Cherry dump cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with the richness of a cake-like topping, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal ingredients and prep time. If you’re looking for an easy yet decadent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the original cherry dump cake recipe—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions and provide helpful tips for making this dessert even better. So, let’s dive in!

Ingredients for the Original Cherry Dump Cake

This cherry dump cake recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a few common ingredients. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes by adding different fruits, extracts, or toppings. Here’s what you’ll need for the original version:

Optional Variations

• Pie filling alternatives: While cherry pie filling is the traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings, such as peach, strawberry, blueberry, or apple.
• Butter alternative: If you’d prefer to cut back on butter, you can use a light butter or margarine, but the richness of real butter gives the best results.
• Crunchy toppings: In addition to the cake mix and butter, you can sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) on top for a crunchy texture.
• Fruit combination: Add pineapple for a tart kick or a mix of berries for extra flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Cherry Dump Cake

The charm of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a crowd-pleasing dessert in no time. Follow these easy steps to create your original cherry dump cake:

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will bake evenly.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Mix almond extract with pie filling (optional): In a bowl, stir ½ teaspoon of almond extract into each can of cherry pie filling. This step adds depth to the flavor and pairs wonderfully with the cherries.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Spread the cherry pie filling: Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Don’t stir it—just let the cake mix sit on top.
3. Add melted butter: Slowly pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will soak into the cake mix and help form a golden, crispy topping.

Baking:

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
2. Serve warm: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts for Cherry Dump Cake

While cherry dump cake is undoubtedly a sweet treat, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional value, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

Note: The nutritional values are based on the original recipe and may vary depending on the brand of ingredients used or portion size.

Reviews and Praise for the Cherry Dump Cake

The cherry dump cake recipe has received rave reviews from those who have tried it. Here’s what some people are saying:

• “So easy and delicious!” – Sarah K.
  “I’ve made this recipe twice now, and both times it turned out amazing! The cherry pie filling gives it just the right amount of sweetness, and the cake mix topping is so buttery and delicious!”

• “Perfect for holidays!” – Lisa M.
  “I made this for our Christmas dinner, and it was a huge hit. The bright red cherry filling looked beautiful on the table, and everyone loved it with ice cream.”
• “A great base for other flavors!” – Tom R.
  “I swapped the cherry pie filling for blueberry, and it was just as good! I love how versatile this recipe is. It’s a keeper!”

FAQ

Can you make Cherry Dump Cake in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cherry dump cake can also be made in a slow cooker. To do so:

• Cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours.
• The slow cooker method results in a slightly different texture, with a softer topping, but it’s just as delicious!

Can I use any pie filling flavor?

Absolutely! While cherry is the classic choice, you can swap out the pie filling for any flavor you love, such as:

• Peach
• Strawberry
• Blueberry
• Apple

What if I don’t want it to be too sweet?

If you’re concerned about the sweetness, consider adding pineapple to the mix. It provides a tart contrast that balances out the sweetness. Alternatively, you can reduce the sugar content by using a sugar-free cake mix or pie filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cherry dump cake ahead of time! Simply prepare the recipe as directed, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips and Praise for Cherry Dump Cake

• Add a crunchy topping: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as pecans or sliced almonds) over the cake mix before baking. This adds a nice texture contrast to the soft and gooey filling.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream: Cherry dump cake is best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey cake.
• Make it a “Black Forest” dump cake: For a fun twist, try using chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling. This version will give you that classic “Black Forest” flavor combination.

Conclusion

The original cherry dump cake recipe is a simple, foolproof dessert that anyone can make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight treat or a holiday dessert that will impress guests, this recipe delivers. Its buttery, golden topping and sweet, fruity filling make it the ultimate comfort food.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can swap out the cherry pie filling for any other fruit pie filling, add different extracts, or top it with nuts to suit your taste. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time or even prepare it in a slow cooker!