Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
A Cherry dump cake is one of those desserts that’s as easy as it is delicious — and this version only takes 4 ingredients.
If you love sweet, fruity treats that come together in a flash, you’ll want to check out these dump cake recipes — they’re a total game changer.
This cake is loaded with juicy cherries, buttery cake, and a hint of sweetness that makes it irresistible.
It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t have a ton of time or energy to spend in the kitchen.
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What is a cherry dump cake?
This super easy dessert combines a few simple ingredients to create a delicious, fruity treat.
The basic concept is to “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish without much mixing. Typically, it involves canned cherry pie filling as the base, topped with a box of cake mix, and then baked with a generous amount of butter on top to create a crispy, golden crust.
The result is a warm, gooey, and slightly crumbly cake that’s packed with fruity flavor.
What Are the Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake?
This recipe keeps it simple with just 3 ingredients:
- Canned cherry pie filling (2 cans for a 9×13 pan, 1 can for an 8×8)
- Box of yellow or white cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted or thinly sliced
That’s it — no mixing bowls, no eggs, no oil. Just layer the three ingredients in a baking dish and bake.
For a fun variation, use a can of pineapple as well for a Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake!
How Many Cans of Cherry Pie Filling for a Dump Cake?
This depends on your pan size:
- 9×13 pan: use 2 cans (21 oz each) of cherry pie filling
- 8×8 pan: use 1 can (21 oz) of cherry pie filling
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How to Make Cherry Dump Cake (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish.
- Layer the pie filling, then the cake mix, then the butter evenly on top — don’t leave dry spots.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly, then cool slightly and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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A 9×13 pan is the standard size and fits 2 cans of pie filling comfortably. If you only have an 8×8 pan, use 1 can of pie filling and half the cake mix — several readers have confirmed this works well and still gets that classic golden, bubbly top.
Yes — yellow, white, and even Jiffy-brand cake mix all work in this recipe. Yellow cake mix gives the most classic flavor and color, white cake mix is slightly lighter and less sweet, and Jiffy mix (a smaller box) works fine but may need a touch more butter to fully cover the surface since it’s a thinner layer.
Not evenly distributing the butter over the cake mix. If butter isn’t spread evenly, parts of the cake mix may stay dry and powdery instead of turning crispy and golden. Make sure the butter covers as much of the cake mix as possible, either by slicing it thin across the whole surface or melting and drizzling it in a zigzag pattern so every part gets some.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the cake mix over the filling, then place thin slices of butter on top. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and crisp and the edges are visibly bubbling.
Yes, cherry dump cake should be refrigerated after it cools. The fruit filling can spoil if left at room temperature too long. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Yes. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warm.
You’ve got to try these easy recipes too—you won’t believe how simple and tasty they are!
- Discover How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade and don’t miss out on What to Make with Chocolate Chips That Aren’t Cookies for even more creative baking ideas.
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- A box of vanilla cake mix
- A can of cherry pie filling
- 1 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease the bottom of an 8×8 pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly to cover the bottom.
- Sprinkle the box of cake mix evenly over the cherry filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, making sure to cover it as evenly as possible.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the cherry dump cake warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For best results, cover your easy dump cake recipe with plastic wrap and store for up to 4 days.
can you use sour cherries in syrup instead of pie filling?
I don’t see why not! Sounds like a great idea actually!
Can you use yellow cake mix?
Sure can!
Do you have to keep fridgerated
If you’d like to, but you don’t have to.
What do you do if the cake isn’t mixed dry
I am sorry I am not sure what you mean?
Is it 1 Cup of melted butter OR 1 Cup of butter melted?
You will want to measure out 1 cup of butter into a microwaveable bowl and then melt it.
Can I use white jiffy cake mix in this recipe
I have never used this, but I am assuming so.
What size pan do you use for this?
A 9×13 Cake Pan
Can i use an 8×8 cake pan?
Sure can!
@momma lew,
Will it all fit in only (1) 8×8 pan?
Thank you.
Yup! I have done it many times.
What size can of cherry pie filling?
21oz
Hi,Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
I prefer salted, but you can use either.
Quick dessert for guests and family topped with whipped cream or ice cream. They will love it.