is what gives this cherry dump cake recipe its name and signature texture. Make sure to cover all the fruit with cake mix to prevent burning.

Step 4: Drizzle with Butter Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. The butter will create those golden, crispy edges everyone loves. For extra richness, use slightly browned butter.

Step 5: Top with Nuts Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top for added crunch and flavor. Feel free to skip this step if you have nut allergies or preferences.

Step 6: Bake Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The cherry dump cake dessert should have a slightly crispy top with a gooey, fruit-filled interior.

Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the dessert to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly while still maintaining that irresistible warm, gooey texture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 340
    • Protein: 3g
    • Carbohydrates: 52g
    • Fat: 14g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 4% DV
    • Iron: 6% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Fruit Variations: Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, peach, or mixed berry for completely different flavor profiles. You can even use fresh fruit mixed with sugar and cornstarch.

Dietary Swaps: Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version, or choose dairy-free butter alternatives. For a lighter option, reduce butter to 1/3 cup.

Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a tablespoon of lemon zest to the fruit layer. Chocolate chips scattered over the top create a cherry-chocolate combination.

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dessert up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Stirring the Layers Never mix the cake mix with the fruit or butter. The layered "dump" method creates the perfect texture contrast between crispy top and gooey bottom.

Mistake 2: Uneven Butter Distribution Leaving dry patches of cake mix leads to burnt, bitter spots. Take time to drizzle butter thoroughly, even if not every spot is covered perfectly.

Mistake 3: Overbaking Baking too long dries out the dessert. Remove when golden brown and bubbly—it will continue cooking slightly as it cools.

Mistake 4: Wrong Pan Size Using a deeper dish results in undercooked cake mix. Stick with a 9x13-inch pan for proper thickness and even baking.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your cherry dump cake recipe leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to sealed containers to maintain moisture.

For reheating, microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds or warm covered in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes. You can freeze this cherry dump cake dessert for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture stays remarkably good, though the topping may soften slightly. Serve with fresh whipped cream or ice cream to refresh the presentation.