Effortless Elegance: The Ultimate 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer simplicity and undeniable deliciousness of this 3-ingredient cherry dump cake. This recipe is a true testament to the fact that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create a show-stopping dessert. With just three humble components – luscious cherry pie filling, a trusty box of yellow cake mix, and rich salted butter – you can whip up a comforting, cobbler-like treat that will have everyone asking for more. It’s the ultimate no-fuss dessert, perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet craving with minimal effort.
Often mistaken for a traditional cake, this delightful creation is actually more akin to a fruit cobbler. As it bakes, the butter melts into the dry cake mix, creating a magical transformation. The result is a sweet, golden-brown topping with a wonderfully crispy, cookie-like crumble that perfectly complements the warm, gooey cherry base. The beauty of this recipe lies in its “dump and bake” method – no mixing bowls, no elaborate steps, just pure dessert bliss.
While cherry is a classic and beloved choice, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to unleash your creativity by choosing your favorite pie filling and cake mix flavors. Imagine the possibilities: a vibrant apple dump cake, a sweet strawberry delight, a comforting peach crumble, or a bright blueberry treat. Similarly, switching out the yellow cake mix for a white, chocolate, or even a spice cake mix can entirely transform the flavor profile, making this a recipe you’ll revisit again and again.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake
- Simple Ingredients: You only need three items: canned cherry pie filling, a box of yellow cake mix, and salted butter. These are common pantry staples, making this dessert accessible anytime you crave something sweet.
- Easy to Make: The name “dump cake” says it all! There’s virtually no prep time involved. Just layer the ingredients in a baking dish and let your oven do the rest. It’s the perfect solution for a last-minute dessert or when you need a crowd-pleaser without the fuss.
- Family Favorite: This simple recipe consistently ranks as a top dessert in many households. Its comforting flavor and delightful texture appeal to all ages, making it a reliable hit for any family meal or gathering.
- Minimal Cleanup: Because everything goes into one baking dish, your post-dessert cleanup is reduced to a minimum, allowing you more time to enjoy your creation.
- Customization Heaven: As you’ll see, this basic framework is a blank canvas for countless flavor combinations. It truly is a versatile recipe that adapts to your preferences.
Looking for more easy dessert inspiration? For another fantastic cake mix recipe, try these strawberry 7UP cupcakes with a light vanilla Cool Whip frosting. Or, for a refreshing no-bake option, bookmark this delightful strawberry Jello pie. But for now, let’s dive into the magic of our cherry dump cake!
Ingredients for Your Delicious Dump Cake
The beauty of this easy cherry dump cake lies in its incredibly short ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand already, or they are easily found at any grocery store.
- Boxed Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix is the foundation of our delightful crumble topping. The dry mix absorbs the butter as it bakes, transforming into a sweet, cookie-like crust. While yellow is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors as mentioned in the variations section below.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling provide the luscious, fruity base. Canned pie filling is incredibly convenient and ensures a consistently delicious and perfectly sweetened cherry layer. You can opt for regular or even sugar-free versions, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Salted Butter: One stick (or ½ cup) of salted butter, cut into thin slices, is essential for achieving that irresistible golden-brown, crispy topping. The salt in the butter helps to balance the sweetness of the pie filling and cake mix, enhancing the overall flavor. The thin slices allow for even distribution and melting, creating a uniform crust.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and any specific brand recommendations.
How to Make Your 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake: Step-by-Step
Making this cherry dump cake is so straightforward, even a beginner baker can achieve perfect results every time. Follow these simple steps for a truly effortless dessert.
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176°C). This ensures your cake starts baking immediately and evenly once it enters the oven.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish. Coat the inside of a 9×13 baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the cake from sticking and makes for easier serving and cleanup, even if the fruit filling tends to be gooey.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling. Open both cans of cherry pie filling and pour them directly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the filling out evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a uniform fruit layer for your cake.
Step 3: Add the Dry Cake Mix. Open the box of yellow cake mix. Carefully sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. It’s crucial that the cake mix completely covers the top of the cherries. Avoid stirring the layers – this is a “dump cake,” after all!
Step 4: Top with Butter Slices. Evenly distribute the thinly sliced salted butter over the top of the cake mix layer. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, soaking into the dry mix to create that desirable crispy, golden crust. Ensure good coverage for the best results.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cake mix topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible! Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit filling to set slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your 3-ingredient cherry dump cake warm or at room temperature. For the ultimate indulgence, pair it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm cake is pure bliss!
Beyond Cherry: Creative Dump Cake Variations & Substitutions
Even though this recipe only calls for three simple ingredients, the possibilities for customization are endless. Don’t hesitate to make this dessert your own by experimenting with different flavors and delicious add-ins.
- Fruit Pie Filling Adventures: The sky’s the limit here! While cherry is a classic, try any of these delicious alternatives:
- Apple Pie Filling: Pair with yellow, spice, or even vanilla cake mix for a comforting apple crisp-like dessert. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg directly over the apple filling can elevate the flavor.
- Strawberry Pie Filling: For a bright, summery treat. Tastes fantastic with white or lemon cake mix.
- Peach Pie Filling: Evokes warm, Southern flavors. Excellent with yellow or white cake mix, perhaps with a dash of almond extract in the filling.
- Blueberry Pie Filling: A delightful choice, especially when combined with lemon or white cake mix for a tangy twist.
- Mixed Berry, Raspberry, or Blackberry: For a more complex fruit flavor, these darker berries offer a wonderful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping.
- Tropical Twist: Try pineapple pie filling, perhaps with a coconut cake mix and a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top!
- Cake Mix Magic: The type of cake mix you choose significantly impacts the final flavor profile of your dump cake.
- Yellow Cake Mix: The traditional choice, offering a buttery, vanilla-like base for the crumble.
- Chocolate Cake Mix (or Devil’s Food): Creates a decadent “chocolate cherry dump cake” – an irresistible pairing for cherry filling.
- White Cake Mix: Lighter in flavor, allowing the fruit filling to shine. Great with any fruit.
- Lemon Cake Mix: Adds a zesty brightness, especially complementary with blueberry or strawberry fillings.
- Spice Cake Mix: Perfect for autumn-inspired dump cakes, pairing wonderfully with apple or pumpkin pie filling.
- Butter Pecan Cake Mix: Adds a nutty, rich flavor to the crumble, fantastic with peach or apple.
- Butter & Beyond: While salted butter is preferred for its flavor-enhancing qualities, you have options:
- Unsalted Butter: If using unsalted butter, simply sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the cake mix layer before adding the butter slices to help balance the sweetness.
- Melted Butter: You can drizzle melted butter over the cake mix, though the solid slices tend to create a slightly more defined, crispier topping as they melt slowly. Melted butter might result in a more uniform but potentially less “crumble-like” texture.
- Other Fats: While butter is highly recommended for flavor and texture, some recipes use melted margarine or even a neutral oil for the topping. However, butter yields the best flavor and crispiness.
- Delicious Add-ins: Boost the flavor and texture even further by adding:
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the butter slices before baking for a crunchy, nutty layer.
- Shredded Coconut: Adds a tropical twist and texture, especially good with pineapple or cherry.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips over the cake mix layer can create pockets of melted chocolate goodness, particularly with cherry or raspberry fillings.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract can be sprinkled over the fruit filling or mixed into the dry cake mix for an extra layer of flavor.
Essential Equipment
One of the many perks of this easy cherry dump cake is that it requires minimal equipment. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen!
- 9×13 Baking Dish: The only essential piece of equipment you’ll need is a sturdy 9×13 baking dish. This size ensures the perfect proportions of fruit filling to cake mix, leading to an ideal texture and even baking. Make sure it’s oven-safe!
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: For easily preparing your baking dish.
- Spatula or Spoon: To evenly spread the pie filling.
Serving Your Perfect Cherry Dump Cake
This 3-ingredient cherry dump cake is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it to an even more delightful dessert experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cake creates a harmonious blend of temperatures and textures.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or Cool Whip adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh cherries, raspberries, or mint leaves for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- Chocolate or Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of decadence, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce can make this dessert even more special.
- Custard Sauce: A warm, creamy vanilla custard or crème anglaise can turn this simple dessert into a sophisticated treat.
Tips for Dump Cake Perfection
While dump cakes are inherently easy, a few simple tips can ensure your 3-ingredient cherry dump cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Do Not Stir the Layers: This is the golden rule of dump cakes! The magic happens when the butter slowly melts through the dry cake mix and fruit filling as it bakes. Stirring will result in a uniform, mushy texture, losing the signature crumble top.
- Evenly Spread the Fruit: Make sure the cherry pie filling is spread in an even layer across the bottom of the pan. This ensures every bite has a good balance of fruit and cake topping.
- Cover the Cake Mix Completely: When sprinkling the dry cake mix, ensure it forms an even layer over the entire fruit filling. Any exposed fruit might dry out or burn slightly.
- Uniform Butter Slices: Thin, evenly distributed butter slices are key. This ensures the cake mix absorbs the butter uniformly, leading to a consistently golden and crispy crust. If slices are too thick or uneven, you might end up with soggy spots or dry patches.
- Watch for Doneness: The cake is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is visibly bubbly around the edges. An extra 5-10 minutes can make a big difference in crispiness.
- Allow to Cool Slightly: While tempting to dig in immediately, letting the cake cool for at least 10 minutes allows the fruit filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny.
Storage & Reheating
Proper storage ensures your delicious cherry dump cake stays fresh and enjoyable for days.
Cool any leftovers completely before storing them. Transfer the cooled cake to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain some of the crispiness of the topping.
- Microwave: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm. The topping might lose some of its crispiness, but the cake will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Cakes
Absolutely! Cherry dump cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Assemble, bake, and cool it completely. Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. You can serve this delicious dessert chilled, allow the dish to come to room temperature, or reheat it in the oven for a warm, comforting treat. It’s perfect for potlucks or parties where you want to minimize last-minute prep.
Yes, absolutely! Dump cake with fruit filling, much like a fruit cobbler or crisp, is indeed supposed to be wonderfully gooey on the bottom layer. The fruit filling softens and becomes jammy, while the cake mix on top transforms into a sweet, slightly crispy crumble. This contrast in textures – gooey fruit and crisp topping – is a hallmark of a perfectly made dump cake.
While possible, using fresh fruit will change this from a “3-ingredient” recipe and add several steps. You would need to pre-cook the fresh cherries with sugar, cornstarch (or another thickener), and some water or juice to create a pie filling-like consistency. For the ultimate simplicity of a dump cake, canned pie filling is recommended. If you do use fresh, ensure it’s properly sweetened and thickened to prevent a watery cake.
A 9×13 inch pan is ideal, but you can adapt. A 9×9 inch square pan or an 8×8 inch square pan would make a thicker cake, likely requiring a longer baking time (start checking at 60-70 minutes). Alternatively, two smaller round pans (e.g., 8 or 9-inch) could work, potentially reducing baking time. Always ensure the layers are not too thin (which could dry out) or too thick (which might not cook through evenly).
📖 Recipe
Pin Recipe
Save RecipeSaved!
Email
Print
3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
Equipment
-
9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce boxed yellow cake mix
- 2 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling
- 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter cut into 24 slices
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (176°C) degrees.
-
Coat the inside of a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
-
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries.
-
Evenly distribute the thin butter slices over the top of the cake mix.
-
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cake mix becomes golden brown. Cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
Always practice good food safety when preparing and storing food. Food can sit out for up to two hours at room temperature. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), food should not be left out for more than 1 hour to prevent bacterial growth. For more detailed information on food safety guidelines, refer to USDA.gov.
