If you have a sweet tooth and love simple, no-fuss desserts that still wow the crowd, then this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is just the dessert for you. Imagine layers of buttery chessman cookies, luscious cherry pie filling, and tangy whipped cream cheese all mingling beneath a golden, crisp cake topping. This recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, and the best part is you practically just “dump” the ingredients into a pan and let your oven work its magic. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. From the fruity burst of cherry pie filling to the rich creaminess of whipped cream cheese and the buttery crunch of chessman cookies, every component adds its own special touch.
- 2 cans Cherry Pie Mix: Provides that sweet and tart fruity base with beautiful red color.
- 1 bag of Chessman Cookies (about 24 cookies): Adds a buttery, crisp layer that soaks up flavors perfectly.
- Vanilla or Yellow box of Cake Mix: Creates the soft, golden topping that balances creamy and fruity elements.
- 1 1/2 Sticks Butter: Melted butter gives the cake topping its irresistible richness and crunch.
- 8 oz. Whipped Cream Cheese (can): Adds a velvety, tangy flavor that ties the whole dessert together beautifully.
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Base
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is key to ensuring your dump cake bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Layer the Chessman Cookies
Grab a 9 x 13 baking dish and carefully line up the chessman cookies in a single row across the bottom, edge to edge. This forms a buttery foundation that will soak up all the delicious juices from the cherry filling and cream cheese.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Open your cans of cherry pie mix and generously dump both over the layer of cookies. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, making sure every cookie gets coated with that luscious cherry goodness.
Step 4: Dollop on the Whipped Cream Cheese
Now, take spoonfuls of the whipped cream cheese and drop them dollop-style across the entire surface. This creamy layer adds a dreamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cherries.
Step 5: Blend the Cream Cheese and Cherry Filling
Gently use a spatula or large spoon to swirl the cream cheese into the cherry pie filling, but don’t overmix. You want to keep patches of cream cheese visible for texture and flavor intrigue.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Next, sprinkle the dry vanilla or yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry and cream cheese layers. This will create a cakey topping once baked, giving the dish wonderful contrast.
Step 7: Layer the Butter Slices
Slice your butter sticks thinly and layer them all over the cake mix, ensuring even coverage. This melted butter is what helps the cake mix crisp up into an irresistible golden crust.
Step 8: Adjust Butter, If Needed
If your butter slices are thick, add a little extra butter around the edges to make sure the cake mix bakes evenly without drying out. Butter is your friend here, so don’t be shy!
Step 9: Bake and Set
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until set and beautifully golden on top. When you see those edges bubbling and the top crisp, you’ll know it’s ready to come out.
How to Serve Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake shines all on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of elegance. Fresh cherries or a few mint leaves on the side can turn it into a show-stopping presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce to take this dessert to the next level. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly as well, balancing the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the cake into mason jars for individual servings, perfect for parties or potlucks. You might even try turning this into parfait layers with whipped cream and crushed cookies for a no-bake alternative on a hot day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or freeze the entire pan wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven until heated through to revive that freshly-baked texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
You absolutely can! Just cook down fresh cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened to replicate pie filling, then use it as directed. It adds a lovely homemade touch.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chessman cookies and cake mix for gluten-free versions, and double-check your pie filling ingredients. The cake will still turn out deliciously.
Can I use cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?
You can, but regular cream cheese is denser and less fluffy, so soften it and maybe whip it a bit before adding to maintain a light texture in the cake layers.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for a bubbling fruit filling around the edges and a golden-brown crust on top. The center should be set but still moist; avoid overbaking to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this recipe in smaller portions?
Definitely! Just reduce the ingredients proportionally and bake in a smaller dish. Keep an eye on bake time as smaller quantities may cook faster.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that combines ease and incredible flavor, give this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe a whirl. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy that feels both cozy and special. Whether for a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Print
Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple, no-fuss dessert that layers classic flavors of cherry pie filling, whipped cream cheese, and vanilla cake mix. With a base of crunchy Chessman cookies and melted butter, it bakes into a moist, luscious cake perfect for any occasion. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Cherry Pie Filling
Base Layer
- 1 bag (approximately 24) Chessman Cookies
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Whipped Cream Cheese (can)
Topping
- 1 box Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix (dry, approximately 15.25 oz)
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) Butter, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dump cake.
- Layer Cookies: Lay out the Chessman Cookies in a single row across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish until the entire dish is covered.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Open the 2 cans of cherry pie filling and evenly spread it over the cookies using a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Apply Cream Cheese: Dollop the whipped cream cheese evenly across the top of the cherry pie filling in the baking dish.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Gently use a spatula or spoon to swirl the cream cheese into the cherry pie filling, creating a marbled effect throughout the fruit layer.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry vanilla or yellow cake mix over the cherry and cream cheese layer, covering from edge to edge.
- Add Butter: Slice 1 1/2 sticks of butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the cake mix, ensuring coverage particularly around the edges.
- Adjust Butter if Needed: If you notice any thick butter slices, add additional thin slices as necessary to ensure the butter melts evenly over the cake mix during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is set and golden, and the cake is cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is sliced thinly for even melting throughout the cake.
- You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other pie fillings like blueberry or apple for a different flavor twist.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to help it set better.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
