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Cherry Dump Cake brings together juicy cherries, a soft crumbly cake, and a crispy buttery topping for a dessert that is both simple and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a quick yet impressive sweet treat that is sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- Two cans of cherry pie filling: for the perfect sweet and tart fruit base that does not require fresh fruit prep
- One box of lemon cake mix: adds a lovely brightness but vanilla or yellow cake mix works beautifully too for a classic flavor
- One and a half sticks of unsalted butter melted: to create the crumbly topping that crisps up in the oven
- Half a cup of sliced almonds: for a crunchy texture contrast that pairs wonderfully with the cherries and cake; look for fresh, firm almonds for the best crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spoon the Filling:
- Dump the cherry pie filling evenly into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish making sure to spread it out flat for even baking
- Make the Crumble:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with the cake mix using a spoon or your hands until it forms a crumbly mixture with no large clumps
- Top the Filling:
- Sprinkle the cake mix crumble evenly over the cherry filling, then scatter the sliced almonds on top for texture and flavor
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges
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Storage Tips
Allow the cake to cool completely before covering to avoid condensation which can make the topping soggy
Store leftovers in the refrigerator wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to five days
For freezing, slice into portions, wrap each piece well, and freeze in an airtight container for up to three months
Ingredient Substitutions
If almonds are not your favorite nut try walnuts or pecans for a different but equally delicious crunch
Instead of cherry pie filling canned fresh or frozen cherries can be used but may require added sugar and thickener to balance moisture
Try different cake mixes like chocolate for a richer flavor or spice cake for a cozy twist
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic comforting dessert
Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips on top to complement the cherry flavor
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, lemon, vanilla, yellow, white, or even chocolate cake mix work wonderfully with cherries. Choose your favorite flavor pairing.
- → Should I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Canned cherry pie filling offers the best texture and consistency for this dessert. Fresh cherries can be used, but they require cooking and sweetening first.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Let the cake cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.
- → Can I freeze Cherry Dump Cake?
Yes. Slice the cooled cake into portions, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- → What toppings pair well with this dessert?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chocolate shavings are all great choices to complement the warm cake.
- → Do I need to mix the ingredients before baking?
No mixing required for the fruit. Just spread the cherry filling, crumble the cake mix with butter, layer it on top, and bake.