This cherry dump cake is one of those easy desserts that never goes out of style. With just a few simple ingredients, it bakes into a warm, buttery cake with a sweet and slightly tart cherry filling that's hard to resist. If you love classic cherry desserts, this is one of the easiest ways to make one at home.
Cherry dump cake is one of the most popular dump cake variations because of its sweet and slightly tart flavor and simple ingredients. It's a simple dessert that delivers big flavor without a lot of effort, which is exactly why it's been a favorite for so long.
A Classic Dessert That's Sweet, Simple, and Always a Favorite
This cherry dump cake is the kind of recipe that works for just about anything, as a potluck dessert recipe, holidays, or those nights when you need something quick but still homemade.
If you want to see how this method works with different fruit options, check out this easy dump cake recipe that uses the same simple approach.
FAQs
Cherry dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering cherry pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter, then baking until golden and bubbly. There's no mixing required.
You can, but pie filling works best for ease and consistency. If using fresh cherries, you'll need to add sugar and a thickener.
Yes, it can be made ahead and reheated. It's best served warm.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Why Cherry Works So Well
Cherry is one of the most popular choices for dump cake because it has the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It pairs especially well with the buttery cake topping and creates that classic flavor people expect from this dessert.
If you're new to dump cakes, this is a great version to start with before trying other variations.
Ingredients
See the recipe card below that has the printable, full ingredient list and instructions.
- Cherry pie filling - The base of this recipe, giving it that classic sweet and slightly tart cherry flavor.
- Yellow cake mix - Creates the buttery, crumbly topping.
- Butter - Helps the topping bake evenly and adds richness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries, making sure to cover the entire surface. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the butter on top, evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake until the topping is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips
- Use the tilt method for even butter coverage. After pouring melted butter, gently tilt the pan so it spreads across the surface. If you see dry spots or mounds of cake mix, lightly smooth them with a fork, then tilt again so the butter settles into those areas.
- Don't stir the layers. This is what gives dump cake its signature texture with a soft fruit base and buttery topping.
- Melted butter works best. It helps cover the cake mix more evenly and prevents dry patches.
- Watch for bubbling edges. The fruit should be bubbling around the edges when it's done.
- Let it rest before serving. About 10-15 minutes helps it set and makes it easier to scoop.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers.
- Use the tilt method to prevent dry spots.
- Bake until the filling is bubbling for best results.
- Let rest before serving for easier scooping.
Related Recipes
If you love easy desserts like this, you may also enjoy:
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake – A rich, chocolatey twist with sweet cherry filling that turns this simple dessert into something a little more indulgent.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake – Creamy and fruity, this version adds a cheesecake layer that makes it feel extra special without much extra effort.
- Caramel Apple Dump Cake – A cozy favorite with tender apples and a warm caramel flavor that's perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
- Pecan Pie Dump Cake – A buttery, nutty dessert inspired by classic pecan pie, with a soft center and a slightly crisp topping.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dump Cake – A decadent combination of chocolate and peanut butter that's perfect when you're craving something rich and satisfying.
- Pumpkin Dump Cake – Full of warm spices and pumpkin flavor, this one has all the comfort of pumpkin pie with an easy cake-style topping.
- Banana Dump Cake – A great way to use ripe bananas, with a soft, cake-like texture and a flavor similar to banana bread.
- Oreo Dump Cake – A fun, cookies-and-cream-inspired dessert that's rich, chocolatey, and especially popular with kids.
Recipe
Cherry Dump Cake
Video
Ingredients
- 2 – 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pour the cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries, making sure to cover the entire surface. Do not stir.
- Pour the melted butter on top, drizzling melted butter evenly over the cake mix. See tips in the notes below, to make sure all cake mix gets covered.
- Bake until the topping is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- More cherry flavor. If you love a stronger cherry flavor, you can add a little extra pie filling before baking.
- Use the tilt method for even butter coverage. After pouring melted butter, gently tilt the pan so it spreads across the surface. If you see dry spots or mounds of cake mix, lightly smooth them with a fork, then tilt again so the butter settles into those areas.
- Don't stir the layers. This is what gives dump cake its signature texture with a soft fruit base and buttery topping.
- Melted butter works best. It helps cover the cake mix more evenly and prevents dry patches.
- Watch for bubbling edges. The fruit should be bubbling around the edges when it's done.
- Let it rest before serving. About 10-15 minutes helps it set and makes it easier to scoop.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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