If you’re searching for a simple dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, cherry dump cake recipes are exactly what you need. These desserts are famous for being “dump-and-bake” style — meaning you literally dump the ingredients into a pan, bake, and end up with a sweet, bubbly, and golden treat.
Unlike pies or layer cakes that require technical steps, a cherry dump cake is beginner-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet on a weekday night, these 5 cherry dump cake recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through five different versions — from the classic three-ingredient recipe to more creative twists like chocolate cherry and crockpot variations. Each one is easy to make, requires minimal prep, and tastes absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Dump Cakes
- Effortless Baking: Just dump, spread, and bake.
- Budget-Friendly: Most recipes use pantry staples like cake mix, canned pie filling, and butter.
- Versatile Flavors: Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even yogurt.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.
1. Classic 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
The classic cherry dump cake is where it all begins. With only three ingredients, you can whip this up in less than 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the filling — do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter across the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serving Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
For a tropical twist, combine cherries with pineapple. The tartness of cherries and the sweetness of pineapple balance beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple (undrained)
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, sliced into thin pats
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a greased baking dish, spread the cherry pie filling.
- Pour crushed pineapple over the cherries.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly on top.
- Place butter slices across the surface.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until golden brown.
Serving Tip: This version pairs wonderfully with whipped cream.
3. Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
If you’re a chocolate lover, this one’s for you. Rich chocolate cake mix and tart cherries make a decadent, brownie-like dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips for extra gooeyness
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread cherry pie filling into your baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly on top.
- Add chocolate chips if desired.
- Drizzle melted butter over everything.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until set.
Serving Tip: Top with chocolate shavings and whipped cream for a fancy finish.
4. Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Yes, you can even make dump cake in your slow cooker! This method is perfect for keeping dessert warm at parties.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 stick butter, sliced
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions:
- Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Spread cherry pie filling across the bottom.
- Sprinkle cake mix on top.
- Distribute butter slices evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
Serving Tip: Keep the crockpot on “Warm” so guests can serve themselves.
5. Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This version tastes like a shortcut cheesecake with a fruity twist. It’s creamy, sweet, and irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans cherry pie filling
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup graham cracker crumbs for a cheesecake crust effect
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread cherry pie filling in your baking dish.
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese over the cherries.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top.
- Drizzle melted butter across the surface.
- Bake 45 minutes, until golden brown.
Serving Tip: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top before baking for a cheesecake-like crunch.
Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake
- Don’t Stir: Resist the urge to mix! Dump cakes work because the butter melts and interacts with the dry cake mix as it bakes.
- Use Cold Butter Slices for Crunchier Topping: Instead of melted butter, try thin butter slices for a more crumbly topping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try lemon cake mix for a tangy twist or spice cake mix for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts give texture and balance sweetness.
Common Questions About Cherry Dump Cake
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to create a pie-filling consistency.
2. Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?
Yes. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake it a day before and store in the fridge. Reheat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes before serving.
4. Is cherry dump cake the same as cherry cobbler?
Not exactly. Cobbler typically uses biscuit or pie dough topping, while dump cake uses dry cake mix and butter.
Final Thoughts on 5 Cherry Dump Cake Recipes
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that tastes like pure comfort, these 5 cherry dump cake recipes are perfect. From the classic 3-ingredient version to the indulgent chocolate cherry or cheesecake style, each recipe brings its own unique twist while staying true to the dump-and-bake simplicity.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or just need a last-minute dessert for a gathering, cherry dump cakes will always deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Keep a few cans of cherry pie filling and cake mix in your pantry, and you’ll always have a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert ready to go.