Cherry dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert for fruit lovers. Bursting with sweet cherries and topped with a buttery, golden cake crust, it’s effortless to make and incredibly comforting. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that tastes homemade and indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple with minimal prep
- Juicy cherry filling with buttery, golden cake topping
- Perfect for summer or winter fruit desserts
- Minimal cleanup with one baking dish
- Pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream
Ingredients

- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling evenly into the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
- If desired, sprinkle cinnamon over the cake mix for extra flavor.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and cherries are bubbly.
- Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of canned for a fresher taste
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or almonds on top for crunch
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar for a sweeter topping
- Swap yellow cake mix for white or spice cake mix for variation
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven at 325°F
- Freeze unbaked or baked cake for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking (if frozen unbaked)
- Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods due to cherry filling moisture
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert
- Top with toasted coconut or nuts for extra flavor
- Serve in small dessert bowls for easy portioning
- Sprinkle powdered sugar for visual appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake with other fruits?
Yes, peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries work wonderfully in place of cherries.
Do I have to use canned cherries?
No, fresh or frozen cherries are fine. Just adjust sweetness as needed.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate, but bake just before serving for best texture.
Why is my topping soggy?
Ensure melted butter is evenly distributed over the dry cake mix and avoid stirring.
Ready to Make It?
Cherry dump cake is a simple, sweet dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Save this recipe, make it for friends and family, or enjoy a comforting dessert anytime.
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Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry dump cake is an easy, comforting dessert with juicy cherries and a buttery, golden cake topping.
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup unsalted butter melted
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Pour cherry filling into baking dish
3. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over filling
4. Sprinkle cinnamon if desired
5. Drizzle melted butter over top
6. Bake 45–50 minutes
7. Cool 10–15 minutes
8. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream
Notes
Use fresh or frozen cherries
Add nuts for crunch
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar
Serve warm
Store refrigerated
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg