This Cherry Dump Cake is one of those classic, cozy desserts that feels like a warm hug. It’s sweet, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor. It’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients and comes together in minutes.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving something sweet after a busy day, this easy dessert is the kind you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. It’s simple, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
I love easy desserts that taste like I spent hours on them (even when I didn’t) and this cherry dump cake checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want something sweet but don’t want to deal with measuring cups or mixing bowls.
If you love simple fruit desserts, these Pound Cake Banana Split Trifles, Blueberry Cheesecake Parfaits, or this Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Notes
- Cherry pie filling – Sweet, tart cherries create the perfect fruity base.
- Yellow or white cake mix – Adds a buttery, crumbly topping that turns golden as it bakes.
- Unsalted butter (melted) – Helps crisp up the cake topping for that perfect texture.
- Brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Carob fruit syrup or agave syrup – Gives a subtle, rich flavor that complements the cherries.
- Vanilla extract (optional) – Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional) – The perfect finishing touch for serving.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Cherry Dump Cake with Cake Mix
See below for a full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 3: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Do not stir.
Step 5: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top, followed by the carob fruit syrup or agave syrup. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible.
Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Step 7: Let the cake cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use other fillings: Try blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling for different flavors.
- Make it nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Go chocolatey: Add chocolate chips on top for a cherry chocolate twist.
What To Serve With Simple Cherry Dump Cake
This cherry dump cake tastes amazing straight from the oven. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic combo or with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch. It also makes a great make-ahead dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
Storing & Reheating
- Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Yes, you can! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until bubbly and golden.
Yes. Because it contains fruit, it’s best to refrigerate once cooled to keep it fresh. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
You can make dump cake with almost any pie filling. Peach, apple, blueberry, or strawberry are all great options.
More Desserts You’ll Love
- Strawberry Vanilla Cake
- Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies
- Caramel White Chocolate Blondies
- Heath Bar Mini Bundt Cakes with Pecans
- Pistachio Bundt Cake
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Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 21oz can of cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons carob fruit syrup or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the filling. Do not stir.
- Drizzle the melted butter and carob (or agave) syrup evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use pure cherry pie filling for the best flavor. If using fresh cherries, mix them with sugar first.
- For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
