Cherry Dump Cake is an amazingly delicious, easy dessert that takes less than ten minutes to assemble. It is so delicious that it reminds me of my grandmother’s cobbler. For an extra special treat, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.
With a handful of ingredients, you are on your way to a scrumptious dessert. Summer is a busy time of the year. It is my belief that one can never have enough quick-to-come-together recipes. This recipe is for those families that want a homemade dessert but only have about ten minutes to spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are eating the cake within 24 hours of baking, you can store it covered at room temperature. If it will take longer to consume the cake, cover and refrigerate it. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container.
This cake lasts 3-4 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator.
To freeze, first cool completely, then cover with 2 layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven on low until warm or in the microwave.
This can be assembled in the crock pot and cooked on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. However, condensation can build up on the lid of the crock pot and fall on the cake, so put a couple of layers of paper towels right under the lid across the top of the pot to absorb moisture.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Cherry pie filling: Buy the premium cherry pie filling. I have found it is well worth the extra cost. For flavor variations, you can switch out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, strawberry, or apple pie filling.
- Yellow cake mix: White cake mix and spice cake mix also work well with this recipe. Or use a chocolate cake mix for a black forest dump cake.
- Pecans: If you don’t like pecans, try other nuts like chopped walnuts or sliced almonds.
- Butter: Unsalted or salted butter, but remember that cake mixes have added salt.
How To Make Cherry Dump Cake
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
This cake is a real breeze to make. Butter the bottom and sides of your baking dish. Pour the cherries in and spread them out evenly. Next, evenly sprinkle with coconut and pecans if using. Sprinkle the dry cake mix on as evenly as you can. Finally, drizzle with butter and bake. It is just that simple.
Preparation Tips for Cherry Dump Cake
- Use an offset spatula or tilt the dish to spread the melted butter over the dry cake mix. It may not be perfect, but it will bake up fine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (21 ounce) can of cherry pie filling
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with coconut and pecans if using.
- Sprinkle the cake mix over the coconut and pecans. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Use an offset spatula or tilt the dish to spread the melted butter over the dry cake mix.
- Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use an offset spatula or tilt the dish to spread the melted butter over the dry cake mix. It may not be perfect, but it will bake up fine.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds.
Nutrition
On the hunt for more delicious recipes? Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Christina
This is such a handy dessert for days when time is short but you still want something warm and sweet. I made it this past weekend and everyone loved it, thank you for sharing!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Christina!
Jenny
I love anything with cherries at this time of year! Can you make this with fresh cherries?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you can. Make sure you pit them.
Angela
OMG, this was so easy to make and everyone loved it! They just kept raving about it. Its a great combo of cherries, coconut and crunchy pecans! I’m definitely making this again. I made no substitutions and it came out just as pictured.
If you are looking for something that is easy to make, different and delicious – this is it!
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it, Angela! Thank you!
Cris D
Why did some of my cake mix stay uncooked?
Followed recipe. I have made cherry dump cake before but never melted butter and think that was the probkem
Beth Pierce
I am not sure? Did you evenly drizzle the butter?
Laura
Should the cherry pie filling be sweet cherries or tart cherries?
Beth Pierce
I think tart cherries taste better with this recipe.
Kathryn
Can the dump cake be made a day early and still be delicious?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can. Cool first, then cover and store in the fridge. Bring to room temperature for about an hour and serve.