Very Cherry Dump Cake

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Introduction

Very Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, sweet, and irresistible dessert that comes together with minimal effort. The combination of tart cherry filling, a buttery cake topping, and a crispy, golden crust makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser. With just a few basic ingredients, this dump cake delivers a burst of fruity sweetness, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a quick and satisfying dessert. The best part? No mixing or fancy steps—just dump the ingredients, and let the oven work its magic.

I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner. Everyone was so impressed by how easy it was to put together, and the sweet, tangy cherry flavor paired with the buttery topping was a huge hit. It’s one of those desserts that always disappears quickly, and I love how versatile it is—you can swap out the cherry filling for other fruits or add a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute treat or a comforting dessert for a special occasion, this dump cake is always a winner!

Perfect for:

  • Potlucks
  • Family dinners
  • Weeknight desserts
  • Cherry lovers
  • Quick and easy dessert cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Very Cherry Dump Cake will quickly become one of your go-to desserts:

  • Quick and Easy: No need for mixing or complicated steps—just layer and bake!
  • Sweet and Tart Flavor: The tart cherries complement the sweet cake topping for a perfectly balanced dessert.
  • Perfect Texture: The cake topping becomes delightfully crispy, while the cherry filling remains soft and juicy.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s a great dessert for last-minute cravings.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences, adding extra fruit or nuts if desired.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for your Very Cherry Dump Cake:

For the Cake:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or white cake mix)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), melted
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cherry Pie Filling: The heart of this cake, providing the sweet and tart flavor.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Forms the base for the crispy, buttery topping.
  • Butter: Adds richness and ensures the cake topping becomes crispy and golden.
  • Chopped Nuts (Optional): Adds texture and a little crunch to the topping, though this can be skipped if preferred.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Very Cherry Dump Cake:

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Layer the Cherry Filling: Pour the can of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Add the Cake Topping:

  1. Add the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Do not mix. The cake mix should be a loose, dry layer covering the cherries.
  2. Pour the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix, covering as much of the dry mix as possible. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the butter.

Bake the Cake:

  1. Bake the Dump Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The cherry filling will thicken slightly as it cools, but the cake topping will stay wonderfully crisp.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Serve: Spoon out portions of the dump cake and serve warm. You can enjoy it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve

  • With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm, fruity cherry filling and crispy topping.
  • As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles: Use this dump cake as a topping for breakfast or brunch for a sweet twist on your morning routine.
  • With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and extra sweetness to the cake.
  • On Its Own: Perfect on its own, this cake is deliciously sweet, tangy, and satisfying.
  • With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: A slice of dump cake pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Additional Tips

  • For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a second can of cherry pie filling.
  • If you prefer a less sweet cake topping, you can use a white cake mix instead of yellow.
  • Experiment with different fruit fillings, like blueberry or peach, for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
  • If you don’t have chopped nuts, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for added flavor.

Recipe Variations

  1. Blueberry Dump Cake: Use blueberry pie filling instead of cherry.
  2. Peach Dump Cake: Substitute peach pie filling for a juicy, summery flavor.
  3. Mixed Berry Dump Cake: A combination of mixed berries in place of the cherries for a berry-filled dessert.
  4. Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake: Use apple pie filling and a dash of cinnamon for a warm, autumn-inspired treat.
  5. Tropical Dump Cake: Use pineapple and coconut cake mix for a tropical flair.
  6. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Add chocolate chips to the cake mix for a chocolate-cherry combo.
  7. Strawberry Dump Cake: Swap in strawberry pie filling for a fresh, fruity flavor.
  8. Gluten-Free Dump Cake: Use a gluten-free cake mix and enjoy a gluten-free version of this dessert.
  9. Caramel Dump Cake: Add a layer of caramel sauce on top of the pie filling for extra richness.
  10. Oatmeal Dump Cake: Add rolled oats to the cake mix for a heartier, oat-topped cake.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Let the dump cake cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Storage: Store leftover dump cake in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Special Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Electric mixer (optional, if you want to mix cake ingredients by hand)
  • Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, but fresh cherries will need to be cooked down and sweetened.
  2. Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Absolutely! Vanilla, chocolate, or even spice cake mix would work great.
  3. Can I make this cake in a smaller pan? Yes, reduce the recipe by half for an 8×8-inch dish.
  4. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it can be made up to a day in advance.
  5. Can I freeze dump cake? Yes, it freezes well.

Conclusion

Very Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert for when you need something quick, delicious, and sure to please a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients, this sweet, fruity treat comes together effortlessly, creating a perfect balance of cherry filling and golden, buttery cake topping.

Whether you serve it with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy it on its own, Very Cherry Dump Cake is an irresistible dessert everyone will love. It’s a go-to recipe for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers, making it as convenient as it is tasty.

I’d love to see your Very Cherry Dump Cake in action! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your sweet creation. Happy baking!

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