Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Best: Requires only four ingredients and minimal preparation time.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with various fruit fillings and cake mix flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A warm, comforting dessert that appeals to all ages.
- Quick Preparation: From pantry to oven in just a few minutes, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (18-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons salted butter, melted
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Filling: Pour the cherry pie filling into the prepared dish and stir in the almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling, ensuring it covers the fruit completely. Do not mix.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Substitutions: Replace one can of cherry pie filling with a can of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with different cake mix flavors such as chocolate, white, or spice cake to complement various fillings.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the cake mix before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place a serving in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warm. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are “dumped” into a baking dish without mixing and then baked to create a cobbler-like treat.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries. However, you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch to create a filling similar to canned pie filling.
Is it necessary to use almond extract?
No, almond extract is optional. It enhances the cherry flavor, but you can omit it or substitute it with vanilla extract if preferred.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter can be used. If you prefer a slight salty contrast to the sweetness, add a pinch of salt to the melted butter before drizzling.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative that is suitable for baking.
Can I prepare this cake in a slow cooker?
Yes, assemble the ingredients in a slow cooker as directed and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the top is set and the filling is bubbly.
What other pie fillings work well in this recipe?
Other delicious options include blueberry, apple, peach, or mixed berry pie fillings.
Do I need to prepare the cake mix as per the box instructions?
No, use the dry cake mix directly from the box. Do not prepare it according to the package instructions.
Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes, you can add toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or oats over the cake mix before baking for added texture.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming too dry?
Ensure the melted butter covers as much of the dry cake mix as possible. If dry spots remain after baking, you can drizzle a bit more melted butter over those areas and bake for a few additional minutes.
Conclusion
This Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors. Its versatility allows for numerous variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook seeking a quick
Print
Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious Cherry Dump Cake made with just four simple ingredients—cherry pie filling, almond extract, yellow cake mix, and butter. This no-fuss dessert is perfect for any occasion, delivering a warm, bubbly, and golden treat in under an hour. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch!
Ingredients
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (18-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Filling: Pour cherry pie filling into the dish and stir in almond extract.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not mix.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, replace one can of cherry pie filling with crushed pineapple.
- Experiment with different cake mixes like chocolate, white, or spice cake.
- Add crunch by sprinkling chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) before baking.
- For a spiced version, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
