This Cherry Dump Cake is a super easy, 3-ingredient dessert that’s warm, sweet, and absolutely delicious! Made with cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter, this no-fuss dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a quick family treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously easy – No mixing, no beating, just dump and bake!
- Only 3 ingredients – A simple pantry-friendly dessert.
- Warm, gooey, and buttery – Like a fruit cobbler but even easier!
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for holidays, parties, or last-minute desserts.
- Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate, or different pie fillings!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
- 1 tsp almond extract (for extra cherry flavor)
- Mini chocolate chips (for a chocolate-cherry twist)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (for a warm spice flavor)
Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Dump the cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries—do not mix!
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much as possible.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake – Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow.
- Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake – Add a can of crushed pineapple with the cherries.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or coconut on top.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Double Berry Dump Cake – Mix in blueberry pie filling with the cherries.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes! Just use about 4 cups of homemade cherry pie filling.
What’s the best cake mix for this recipe?
Yellow, white, or butter pecan cake mix works best!
Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a pie filling consistency.
How do I make this less sweet?
Use less pie filling or a sugar-free cherry filling.
Can I use a sugar-free cake mix?
Yes! A sugar-free cake mix works just as well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW for 2-3 hours until bubbly and golden.
How do I prevent dry spots on top?
Make sure the butter covers as much cake mix as possible, or drizzle a little extra over any dry areas.
What’s the best way to serve Cherry Dump Cake?
Warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it ahead and reheat before serving for the best texture.
Can I use different pie fillings?
Absolutely! Try apple, peach, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling.
Conclusion
This Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate quick and easy dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor! Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this buttery, fruity, and delicious treat is a crowd favorite. Try it today and enjoy a foolproof dessert that everyone will love!
PrintCherry Dump Cake
This Cherry Dump Cake is a super easy, 5-minute prep dessert that’s sweet, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this no-fail recipe is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a last-minute treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Fail Recipe
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or white cake mix for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (or sliced into pats for even distribution)
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor!)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch!)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (highly recommended!)
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting (for extra sweetness!)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Dump Cake
- Pour cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- (Optional) Stir in ½ tsp almond extract for extra cherry flavor.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherries—DO NOT STIR.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring most of it is moistened. (If using pats of butter, evenly distribute them across the top.)
- (Optional) Sprinkle with chopped nuts for a crunchy topping.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon warm cherry dump cake into bowls.
- Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm with vanilla, almond, or butter pecan ice cream.
- With Extra Fruit: Mix in fresh cherries or blueberries for a fruitier twist.
- With Chocolate: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking for a cherry-chocolate dessert!
Notes
- Make it crispier: Use ½ cup rolled oats mixed with the cake mix for a cobbler-like topping.
- Use different pie fillings: Try apple, blueberry, or peach for a new flavor!
- Dairy-free? Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter.
- Want it less sweet? Use 1 can of pie filling + 2 cups fresh cherries for a natural fruit flavor.