If you’re looking for a quick, effortless dessert that’s bursting with sweet cherry flavor, this cherry dump cake recipe is the perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering or simply craving something sweet, this Cherry cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Classic Cherry Dump Cake

Easy 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
This classic cherry dump cake recipe is the ultimate no-fuss dessert. With just three ingredients—cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter—you can create a rich, fruity, and buttery cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
– 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix (or vanilla)
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling, ensuring full coverage.
4. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, avoiding stirring.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
This cherry dump cake recipe is so simple yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to dessert for busy days. If you love cherry desserts, you might also enjoy experimenting with a Cherry cake recipe that incorporates fresh cherries for a slightly different texture.
Tips & Variations
– Add nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
– Swap the cake mix for white cake, spice cake, or even chocolate for a twist.
– Use fresh or frozen cherries (with added sugar) instead of pie filling for a homemade touch.
Serving & Storage

– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
Nutritional Benefits / Advantages
– Quick & easy—ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
– Versatile—can be customized with different fruits or cake flavors.
– Great for potlucks—easy to transport and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing—avoid stirring the layers to keep the texture perfect.
– Using cold butter—melted butter ensures even distribution.
– Skipping the cooling time—letting it rest prevents a soggy texture.
Conclusion for this Recipe
This cherry dump cake recipe is a foolproof dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the classic version or try a Cherry cake recipe variation, you’ll love how easy and delicious it is.
Final Conclusion
If you haven’t tried a cherry dump cake recipe yet, now is the perfect time! This simple yet decadent dessert is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a warm, fruity, and buttery treat that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations of this Cherry cake recipe to find your favorite twist.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! If using fresh cherries, pit and cook them with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken before assembling the dump cake.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
3. What other fruits work well in a dump cake?
Blueberry, apple, peach, and pineapple pie fillings are all great alternatives.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the regular one.
5. How do I prevent the cake from being too dry?
Ensure the butter is evenly distributed and avoid overbaking. A slightly gooey center is ideal!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to bake this cherry dump cake recipe and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free dessert! Let us know in the comments if you tried any fun variations of this Cherry cake recipe. Happy baking! 🍒🍰

