Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake: 3 Easy Steps

Name: Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake: 3 Easy Steps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

by basmer

8 de November de 2025

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Cherry dump cake has been my secret weapon for effortless entertaining ever since I discovered how incredibly simple it is. I remember one chaotic holiday season when I needed a last-minute dessert, and this recipe saved the day. The aroma of warm cherries and sweet cake filling my kitchen was so inviting, and the taste? Pure comfort! It’s the easiest dessert I know, requiring just three basic ingredients and minimal effort, making it a perfect go-to for busy bakers. You’ll love how this simple cherry dump cake recipe comes together in a flash. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake

This easy cherry dump cake recipe is a lifesaver for busy home cooks. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Quick Assembly: Seriously, it takes minutes to get this into the oven.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need three things you probably already have.
Delicious Flavor Combination: The gooey cherry pie filling and sweet cake mix are a match made in heaven.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Everyone adores this comforting, homemade treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s fantastic for potlucks, holidays, or just a Tuesday night.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily adapt this simple cherry dump cake recipe.
Effortless Cleanup: Minimal prep means less mess.

Ingredients for Easy Cherry Dump Cake 3 Ingredients

Gather these simple items for your easy cherry dump cake 3 ingredients. This dump cake recipe cherry pie filling is incredibly forgiving, so don’t stress if you don’t have exact measurements.

Cherry Pie Filling

You’ll need one standard can, about 21 ounces, of cherry pie filling. This forms the luscious, gooey base of our cake. I always opt for a good quality filling because it really makes the dessert shine.

Yellow Cake Mix

Grab one 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix. This dry mix bakes up into a tender, golden topping. It’s a key component of any cherry dump cake with yellow cake mix, providing that classic cake flavor and texture.

Butter

Have about 1/2 cup (which is one stick) of unsalted butter ready. Melting it is crucial for creating that irresistible golden, slightly crisp topping. While some recipes might try a cherry dump cake without butter using oil, I find real butter provides the best flavor and texture for that perfect crust.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Making this cherry dump cake is so easy, it feels like cheating! You’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready in under an hour. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is the ideal size for our dump cake recipe cherry pie filling, ensuring everything bakes evenly.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Filling
Open your can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to get it all the way to the edges for that beautiful, gooey layer everyone loves.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Take your dry yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry pie filling. Resist the urge to stir! Leaving it in distinct layers is key to the classic dump cake texture.
Step 4: Drizzle with Butter
Melt your butter (about 1/2 cup or one stick). Drizzle it evenly over the dry cake mix. I like to use a spoon or a measuring cup with a spout to ensure every patch of cake mix gets some butter, which helps create that lovely golden crust. This is a critical step for the cherry dump cake with cake mix.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to be a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling to be wonderfully bubbly around the edges. The smell alone is amazing!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once it’s golden and bubbling, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up just a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

I’ve made this cherry dump cake recipe more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time. These little tips will elevate your simple dessert to something truly special!

Don’t stir the layers together after assembling. This is the golden rule for achieving that delightful contrast between the gooey cherry filling and the distinct, slightly crisp cake topping.
Using real butter is key for that beautiful golden crust. Margarine can sometimes leave the topping a bit too soft or chewy, which isn’t quite the same magic.
Letting the cake rest after baking is crucial. It allows the filling to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve without everything becoming a runny mess.

What’s the secret to perfect cherry dump cake?

The absolute secret to a perfect cherry dump cake is to resist the urge to stir! Layering the ingredients without mixing creates distinct textures: a gooey fruit base and a tender cake topping that bakes up beautifully.

Can I make cherry dump cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this easy cherry dump cake 3 ingredients recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the unbaked cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cherry dump cake?

The most common mistake is stirring the layers, which ruins the texture. Also, avoid using margarine if you want that signature crisp topping; real butter is best for this dump cake recipe cherry pie filling.

Best Ways to Serve Dump Cake Recipe Cherry Pie Filling

This delightful dump cake recipe cherry pie filling is fantastic on its own, but I love taking it up a notch with a few simple additions. These serving suggestions really make it shine and cater to different tastes.

Classic Pairing

My absolute favorite way to serve this easy cherry dump cake 3 ingredients is warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey cake and the cold, smooth ice cream is pure bliss. It’s a classic pairing for a reason!

Flavor Enhancements

For an extra touch of gourmet flavor, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, adds a wonderful crunch and complements the cherry flavor beautifully, making it a truly special treat.

Nutrition Facts for Cherry Dump Cake

This cherry dump cake is a sweet treat that’s surprisingly easy on the waistline for its decadent flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 20mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your cherry dump cake recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Dump Cake

Leftover cherry dump cake is a delicious bonus, and luckily, it stores and reheats beautifully. Once your cake has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more cake than you can eat in a few days, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for a wonderfully convenient treat whenever a craving strikes. To reheat, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through, or for a crispier topping, gently warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Variations of Cherry Dump Cake You Can Try

While the classic cherry dump cake recipe with yellow cake mix is divine, don’t be afraid to get creative! This versatile dessert is perfect for experimenting. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or even just what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your homemade cherry dump cake journey.

Different Cake Mixes

The type of cake mix you use can dramatically change the flavor profile. For a lighter, airier topping, try a cherry dump cake with angel food cake mix. A cherry dump cake with white cake mix offers a slightly sweeter, more neutral base, while a cherry dump cake with spice cake mix will add warm, comforting notes that are especially wonderful during the fall and winter months.

Adding Other Fruits

Cherries are fantastic, but why stop there? For a delightful twist on this dump cake recipe cherry pie filling, try combining the cherry pie filling with other fruits. Mixed berries, sliced peaches, or even a can of crushed pineapple can add wonderful new dimensions of flavor and texture to your dessert. Just ensure the total volume of fruit filling is similar to one can.

Dairy-Free Option

Craving this dessert but need it dairy-free? It’s easier than you think! To make a cherry dump cake without butter, simply substitute the melted butter with an equal amount of melted dairy-free butter alternative or a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil. The topping might be slightly less crisp, but it will still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Got questions about whipping up this easy dessert? I’ve got you covered! This quick cherry dump cake is so straightforward, but a few common queries pop up.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

While the convenience of canned cherry pie filling is hard to beat for this easy cherry dump cake 3 ingredients, you absolutely can use fresh or frozen cherries. You’ll need about 4-5 cups of pitted cherries. Toss them with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and a tablespoon of lemon juice before spreading them in the pan. You might need to bake it a little longer to ensure the fresh fruit cooks through.

What kind of pan is best for dump cake?

For this cherry dump cake recipe, a standard 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect. It provides enough surface area for even baking and ensures you get that lovely crispy topping and gooey filling. A glass or ceramic dish works wonderfully.

Why is my dump cake soggy?

A soggy dump cake usually happens for a couple of reasons. First, make sure you didn’t stir the layers together before baking; that mixing is what creates the distinct textures. Second, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and that you bake it long enough for the topping to get golden brown and the filling to bubble, which helps it set up. Using real butter also aids in creating a crispier crust for your simple cherry dump cake recipe.