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Home » Desserts

CHERRY DUMP CAKE

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: Mar 12, 2026 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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  • chocolate cherry Dump Cake: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-cherry dessert that melts in every bite.
  • ble flavor, perfect for busy cooks seeking a sweet, satisfying treat. Its effortless preparation makes it a favorite for both weeknights and special occasions.

    This dessert uses canned cherries and a boxed cake mix, making it convenient while still delivering a homemade taste. The contrasting textures of soft fruit and crumbly topping create a delightful eating experience.

    The sweet, buttery topping caramelizes beautifully during baking, adding a golden finish and a rich, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. Its vibrant cherry color makes it visually appealing for family gatherings.

    Cherry dump cake can easily be customized with different fruits or toppings, giving endless possibilities for experimentation. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, every bite is packed with flavor.

    It’s also a perfect dessert for sharing. Quick to prepare and utterly delicious, this recipe guarantees smiles and satisfied sweet cravings at any table.

    WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

    • Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and time, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks craving a sweet treat.

    • Delicious Flavor: Sweet cherries and buttery cake topping create a rich, fruity dessert that everyone will enjoy.

    • Visually Appealing: The bright cherry filling peeks through the golden, crumbly topping, making it irresistible on any dessert table.

    • Versatile Serving: Serve warm with ice cream or cold; it’s adaptable for any season or occasion.

    • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like boxed cake mix and canned cherries, making it affordable and accessible.

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
    • 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
    • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

    DIRECTIONS

    • Step No.1: Preheat Oven
      Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

    • Step No.2: Layer Cherries
      Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

    • Step No.3: Add Cake Mix
      Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry layer without mixing.

    • Step No.4: Add Butter and Nuts
      Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, and sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using.

    • Step No.5: Bake
      Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling around the edges.

    • Step No.6: Cool and Serve
      Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
    Delicious cherry dump cake with a crumb topping and cherry filling in a white bowl.

    TIPS FOR SUCCESS

    • Use Fresh Butter: Melted butter spreads evenly and enhances flavor, preventing dry spots.

    • Even Cake Layer: Sprinkle cake mix consistently to avoid clumps and ensure proper baking.

    • Check Doneness: Look for bubbling cherries and golden topping to ensure perfect texture.

    • Optional Nuts: Adds crunch and richness but can be skipped for a nut-free version.

    • Cool Slightly: Let the cake rest briefly; hot filling can be too runny when served.

    • Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed warm, though it can also be refrigerated for later.

    • Substitute Fruits Carefully: Apples or peaches can replace cherries with slight sugar adjustments.

    VARIATIONS

    • Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a tangy, sweet flavor twist that’s colorful and vibrant.

    • Peach Dump Cake: Replace cherries with canned peaches for a summery, fruity variation that’s equally easy and delicious.

    • Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate-cherry dessert that melts in every bite.

    • gluten-free diet Version: Use gluten-free cake mix and adjust butter for a safe, tasty alternative without compromising flavor.

    • Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans or substitute seeds for crunch while keeping the dessert safe for allergies.

    • Mini Dump Cakes: Prepare in muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for parties or on-the-go treats.

    • Spiced Twist: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to cake mix for a warm, aromatic variation that enhances the cherry flavor.

    SERVING AND STORAGE

    Serving

    Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy, indulgent dessert experience.

    Storage

    Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy, indulgent dessert experience.

    Delicious cherry dump cake with fresh cherries and crumb topping.

    FAQ

    Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

    Yes, but reduce added sugar slightly and cook until softened to achieve a similar texture.

    Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

    Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Warm slightly before serving for best results.

    Can I freeze cherry dump cake?

    Yes, freeze baked or unbaked; thaw in refrigerator and reheat for a fresh-baked taste.

    Can I use another cake mix flavor?

    Absolutely! Yellow, white, or even spice cake mixes pair wonderfully with cherry filling.

    How do I make it dairy-free?

    Use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure your cake mix is labeled dairy-free for a vegan-friendly version.

    Cherry dump cake is a timeless dessert loved for its simplicity and rich, comforting flavors. With minimal ingredients, it offers maximum enjoyment for bakers of all skill levels.

    The combination of sweet cherries, buttery topping, and optional nuts creates a delightful mix of textures that will impress family and friends alike.

    Its versatility allows you to serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it cold, making it suitable for any season. Variations like mixed berries or spiced versions keep the recipe exciting.

    Whether for a casual weeknight dessert or a special holiday treat, cherry dump cake delivers satisfaction with every bite, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

    Delicious cherry dump cake with fresh berries and crumb topping.

    Delicious cherry dump cake with berries and crumb topping in a white baking dish.

    CHERRY DUMP CAKE

    Sana Umer
    Cherry Dump Cake is an easy, sweet dessert made by layering cherry pie filling and cake mix, then baking until golden and bubbly. Perfect for a quick, delicious treat.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Spice Blend
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 350 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Cherry Dump Cake:

    • 2 cups cherry pie filling
    • 1 box yellow cake mix or white cake mix
    • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
    • optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips

    Instructions
     

    Prepare Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread cherry pie filling evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

    Add Cake Mix:

    • Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Pour melted butter evenly over the top. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

    Bake:

    • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until top is golden and filling is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    • Make Ahead: Cake can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
    • Variations: Use blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor.
    • Serving Tips: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
    Keyword autumn flavors, cinnamon, fall spice blend, homemade pumpkin spice, nutmeg

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    About Sana Umer

    I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

    I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

    Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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    for-foodie-frends-logo-1

    Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

    I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

    Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

    If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

    Welcome to my corner of the internet.

    — Sana

    More about me →

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