Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Dump Cake is perfect for anyone who loves easy desserts with minimal prep time. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity: just layer, dump, and bake! The sweet cherry filling is complemented by a buttery, crunchy topping, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize by swapping out the cherry filling or adding extra toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling
1 (15.2-ounce) box of vanilla cake mix (dry)
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 butter cookies

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Dump both cans of cherry pie filling into the casserole dish and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Sprinkle the entire box of dry vanilla cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Smooth it out evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Use a food processor or blender to crush the butter cookies into a sandy texture. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the cake mix (it doesn’t need to cover the entire surface).
Add vanilla extract to the melted butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix and cookie crumbs. You can tilt the casserole dish to help the butter coat the top evenly.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour. Check at 45 minutes; if the top is browning too quickly and the cake center is still jiggly, lightly cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 10–12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Fruit Filling: Use other pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach for a different twist.
Crispy Topping: Add chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) to the butter cookie crumbs for an extra crunchy topping.
Extra Flavor: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry cake mix for a spiced flavor, or a dash of almond extract for more depth.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Room Temperature: It can be kept at room temperature for up to an hour.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve. Just cover it and store it in the fridge before baking.

2. What other types of cake mix can I use?

While vanilla is the most common, you can use other flavors like yellow cake, chocolate, or even spice cake for a fun twist.

3. Can I use homemade pie filling?

Yes, homemade cherry pie filling works great! Just make sure it’s thick enough to support the cake mix and cookies on top.

4. Can I use gluten-free cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

5. What can I serve with cherry dump cake?

It’s delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of custard.

6. Can I use a different type of cookie?

Yes, you can substitute butter cookies with graham crackers, shortbread, or even a crushed-up chocolate cookie for a different flavor.

7. Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan if you’d like smaller servings. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so check the cake’s texture before removing it from the oven.

8. Is this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe contains butter, which can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative, and the cake mix typically contains eggs. You can try using an egg replacement for a vegan option, though results may vary.

9. Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the cake and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, cook from frozen for about 1.5 hours, covering with foil until the top is golden.

10. How can I make this more decadent?

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Conclusion

Cherry Dump Cake is the epitome of an easy, comforting dessert that anyone can make. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing treat that’s warm, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or something to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes!

Cherry Dump Cake

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Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert featuring cherry pie filling, a buttery cake mix topping, and crushed butter cookies for a crunchy finish. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 (21-ounce) cans of cherry pie filling

1 (15.2-ounce) box of vanilla cake mix (dry)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

12 butter cookies

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Dump both cans of cherry pie filling into the casserole dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the entire box of dry vanilla cake mix over the cherry filling. Smooth it out evenly.
Use a food processor or blender to crush the butter cookies into a sandy texture. Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the cake mix.
Add vanilla extract to the melted butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix and cookie crumbs.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, checking at 45 minutes and covering with foil if necessary.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!