If you’re looking for one of the simplest and tastiest desserts ever, this Cherry Dump Cake is it! With only four ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something sweet but don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of dump cakes lies in their ease: just throw the ingredients together, bake, and voilà—you’ve got a dessert everyone will love. In fact, the prep time for this cherry dump cake is only five minutes. Yes, you read that right—five minutes! So, whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating the family, this is a no-fuss recipe that guarantees satisfaction.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
For this Cherry Dump Cake, you’ll need a box of yellow cake mix, a couple of cans of cherry pie filling, almond extract, and some cold butter. There’s no need to go overboard with fancy ingredients—this dessert is all about simplicity.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add a can of crushed pineapple for a Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, a popular variation that’s equally delicious. But for this recipe, we’re sticking with the straightforward cherry version. Let’s get started!
Can You Make Cherry Dump Cake in a Crockpot?
Absolutely, and it’s just as easy! The recipe and instructions are exactly the same, but you’ll use a crockpot instead of an oven. Here’s how:
- Grease the crockpot and add the cherry pie filling, mixed with almond extract.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the filling, then top with butter.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. That’s it!
Topping Ideas for Cherry Dump Cake
While this dump cake is delicious on its own, a couple of simple toppings can elevate it to the next level. The most popular choices are whipped cream or ice cream.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing with the warm, buttery, cherry goodness of this cake. Feel free to drizzle some chocolate syrup on top for added indulgence!
Homemade Whipped Cream: For an extra special touch, make your own whipped cream. It’s incredibly easy to do and tastes far better than store-bought. Plus, you can customize it with fun flavors like cinnamon for an extra twist.
How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream
All you need are two ingredients: heavy whipping cream and confectioners’ sugar. Here’s how to whip up a batch:
- Pour the heavy cream into a mixing bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add in confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Serve it with your cherry dump cake for an added layer of creaminess.
Pro tip:
Add a dash of cinnamon or other spices to either homemade or store-bought whipped cream for a fun twist.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, cold
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish (or a 12-inch skillet), pour the cherry pie filling and almond extract. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry mixture, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
- Slice the cold butter into about 16 small pats and distribute them evenly over the cake mix.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the pie filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for about 20 minutes before serving.
This Cherry Dump Cake is as simple as it gets—perfect for those days when you want a satisfying dessert without a lot of work. Whether you serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream, or enjoy it on its own, this dessert is sure to be a hit!
