Looking for an easy, family-friendly dessert? This Vegan Cherry Pistachio Dump Cake is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Inspired by classic comfort food, it’s a quick, customizable dish that combines sweet cherries, crunchy pistachios, and a simple cake mix in one pan. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake is a balanced, crowd-pleasing treat everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, flavorful desserts. You’ll love how simple it is to make—just layer sweet cherry filling, moist cake mix, and crunchy pistachios, then bake to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this easy cherry pistachio dump cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
The combination of juicy cherries and nutty pistachios creates a delightful texture, while the cake topping soaks up the cherry juices for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re serving a cherry and pistachio cake loaf for brunch or a quick cherry brownie dump cake for dessert, this recipe is incredibly versatile.
It’s also customizable: swap cake mixes, add vegan butter, or layer in a cheesecake filling to make a decadent cherry and pistachio cheesecake twist. Families love it, beginners appreciate the simplicity, and dessert lovers can’t get enough of the rich cherry-pistachio flavor.
If you want a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, this cherry pistachio dump cake is your go-to recipe.
Ingredients for This Recipe
When making the perfect cherry pistachio dump cake, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. The star is sweet, juicy cherries—two cans of cherry pie filling provide the rich, fruity base that makes this old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake irresistible. A box of yellow or white cake mix adds a light, fluffy topping that contrasts beautifully with the cherries. Melted butter is poured over the cake mix, creating a golden, slightly crisp crust. Chopped pistachios lend a nutty crunch that elevates this easy cherry pistachio dump cake to a next-level dessert. A touch of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, making the dessert even more aromatic and indulgent. For serving, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream complements the warm, fruity layers, giving you a true cherry and pistachio cake experience.

🛒 Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
How to Make This Recipe
Making a delicious cherry pistachio dump cake is surprisingly easy and perfect for any skill level. Start by spreading two cans of sweet cherry pie filling evenly in a greased baking dish—the base of this old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake. Next, sprinkle a full box of yellow or white cake mix over the cherries, ensuring the layer is even for a golden, fluffy topping. Drizzle ½ cup of melted butter over the cake mix; this will melt during baking and create the signature slightly crisp, buttery crust. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cherries. A touch of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, making this easy cherry pistachio dump cake irresistible. Bake until bubbly and golden. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cherry and pistachio cake experience.
📝 Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spread 2 cans cherry pie filling evenly
- Sprinkle 1 box yellow or white cake mix over cherries
- Drizzle ½ cup melted butter on top
- Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pistachios
- Add ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Bake 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream

Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering the perfect cherry pistachio dump cake is all about using the right ingredients and techniques. Start with high-quality cherry pie filling—the sweet, juicy cherries are the heart of this old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake. Using a fresh box of yellow or white cake mix ensures a light, fluffy topping, while melted butter creates a golden, slightly crisp crust. Chopped pistachios add crunch and depth, perfectly balancing the sweet cherries. A hint of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, making this easy cherry pistachio dump cake irresistible. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cherry and pistachio cake experience.
🛠️ Expert Tips:
- Use two full cans of cherry pie filling for a juicy base
- Evenly sprinkle cake mix to ensure uniform baking
- Drizzle melted butter slowly to cover all areas for a crisp crust
- Chop pistachios finely to blend texture without overpowering flavor
- Add almond extract for a richer cherry taste
- Bake until bubbly and golden for the perfect cherry pistachio cake loaf
- Serve immediately or store for later; flavors improve overnight

FAQs
1. What makes an old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake special?
An old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake is a simple, one-pan dessert with layers of cherry pie filling, cake mix, and pistachios. It’s quick, easy, and produces a sweet, nutty, and fruity dessert that everyone will love.
2. How can I make an easy cherry pistachio dump cake?
Simply layer cherry pie filling, cake mix, and chopped pistachios in a baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake. This easy cherry pistachio dump cake is perfect for beginners or last-minute dessert needs.
3. Can I make a cherry pistachio cake loaf or cherry brownie dump cake?
Yes! Bake your cherry pistachio cake loaf in a loaf pan or substitute brownie mix for cake mix to create a fudgy cherry brownie dump cake variation.
4. Is it possible to make a cherry and pistachio cheesecake dump cake?
Absolutely! Layer sweetened cream cheese or cheesecake mixture under the cake mix to create a decadent cherry and pistachio cheesecake twist on the classic dump cake.
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This cherry pistachio dump cake is the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. With juicy cherries, crunchy pistachios, and a buttery cake topping, this old fashioned cherry pistachio dump cake is perfect for family gatherings, weeknight treats, or special occasions. Whether you’re baking a cherry pistachio cake loaf, trying a fudgy cherry brownie dump cake, or experimenting with a creamy cherry and pistachio cheesecake, this recipe is versatile, simple, and absolutely delicious. Bring the classic flavors of cherries and pistachios to your table with this easy cherry pistachio dump cake.
Print
Cherry Pistachio Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant twist on the classic cherry dump cake, this version adds crunchy pistachios for a nutty contrast. Sweet cherries, buttery cake, and a hint of almond flavor make it a show-stopping yet simple dessert.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients:
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow or white cake mix (15 oz)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cherry Layer: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
Cake Layer: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir.
Top with Butter & Nuts: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle almond extract and chopped pistachios evenly on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and cherries are bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachios with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
- For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before sprinkling on top.
- Can use fresh or frozen cherries if preferred; toss with a bit of sugar if tart.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American