As the sun sets on a lazy summer evening, the smell of cherries and vanilla fills the air. It invites you to enjoy a slice of heaven. This easy cherry dump cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with little effort. With just three simple ingredients, you can make a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
Imagine the joy of sinking your fork into a warm, gooey cake. It’s bursting with the tangy-sweet flavor of cherries, and the buttery topping melts in your mouth. This vintage-inspired recipe is a crowd-pleaser, great for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to cozy family gatherings.
Key Takeaways
- This easy cherry dump cake requires only 3 ingredients: cake mix, cherry pie filling, and butter.
- The cake can be baked in the oven at 350°F for 45-55 minutes or in a crockpot on low for 4 hours.
- Variations include making mini cakes and adding toppings like ice cream, brown sugar, pecans, or whipped cream.
- The recipe yields 12 servings and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- With a rating of 4.73 out of 11 votes, this cherry dump cake is a tried-and-true favorite.
Why This Cherry Dump Cake Is a Perfect Dessert
The easy cherry dump cake is a great choice for a quick and tasty dessert recipe. It’s quick to make, needs just a few ingredients, and everyone loves it. It’s a classic comfort food that’s a real kitchen winner.
Time-Saving Benefits
This cherry dump cake is ready in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy cooks who want a delicious treat fast. You can prepare it quickly and then let it bake while you do other things.
Minimal Ingredients Required
This cake is simple to make. It needs only 4 ingredients: cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, almond extract (optional), and melted butter. This makes it easy to have everything you need ready to go.
Crowd-Pleasing Results
This cake is a crowd-pleaser. The mix of sweet cherry filling and soft cake is loved by everyone. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food.
“This cherry dump cake is the perfect easy dessert for any occasion. It’s so simple to make, yet the flavors are absolutely divine.” – Sarah, Home Cook
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a sweet treat, the easy cherry dump cake is a new favorite. It’s sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients Overview
The three key ingredients for this tasty cherry dump cake are:
- 42 oz cherry pie filling, which adds a sweet, fruity layer
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix, for a soft, crumbly texture and sweet flavor
- 1 cup salted butter, to make the cake mix brown and crisp in the oven
These ingredients mix to make a delicious, easy-to-make dessert. It’s sure to wow your guests. With just a few simple steps and store-bought items, you can make this cherry dump cake quickly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry pie filling | 42 oz | Provides the fruity, sweet layer |
| Yellow cake mix | 15.25 oz | Adds a soft, crumbly texture and buttery flavor |
| Salted butter | 1 cup | Helps the cake mix brown and crisp up in the oven |
These three ingredients make a wonderful cherry dump cake. It’s loved by all for its rich filling and golden, buttery crust. It’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a delightful and easy-to-make cherry dump cake recipe! It only needs three simple ingredients: cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter. It’s a breeze to whip up. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or craving a sweet treat, this cherry dump cake is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Equipment Needed
To make this cherry dump cake, you’ll need a 13×9 baking pan and a mesh sifter. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the baking pan to ensure the cake releases easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by spreading the 42 oz of cherry pie filling evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Using the mesh sifter, gently sift the 13.25 oz of yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling, covering it completely.
- Cut 12 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake the cherry dump cake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Baking Tips
- For best results, use a fork to gently spread the cake mix evenly before adding the butter.
- The cherry dump cake is best served warm, straight out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- This recipe serves approximately 6 people and has a total calorie count of 476 calories per serving.
With its irresistible combination of sweet cherries, fluffy cake mix, and rich butter, this cherry dump cake recipe is a true delight. Enjoy this easy dessert recipe with family and friends for a memorable sweet indulgence.
Kitchen Tools and Preparation
To make the delightful cherry dump cake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. First, you’ll want a 13×9 baking dish or a similar-sized pan. This could be a 9-inch square, 9-inch pie plate, or 11×7-inch Pyrex dish. It will be the perfect vessel for baking your cake. Also, a mesh sifter is handy for evenly distributing the cake mix over the cherry filling.
Before you start, grease the baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the best temperature for baking your cherry dump cake. For the butter topping, remove about ½ inch of the wrapper from one end of the stick. Stand it in a glass measuring cup and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. This will melt the butter quickly, making it easy to spread over the cake mix.
| Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 13×9 Baking Dish | Provides the perfect size and shape for baking the cherry dump cake |
| Mesh Sifter | Helps evenly distribute the cake mix over the cherry filling |
| Glass Measuring Cup | Allows for easy melting of the butter topping in the microwave |
With these simple preparation tips and the right kitchen tools, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering cherry dump cake. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Layer Your Ingredients
Creating a delicious Cherry Dump Cake starts with layering. Begin by spreading cherry pie filling evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, sprinkle dry yellow cake mix over the filling, making sure to cover the whole surface.
To distribute the cake mix well, cut the top off the bag. Fold it to make a “spout.” Sprinkle the mix in a back-and-forth motion.
Base Layer Technique
Start by pouring two cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling into the dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This creates a solid base for the other ingredients.
Cake Mix Distribution
Next, cut the top off the yellow cake mix box. Fold the bag to make a “spout.” Sprinkle the mix over the cherry filling in a back-and-forth motion. This ensures even coverage.
Butter Placement Strategy
The last step is adding butter. Slice 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and place them evenly over the cake mix. This will make a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.
For extra crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the butter layer.
Baking Instructions and Timing
Get ready to bake the delicious baking cherry dump cake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the first step to making a heavenly dessert. To get the perfect dump cake cooking time, bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
As the cake bakes, the top will start to bubble and turn golden brown. This means your baking cherry dump cake is almost ready. If using a smaller pan, bake for 30 to 40 minutes. This ensures it’s cooked without being overdone.
It’s important not to stir the cake while it’s baking. This keeps the layers in place, giving your dump cake the right texture and look. Just let the oven work its magic!
Tip: For best results, resist the temptation to open the oven door during baking. This can disrupt the oven temperature and affect the overall baking time.
When the baking cherry dump cake is golden and bubbly, let it cool a bit before serving. This lets the flavors mix and the layers set. Enjoy the warm, fruity taste of your homemade dump cake!
Creative Variations and Add-ins
Creating the perfect dump cake is all about exploring new flavors. You can try different fruit fillings and toppings. This way, you can impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Fruit Combinations
Try using blueberries, apples, or strawberries instead of cherries. For a tropical twist, mix in crushed pineapple with the cherries.
Nut Additions
Add ½ to ¾ cup of sliced almonds on top of the cake mix. This gives a nice crunch.
Spice Enhancements
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. Use chocolate cake mix for a chocolatey twist.
With these creative ideas, your dump cake can become a showstopper. Mix and match fruits, nuts, and spices to create your new favorite dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve your cherry dump cake. A classic choice is to pair it with warm cake and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This mix of hot and cold is a perfect dessert.
For a simpler look, top the cake with whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This adds sweetness and makes the cake look fancy.
Try adding chopped pecans or brown sugar on top for a crunchy texture. This contrasts nicely with the soft cake.
Always serve the cake warm to bring out the best flavors. Serving it in bowls makes it feel more homemade.
The cake goes well with coffee, espresso, port, or sherry. Try different drinks to find your favorite dump cake toppings and serving cherry dump cake pairings.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoyed the cherry dump cake and now you have leftovers? Don’t worry, it’s easy to store and reheat. For a short time, keep it covered on the counter for up to 2 days. Then, move it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration Tips
Keeping the cake in the fridge keeps it fresh and moist. Make sure to cover it or put it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors and moisture in.
Reheating Methods
Ready to enjoy your leftover cherry dump cake? You have a few ways to reheat it. For a single serving, microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Or, warm the whole cake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the cake’s fresh taste and smell.
FAQ
What ingredients are needed to make this cherry dump cake?
You’ll need 42 oz cherry pie filling, 15.25 oz yellow cake mix, and 1 cup salted butter.
How easy is this cherry dump cake to make?
Making this cherry dump cake is super easy. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare. You just need three ingredients, saving you time.
What makes this cherry dump cake a crowd-pleasing dessert?
This cherry dump cake is loved by all. It mixes cherry pie filling with yellow cake mix. It’s perfect as a warm comfort food, especially with vanilla ice cream.
What kitchen tools are needed to make this cherry dump cake?
You’ll need a 13×9 baking dish or a similar size pan. Also, a mesh sifter is important.
How do you properly layer the ingredients for this cherry dump cake?
First, spread the cherry pie filling in the pan. Then, sprinkle the cake mix over it. Finally, place the butter slices on top for browning.
How long should you bake the cherry dump cake?
Bake at 350˚F for 50-60 minutes. It’s ready when it’s bubbly and golden brown. For smaller pans, bake for 30-40 minutes.
Can you experiment with different fruit fillings for this dump cake?
Yes, try blueberry, apple, or strawberry fillings. You can also mix cherry with pineapple for a twist.
How should you serve and store the cherry dump cake?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days. Then, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.