Cherry Dump Cake (Easy 3-Ingredient Dessert)

This cherry dump cake layers cherry pie filling, dry yellow cake mix, and melted butter in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The cherries stay soft underneath a golden, buttery topping. It's one of those easy old-fashioned desserts to scoop into bowls and serve warm.

For more simple desserts like this, browse the rest of my old-fashioned cakes.

 

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. Or, for more cherry dump cake goodness, try this cheesecake cherry dump cake.

Or, if you're looking for more ideas, you can see all of my dump cake recipes.

FAQs

Ingredients

See the recipe card below that has the printable, full ingredient list and instructions.

• Cherry pie filling - Use two 21-ounce cans. Spread all of the filling across the bottom of the baking dish.
• Yellow cake mix - Use a 15.25-ounce box of dry mix. Check the package size, and don't add the eggs, oil, or water listed in the box directions.
• Butter - Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Drizzle it evenly so it moistens the dry cake mix.

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch 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 melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Gently tilt the pan to help cover dry patches, without stirring the layers together.

• Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before scooping and 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.

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