Sweet Cherry Magic: No-Fuss Dump Cake Recipe for Beginners

Indulging in desserts doesn’t get easier than this cherry dump cake that combines simplicity with pure deliciousness.

Sweet, gooey cherries meld perfectly with buttery cake mix in this no-fuss treat.

The magic happens when you layer ingredients straight from the pantry into a baking dish.

One pan is all you need to create a mouthwatering dessert that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Each bite delivers a comforting blend of tart cherries and tender cake crumbs that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This dessert works wonders for potlucks, family gatherings, or those moments when you crave something sweet without complicated steps.

Dive into this irresistible cherry dump cake and watch it become your new go-to dessert recipe.

Cherry Dump Cake Ingredient Checklist

• Canned Cherry Pie Filling: Brings vibrant, sweet-tart base that creates a juicy foundation for the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical moisture and subtle tangy brightness to complement the cherries.

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides quick, foolproof cake structure with rich buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances overall sweetness and helps create golden caramelized edges.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates crispy, golden crust and adds luxurious richness to the dessert.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty depth to balance sweet fruit layers.

Tools to Bake a Sweet & Simple Cherry Cake

• Large mixing bowl: For combining cake mix and fruit.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Standard size for easy baking and serving.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements for dry ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Precise portioning of ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps spread cake mix evenly over cherries.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Dump, Mix, Bake—Your Cake Instructions

• Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a rectangular 9×13 inch pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Layer Cherry Goodness

Pour cherry pie filling across the bottom of the pan, spreading it evenly to create a luscious fruity base.

• Sprinkle Cake Mix Magic

Grab your boxed cake mix and gently dust it over the cherry layer, making sure to cover the entire surface without mixing.

• Drizzle Butter Bliss

Cut cold butter into thin slices and arrange them across the top of the dry cake mix, creating a pattern that will help create a crispy, golden topping.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven and let it transform for 45-50 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.

• Cool and Serve

Pull the cake out and let it rest for about 15 minutes. The filling will settle and the top will become delightfully crisp. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.

Quick Tips for Flavor Boosts

• Cake Texture Magic: Gently fold cake mix into cherries for a lighter, more delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum convenience.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a delicious lactose-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Topping Transformation: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking for extra crunch and a nutty flavor boost that elevates the entire dessert.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check that your canned cherries are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Cherry Dump Cake Warm or Cold

• Cherry Dessert Delight: Top this sweet treat with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts perfectly over the warm cake.
• Brunch Companion: Serve alongside morning coffee or tea, creating a delightful breakfast or mid-morning indulgence that feels special and comforting.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add an elegant touch that makes the simple dessert look more sophisticated and inviting.
• Potluck Perfect: Transfer the cake to a portable serving dish with a lid, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing contribution to family gatherings or community events.

Cherry Cake Storage Done Right

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its delightful texture and flavor intact.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cake portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for convenient storage up to 3 months without losing taste quality.
• Room Temperature Tip: When serving fresh, keep cake at cool room temperature for maximum 6 hours, ensuring optimal enjoyment and food safety.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dump cake recipe one day before serving, allowing flavors to blend and develop deeper, more delicious notes – perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Delightful cherry dump cake brings together simple ingredients for a classic dessert that celebrates homestyle baking. Effortless preparation and rich flavors make this treat a comforting companion you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans (21 oz/595 g) cherry pie filling
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Calibrate the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal thermal environment for the dessert’s transformation.
2. Preparation: Coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for effortless serving.
3. Foundation Layer: Disperse the cherry filling across the dish’s base, creating a luscious, vibrant fruity foundation that will infuse the entire dessert with rich flavor.
4. Cake Mix Application: Delicately cascade the dry cake mix over the cherry layer, meticulously covering the entire surface without disrupting the fruit’s placement.
5. Butter Distribution: Artfully arrange thin butter slices atop the cake mix, strategically positioning them to guarantee comprehensive melting and flavor integration.
6. Baking Process: Transfer the assembled dish to the oven’s center rack, allowing uniform heat circulation that will transform the ingredients into a cohesive, golden-brown delicacy.
7. Finishing and Cooling: Bake for 50-55 minutes until the surface achieves a crisp, golden hue with bubbling cherry edges, then remove and rest for 15-20 minutes to harmonize flavors and texture.
8. Serving: Present the dessert warm, accompanied by a vanilla ice cream scoop or a delicate powdered sugar dusting to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Cake Mix Clumping: Sift the dry cake mix before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even distribution without lumps or uneven patches.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter cut into small, uniform pieces to create a crumbly, crisp topping that melts perfectly during baking.
• Fruit Layer Variation: Experiment with different canned fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, or mixed berry to create unique flavor combinations and personalize the dessert.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free options, substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all ingredients meet specific dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg