The Ultimate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Effortless and Delicious
No-muss baking brings a buttery crunch and juicy fruit together in a simple, comforting dessert.
The Ultimate Cherry Dump Cake Recipe: Simple, Gooey, and Irresistible
If you’re searching for the easiest dessert that never fails to impress, look no further than the cherry dump cake. With its improbable simplicity and consistently delicious results, this classic has earned its place as a staple on the dessert table. From busy weeknights to festive gatherings, cherry dump cake exudes homestyle comfort in every scoop.
Unlike cobblers or pies that demand mixing, kneading, or rolling, dump cake is all about layering—and a little trust in the magic of your oven. No fancy tools or advanced skills required: just dump the ingredients, bake, and swoon over the gooey, golden results.
Why Cherry Dump Cake is a Summer Favorite
Among the many fruit-filled desserts, cherry dump cake stands out for its sheer convenience. It’s quicker and easier than cherry cobbler, crisp, or pie—but every bit as satisfying. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a treat that tastes like you spent all afternoon baking.
It’s that special blend of tart cherry flavor topped with a crunchy, buttery crust that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. And the best part? The recipe is so foolproof, you’ll wonder why you ever made dessert any other way.
What’s in Cherry Dump Cake?
| Ingredient | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry pie filling (2 x 21 oz cans) | Base flavor and texture | Provides the gooey fruit layer |
| Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz box) | Crust/topping | Don’t mix with eggs or liquid—use dry |
| Salted butter (3/4 cup, divided) | Moisture and richness | Cubed for even distribution |
| Vanilla extract (2 tsp) | Flavor booster | Optional; adds depth |
| Ground cinnamon (1/4 tsp, optional) | Warmth and aroma | Optional; personal taste |
| Kosher salt (1/4 tsp) | Balances sweetness | Optional, but recommended |
| Cherry-vanilla ice cream | Serving | Or plain vanilla bean |
These are the basics, but you can customize to suit your preferences or pantry. Don’t have cherry pie filling? Try peach or apple instead—the technique stays the same.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
- Prep Your Pan
Lightly coat a 12-inch skillet (or 13×9-inch baking dish) with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. - Create the Cherry Filling
Dump both cans of cherry pie filling into the pan. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and kosher salt (if using). Stir gently to combine. - Add Butter Cubes
Cube 3/4 cup salted butter. Scatter 1/4 cup of cubes evenly over the cherry layer. - Layer the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit filling. Pat lightly with a spoon or hand to level—do not stir. - Top with Remaining Butter
Distribute the remaining butter cubes over the cake mix. - Bake
Place the pan on the middle rack in a preheated 375°F oven. Bake 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and cherry filling is bubbling. - Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with cherry-vanilla or classic vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Dump Cake
- Skillet vs. Baking Dish: Both work equally well—use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Don’t Mix: Resist the urge to mix the cake mix with the fruit. Layering is key.
- Gooey Is Good: The finished cake is more comparable to a cobbler, with bubbly, gooey fruit beneath a crisp topping.
- Butter Distribution: Cube butter for even melting and browning.
- Serving Size: Recipe yields 8 servings, but easily doubles for gatherings.
- Bake Time: Ovens vary; look for a golden crust and bubbling filling.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator after cooling to maintain freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dump Cake Supposed to Be Gooey?
Yes—the gooey texture under the crisp crust is its signature. Think cobbler more than traditional cake. Cherry filling remains soft, making scooping (not slicing) the best way to serve.
“That, and just how easy it is. Think of this dessert as more of a cobbler than a traditional cake. The cherry filling stays nice and gooey beneath the cake ‘crust,’ and rather than slicing it into pieces, you just scoop it up with a big spoon.”
What others are reading
Do I Have to Make Cherry Dump Cake in a Skillet?
No, you can use a 10-inch skillet or a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Both work beautifully. The only requirement is to serve it warm, topped with plenty of ice cream.
“This recipe was designed to work equally well in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.”
Does Cherry Dump Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?
After cooling, leftover cake should be refrigerated for best freshness. Store in a covered container and enjoy within a few days.
“After the cake cools, it’s best to store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.”
Can I Use Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Try peach or apple pie filling for delicious variations. The process remains the same—simply swap out the canned fruit filling before proceeding.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Toppings?
Yes—walnuts, pecans, or coconut flakes sprinkled on top before baking add extra crunch and flavor.
Can You Prepare Dump Cake Ahead?
You can assemble in advance, but bake just before serving for optimal texture. The topping is best crisped fresh from the oven.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve Warm: Cherry dump cake is best enjoyed straight from the oven.
- Top with Ice Cream: Classic vanilla bean or cherry-vanilla ice cream offer a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey filling.
- Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes each bite special.
- Sprinkle with Nuts: Toasted walnuts or almonds for crunch.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent finish.
Variations and Customizations
- Peach Dump Cake: Substitute cherry pie filling with canned peaches for a summery twist.
- Apple Dump Cake: Use apple pie filling and add a pinch of nutmeg for autumn vibes.
- Berry Blend: Mix cherry filling with blueberry or blackberry pie filling.
- Chocolate Topping: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate cake mix for a black forest-style dessert.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix for dietary needs.
- Nutty Crunch: Add pecan pieces or walnuts to the topping before baking.
Why the Dump Cake Method Works
The word “dump” in the cake’s name refers to its ingenious simplicity. Instead of mixing batter, you layer ingredients:
- Fruit filling provides moisture and tangy flavor.
- Dry cake mix transforms as it bakes—it absorbs juice and butter, forming a crisp, golden crust.
- Butter melts into both layers, enriching the taste and ensuring a luxuriously moist texture.
This method not only saves time, it opens the door to creative combinations and easy swapping of flavors.
Crowd-Pleasing, Pantry-Friendly and Perfectly Delicious
Cherry dump cake isn’t just fast— it’s reliable. With an ingredient list you probably have on hand and a method that forgives minor mishaps, it delivers comfort and taste every time.
Whether you’re pressed for time or feeding a crowd, dump cake fits the bill:
- Minimal Prep: 5 minutes is all you need to assemble.
- No Special Skills: No need for mixers, rolling pins or pastry expertise.
- Flexible Baking: Choose your pan; double the recipe for bigger groups.
- Family Favorite: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Easy to Store: Leftovers remain moist and flavorful for several days.
Recipe Recap and Quick Reference
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Bake Time | 50 minutes |
| Oven Temperature | 375°F / 190°C |
| Yield | 8 servings |
| Method | Layer and bake; no mixing |
Expert Cooking Insights
Senior Food Editor Josh Miller highlights that dump cake is a classic recipe that anyone can make. Inspiration for experimenting comes from adding comfort or seasonal twists to this dessert:
“Whether he’s stirring something new and delicious into his skillet cornbread, adding a healthy twist to a favorite comfort food recipe, or trying out a new exotic spice, Senior Food Editor Josh Miller loves dreaming up delicious, cookable recipes for PioneerWoman.com.”
Cherry Dump Cake Troubleshooting & Tips
- If the topping looks dry: Add a few extra pats of butter during baking.
- Fruit not bubbling? Allow more bake time and check on oven temperature.
- Want a thicker crust? Slightly more cake mix can be added, evenly patting it across the top.
- Less sweetness? Use one can regular and one can unsweetened cherry pie filling for balance.
- Extra flavor? Add almond extract or grated orange zest to the cherry mixture.
Frequently Asked Variations
- Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the cherry filling for extra tartness and tropical notes.
- Chocolate-Cherry: Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate and stir mini chocolate chips into the topping.
- Apple-Nut: Combine apple pie filling with chopped walnuts.
Cherry Dump Cake FAQs
Q: What is dump cake?
A: Dump cake is a quick dessert where layered canned filling, dry cake mix, and butter are baked to create a gooey fruit base with a crisp, golden crust.
Q: How do I keep the topping from getting too dark?
A: Cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking if needed.
Q: Can I make cherry dump cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, use your preferred gluten-free yellow cake mix without changing other steps.
Q: Why is my dump cake still powdery on top?
A: Ensure all cake mix is moistened by butter; add pats of butter to dry spots and bake a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Absolutely—simply use a smaller pan and reduce ingredients accordingly.
Quick Tips for Cherry Dump Cake Perfection
- Don’t mix the layers—layer and bake.
- Cube butter for even topping texture.
- Bake until the crust is firm and golden.
- Refrigerate leftovers after cooling.
- Switch up the fruits for fun flavor changes.
Conclusion: Effortless Baking, Endless Enjoyment
Whether you’re a beginner baker or seasoned dessert aficionado, cherry dump cake is a recipe that always delivers. With its gooey cherry base, crunchy buttery crust, and countless ways to adapt flavor, it’s beloved for more than its simplicity—it’s loved for its pure comfort and crowd-pleasing deliciousness.
Grab a can, a box, a stick of butter, and get ready to dump your way to dessert victory!
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