Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe – Easy, Quick & Delicious

This Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is everything I love about cooking—quick, easy, and always family-friendly. I believe in creating comforting dishes that anyone can make, without fuss or stress. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a warm, customizable dessert perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Like all my recipes, it balances flavor with simplicity, making every bite feel homemade and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe because it’s everything a great dessert should be—simple, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. With just three basic ingredients, you can whip it together in minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or holiday gatherings. The sweet-tart cherry filling pairs beautifully with the buttery, golden cake topping, creating a comforting flavor combination that feels homemade without the extra work.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Stick with the classic cherry version, or customize it by adding pineapple, swapping in a chocolate cake mix, or topping with nuts and coconut for extra texture. It’s a dessert that’s as adaptable as it is reliable. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table every time.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Making this Classic Cherry Dump Cake couldn’t be simpler, and you’ll only need a handful of pantry staples. The base comes together with cherry pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter, creating that signature sweet, bubbly, golden topping. From there, you can keep it classic or add your own twist with nuts, spices, or toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• 1 box (15–16 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted or thinly sliced
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
• Optional topping: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

How to Make This Recipe

Making a Classic Cherry Dump Cake is as easy as layering a few ingredients and letting the oven do the work. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the filling: Spread 2 cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherries—do not stir.
4. Top with butter: Drizzle melted butter (or arrange thin slices) evenly over the cake mix.
5. Bake: Place in the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Cool & serve: Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Butter placement matters: For a crumbly, crisp topping, slice cold butter thinly instead of melting it. Arrange slices evenly over the cake mix.
• Prevent overly soggy topping: Avoid stirring the layers—dump cakes rely on layering for texture.
• Customize your flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for extra warmth.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a nutty texture.
• Serving suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of cherry syrup for extra indulgence.
• Try variations: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate for a Black Forest twist, or layer pineapple for a tropical version.

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Dump Cakes Recipe

This Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe proves that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its golden, buttery topping and sweet-tart cherry filling make it a crowd-pleaser every time, while optional add-ins like nuts, spices, or ice cream let you customize it to your taste. Quick, easy, and utterly satisfying, this dump cake is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a homemade dessert without the fuss.

Classic Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple, old-fashioned dessert featuring sweet-tart cherry pie filling topped with a buttery, golden cake crust. This dump cake requires minimal prep and delivers warm, comforting flavors perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or special occasions. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients:

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling

• 1 box (15–16 oz) yellow cake mix

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted or thinly sliced

• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer the Filling: Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
• Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherries — do not stir.
• Top with Butter: Drizzle melted butter or arrange thin slices evenly on top.
• Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Serve: Cool slightly and serve warm with optional ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

📝 Tips & Variations:

• Use cold butter sliced thinly for extra crumbly topping.
• Swap in chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest twist.
• Add crushed pineapple for a tropical variation.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for crunch.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American