Cherry Coconut Dump Cake: Easy, Tropical, and Family-Favorite Dessert

If you love quick, easy, and family-friendly desserts, this Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is perfect for you. With its sweet cherry filling, tender coconut topping, and simple one-pot preparation, it’s a balanced, customizable treat that’s great for busy weeknights or special occasions. Inspired by classic comfort foods, this easy cherry coconut dump cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort—making it one of the best cherry coconut dump cake recipes you’ll ever try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious, this Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is a must-try. Bursting with sweet cherries and a tender coconut topping, this easy cherry coconut dump cake is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions. Unlike complicated desserts, this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.

What makes this cherry coconut dump cake so special is its customizable nature—you can add pineapple for extra tropical flair or even a sprinkle of nuts for crunch. The combination of juicy cherries and rich coconut creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor reminiscent of old-fashioned desserts, but with modern ease. It’s a balanced treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned baker, this best cherry coconut dump cake is foolproof, family-approved, and guaranteed to become a favorite dessert in your home.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is delightfully simple, relying on a few classic ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. The star of the recipe is the sweet and juicy cherry pie filling, which creates a rich, fruity base. A box of yellow or white cake mix forms the light, fluffy topping, while melted butter helps it bake to golden perfection. Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and a subtle tropical flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

This easy combination makes the easy cherry coconut dump cake a favorite for home bakers—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients are required. Optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream make it even more indulgent. With these pantry staples, you can whip up a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert in minutes.

ingredients for cherry coconut dump cake
Cherry Coconut Dump Cake: Easy, Tropical, and Family-Favorite Dessert 13

🛒 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 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is simple, quick, and perfect for bakers of all levels. Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking dish. The sweet cherry pie filling forms the base layer, while the cake mix sprinkled on top creates a golden, fluffy topping. Melted butter helps the cake bake evenly and adds rich flavor, and sweetened shredded coconut gives a subtle tropical note that pairs perfectly with the cherries.

This easy cherry coconut dump cake requires no mixing bowls—just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work. For an extra-special touch, serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. In minutes, you’ll have a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight treats.

📝 Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
  3. Sprinkle dry cake mix over the cherries.
  4. Evenly pour melted butter over the cake mix.
  5. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top.
  6. Bake 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Serve warm with optional whipped cream or ice cream.
baking cherry coconut dump cake in oven
Cherry Coconut Dump Cake: Easy, Tropical, and Family-Favorite Dessert 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering the perfect Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is all about understanding how each ingredient works together. The cherry pie filling provides a sweet, juicy base that keeps the cake moist. The dry cake mix forms a golden, fluffy topping, while melted butter ensures even baking and adds rich flavor. Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and a hint of tropical sweetness that complements the cherries beautifully. Using fresh or canned cherries won’t affect the ease, but high-quality pie filling enhances the overall flavor.

To make your easy cherry coconut dump cake shine, layer ingredients evenly and avoid stirring. Bake until golden and bubbly, and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Simple adjustments, like adding pineapple for a tropical twist, can customize this dump cake to your family’s tastes.

variations of cherry coconut dump cake
Cherry Coconut Dump Cake: Easy, Tropical, and Family-Favorite Dessert 15

FAQs

1. Do cherry and coconut go together?

Absolutely! The sweet and tart flavor of cherries pairs beautifully with the rich, tropical taste of coconut. In this Cherry Coconut Dump Cake, the combination creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing.

2. What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?

The most common mistake is stirring the layers. For the best easy cherry coconut dump cake, simply dump the ingredients—cherry pie filling first, then cake mix, butter, and coconut—and bake. Stirring can ruin the texture and prevent even baking.

3. Why do they call it a dump cake?

It’s called a “dump cake” because you literally dump all the ingredients into a pan without mixing. This makes the old-fashioned cherry coconut dump cake one of the easiest desserts to prepare.

4. What are the 4 ingredients in coconut cake?

Traditional coconut cake uses flour, sugar, butter, and shredded coconut. For this best cherry coconut dump cake, we simplify it with cake mix, cherries, butter, and coconut—delivering the same flavor in a fraction of the time.

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor, this Cherry Coconut Dump Cake is a must-try. With its juicy cherries, buttery cake topping, and sweet coconut finish, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, this easy cherry coconut dump cake is sure to impress.

The best part? You can customize it—add pineapple for a tropical twist or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. No matter how you make it, this best cherry coconut dump cake delivers classic homemade flavor with minimal effort.

Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the sweet comfort of this old-fashioned cherry coconut dump cake—a timeless dessert that never fails to delight.

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cherry coconut dump cake baked in pan

Cherry Coconut Dump Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet cherries meet a golden cake topping and a sprinkle of shredded coconut in this simple, tropical-inspired dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings or when you want a fruity, nutty treat with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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 cup sweetened shredded coconut

  • Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cherry Layer: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.

  3. Cake Layer: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherries. Do not stir.

  4. Top with Butter & Coconut: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly on top.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and the cherries are bubbly.

  6. Cool & Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Optional: top with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

  • For extra crunch and flavor, lightly toast the coconut before sprinkling on top.
  • Nut-free and vegetarian-friendly.
  • Can substitute coconut cream or coconut milk in small amounts for a richer coconut flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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