Cherry Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. Just layer sweet cherry pie filling, top it with dry cake mix, drizzle with butter, and bake until golden and bubbly. The result is a buttery, crisp topping with warm, juicy cherries underneath. It’s the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need something delicious with almost no effort.

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake

• Only 5 simple ingredients
• No mixing bowls required
• Ready in about an hour
• Perfect beginner-friendly dessert
• Great for holidays and family gatherings
• Delicious with ice cream or whipped cream
• Easy to customize with different fruits and cake flavors

Ingredients

• 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (or thinly sliced)
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans
• Sliced almonds
• Fresh cherries
• Powdered sugar

Kitchen Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cup
• Spoon
• Oven

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom.

If using almond extract, stir it gently into the cherries.

Step 2: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherries.

Do not stir.

Spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle cinnamon over the top if desired.

Step 3: Add Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface as possible.

If using sliced butter instead, arrange thin slices evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until:

• Top is golden brown
• Cherry filling is bubbling around the edges
• Cake topping is crisp

If you notice dry patches after 30 minutes, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those spots.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes.

Serve warm with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Toasted almonds
• Fresh cherries

Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake

• Use quality cherry pie filling for the richest flavor.
• Don’t stir the layers.
• Cover most of the cake mix with butter to avoid dry spots.
• Almond extract pairs beautifully with cherries.
• Bake until bubbling around the edges.
• Serve warm for the best texture.

Variations

Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake

Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.

White Cake Cherry Dump Cake

Swap yellow cake mix for white cake mix for a lighter flavor.

Black Forest Dump Cake

Use chocolate cake mix and add:

• Chocolate chips
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Add one can of crushed pineapple (drained slightly) beneath the cherries.

Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Add spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese over the cherry filling before adding the cake mix.

Nutty Cherry Dump Cake

Top with:

• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Sliced almonds

Berry Cherry Dump Cake

Mix cherry pie filling with:

• Blueberry pie filling
• Raspberry pie filling
• Blackberry pie filling

Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake

Layer everything in a slow cooker.

Cook:

• High: 2–3 hours
• Low: 4 hours

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave: 30–45 seconds

Oven: 325°F for about 15 minutes

What to Serve with Cherry Dump Cake

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries
• Hot coffee
• Tea
• Chocolate sauce
• Caramel sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called dump cake?

Because all the ingredients are simply “dumped” into the baking dish—no mixing required.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them with sugar and cornstarch first to create a pie filling consistency.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes. Thaw and cook them into a thick filling before using.

Why does my dump cake have dry cake mix?

Not enough butter covered the cake mix. Make sure the butter is distributed as evenly as possible.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Bake it earlier in the day and reheat before serving.

Do I have to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes. Refrigerate once cooled.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Dump Cake proves that simple desserts can be incredibly satisfying. With juicy cherries, a buttery golden topping, and almost no prep work, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a gathering or just craving a warm homemade treat, this easy dump cake is guaranteed to impress.