Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Can I let you in on a little secret? I'm about to share the most incredible Cherry Dump Cake recipe that's going to revolutionize your baking game! Imagine creating a dessert that tastes like you've been slaving away in the kitchen all day, but spoiler alert - it only needs three ingredients and practically makes itself. Yes, you heard that right!
You know those moments when you need a show-stopping dessert but don't have the time (or energy) for anything complicated? That's where this magical Cherry Dump Cake recipe swoops in to save the day! It's like having your very own dessert fairy godmother - just sprinkle, pour, and let the oven work its magic. Before you know it, you'll have this gorgeous, bubbling masterpiece that'll have everyone thinking you're a baking genius!
Why You'll Love This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Oh my goodness, can we talk about why this Cherry Dump Cake recipe is about to become your new bestie in the kitchen? This isn't just any Cherry Dump Cake recipe - it's one of those magical recipes that's been passed down through generations, and once you try it, you'll totally understand why everyone keeps coming back for more!
Picture this: you're hanging out in your kitchen, maybe still in your comfy clothes (no judgment!), and in literally FIVE minutes - yes, just five! - you can have this incredible Cherry Dump Cake recipe prepped and ready for the oven. It's like the dessert equivalent of having a fairy godmother in your kitchen! While you're off doing whatever you want, your oven is working its magic, transforming those simple ingredients into something absolutely amazing.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Equipment For Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Dietary Considerations
- Serving Suggestions
- Top Tip
- Grandma's Magic Touch:
- FAQ
- HOW DID YOUR CHERRY DUMP CAKE RECIPE TURN OUT?
- Related
- Pairing
- Cherry Dump Cake Recipe (Super Easy & Delicious!)
Ingredients
For this foolproof For this foolproof cherry dump cake, you'll need:
- 2 (21 oz) cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained (for cherry pineapple variation)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Making Your Cherry Dump Cake is as Easy as 1-2-3! 🍒
Let's Get Started!
Prep That Pan (The 2-Minute Warm-Up)
- First things first, let's get your oven nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C) - perfect cake-baking temperature!
- Grab your 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray or a butter rub. This little step makes sure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze!
Time to Layer the Magic!
- Here comes the fun part! Pour those two cans of sweet cherry pie filling into your pan and spread them out - make sure those cherries get comfy!
- Adding pineapple? Go ahead and layer it over those cherries for an extra flavor punch (totally optional but super yummy!)
- Now for the cake mix - sprinkle it evenly over your fruit like you're dusting a winter wonderland. No mixing needed!
- Last but definitely not least, drizzle that melted butter all over. Try to get as much coverage as you can - think of it like giving your cake a warm, buttery blanket!
The Baking Magic Happens!
- Pop your creation into the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You're looking for that gorgeous golden-brown top and those edges should be doing a little bubbly dance!
- Around the 40-minute mark, take a peek. See any dry cake mix spots? No worries! Just drizzle a little more melted butter over those areas.
- Once it's done, be patient (I know it's hard!) and let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
- Don't stir the layers! The magic of a dump cake comes from distinct layers that create different textures
- Slice the cold butter and distribute evenly across the cake mix if you prefer not to melt it first
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts in the final 15 minutes of baking
- A glass baking dish allows you to see when the bottom is bubbling properly
Equipment For Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- 9x13 inch baking dish (glass preferred)
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
- Spatula for spreading
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Cover and store for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Will keep for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds
Recipe Variations
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Add a can of drained crushed pineapple before the cake mix layer for a tropical twist that adds extra moisture and flavor complexity.
Mixed Berry Cherry
Substitute one can of cherry pie filling with mixed berry pie filling for a more complex fruit flavor.
Nutty Cherry
Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix layer before adding butter.
Dietary Considerations
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free yellow cake mix
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter
- This dessert is naturally egg-free when made with traditional cake mix
- Consider reduced-sugar pie filling for a less sweet version
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cherry dump cake:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
- Topped with fresh whipped cream
- With a dollop of Greek yogurt for breakfast
- Alongside coffee or tea for dessert
Top Tip
Always ensure the cake mix is completely covered with butter before baking. Any dry spots will remain powdery instead of forming that perfect buttery crust. If you notice any dry spots during baking, drizzle with additional melted butter.
Grandma's Magic Touch:
You know that warm, cozy feeling you get when you walk into grandma's kitchen and smell something amazing baking in the oven? That's exactly the magic this Cherry Dump Cake recipe captures! My grandmother used to say the secret ingredient in her famous Cherry Dump Cake recipe wasn't in the recipe at all - it was in the love and memories baked into every dish. And honestly? She was so right!
While modern life keeps us super busy, this treasured Cherry Dump Cake recipe takes us back to those precious moments in grandma's kitchen, where everything was made with patience, love, and maybe a little sprinkle of magic. The best part? Even though it tastes like it came straight from grandma's recipe box, this Cherry Dump Cake recipe is so simple that even our busy modern schedules can handle it!
Remember how grandma always made everything look effortless? Well, this Cherry Dump Cake recipe carries on that tradition! Just like she taught us, sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable moments. Whether you're making this Cherry Dump Cake for a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or just because you're craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe brings that special grandmother's touch to your kitchen.
FAQ
What is the biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake?
The biggest mistake to avoid when making a dump cake is not distributing the ingredients evenly. Be sure to spread the fruit filling and sprinkle the cake mix uniformly over the pan to ensure even baking and prevent dry spots or undercooking.
Do you refrigerate dump cake after baking?
While refrigeration isn't strictly necessary, it's recommended to store leftover dump cake in the refrigerator, especially if it contains perishable ingredients like fruit or dairy products. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it should stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
What is a Mary Jane cake?
A Mary Jane cake, also known as a Texas Sheet Cake, is a moist chocolate cake baked in a jelly roll pan and topped with a rich, fudgy icing. The icing is poured over the warm cake, creating a deliciously gooey layer that sets as it cools. Despite the similar name, Mary Jane cake is not the same as dump cake.
Why is my dump cake still powdery?
If your dump cake is still powdery after baking, it likely means you didn't use enough liquid ingredients or didn't distribute them evenly. Make sure you use enough butter or margarine to fully cover the cake mix, and consider adding additional liquid like melted ice cream, fruit syrup, or even soda to help the cake mix dissolve and cook through properly. Spreading the ingredients evenly before baking can also help prevent dry spots.
HOW DID YOUR CHERRY DUMP CAKE RECIPE TURN OUT?
How did your Cherry Dump Cake Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of tart cherries and buttery, golden cake topping. If you're a fan of easy, fruit-based desserts, be sure to try our Orange Cake Recipe next - another easy-to-make yet delicious treat that's perfect for fall!
Did you make this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some of our readers have had great success using fresh cherries when in season, or adding a touch of almond extract for extra flavor. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe (Super Easy & Delicious!)
🍳 Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish (glass preferred)
- Measuring cups
- Can opener
- Spatula for spreading
Ingredients
For this foolproof cherry dump cake, you'll need:
- 2 21 oz cans of cherry pie filling
- 1 15.25 oz box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained (for cherry pineapple variation)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare Your Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter
Layer Your Ingredients
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly
- If using pineapple, layer it over the cherry filling
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer
- Pour the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the mix as possible
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling
- Check at 40 minutes - if any dry cake mix spots remain, drizzle with additional melted butter
- Let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving
📝 Notes
- Don't stir the layers
- Cover entire cake mix with butter to avoid dry spots
- Check at 40 minutes - add more butter if needed
Nancy D. Miller says
Yum. But I was wondering if I could use an angel food mix?
Sarah Paulson says
Yep, you can use an angel food mix! It’ll make the topping light and fluffy. Just add butter and bake! ❤️👍