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.

Cherry Coconut Dump Cake – The Best Easy Dessert Recipe (2025)

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:

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven 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 & Coconut: Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix. Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and the cherries are bubbly.
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