Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you need a simple dessert that tastes like pure comfort, this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is one of the easiest treats you can make. With layers of sweet cherry pie filling, buttery cake topping, and a golden crisp finish, this classic dessert delivers rich flavor with very little effort. The texture is warm and gooey underneath with a lightly crisp topping that pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for beginners, this easy cherry dump cake comes together in just minutes and bakes into a crowd-pleasing dessert everyone loves.

What Is Cherry Dump Cake?

Cherry dump cake is a classic American dessert made by layering cherry pie filling with dry cake mix and melted butter before baking until golden and bubbly. Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing bowls and careful measuring, this dessert is wonderfully simple and forgiving.

The filling becomes rich, jammy, and soft while the cake topping turns buttery and crisp around the edges. Every bite combines warm cherries with sweet vanilla cake flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or an easy weeknight dessert.

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Ingredients

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Cake Topping

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
• 170g unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Optional Serving Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries
• Powdered sugar

Preparation and Baking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C or 160°C fan. Grease a 23 x 33cm baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray so the filling does not stick during baking.
• Add the cherry filling: Spoon both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly across the bottom of the dish using the back of a spoon. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract for extra flavor.
• Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Try to cover the filling completely without mixing the layers together.
• Pour over the butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. Cover as much of the dry mix as possible so the topping bakes evenly and becomes golden and crisp.
• Add extra sweetness: Sprinkle the brown sugar lightly over the top for added caramel flavor and a slightly crisp finish.
• Bake the dump cake: Place the dish onto the middle oven shelf and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
• Cool before serving: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling settle slightly and improves the texture.
• Serve warm: Spoon the warm cherry dump cake into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake

Why is my dump cake still powdery on top?

This usually happens when the melted butter does not fully cover the cake mix. Drizzle the butter slowly and evenly so most of the dry mix becomes moist during baking.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes, white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or butter cake mix all work beautifully with cherry filling. Chocolate cake mix also creates a richer dessert.

How do I make the topping crispier?

For a crispier topping, bake the cake uncovered and allow it to cook until deeply golden brown around the edges.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or sliced almonds add wonderful crunch and pair very well with cherries.

Do I need to mix the ingredients together?

No. A traditional dump cake works best when the layers stay separate. Simply layer the ingredients directly into the baking dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• Add whipped cream and fresh cherries
• Pair with hot coffee or tea
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar
• Serve with toasted almonds for extra crunch

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Cherry dump cake can sit covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours if serving the same day.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving.

Freezing

Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 420mg

Nutrition values are estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Recipe by Milli RoseCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

Easy cherry dump cake made with sweet cherry pie filling, buttery cake topping, and baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces each)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)

• 170g unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

• Whipped cream, for serving

Directions

• Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a 23 x 33cm baking dish.
• Spread the cherry pie filling evenly into the baking dish and stir in vanilla and almond extract.
• Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer without stirring.
• Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix.
• Sprinkle brown sugar over the top for extra flavor and texture.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
• Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Do not stir the layers together for the best texture.
• Use melted butter evenly to avoid dry patches.
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.