If you love desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then this Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s ridiculously simple to make yet impressive enough to bring to a family gathering or just to treat yourself after a long day. Picture luscious cherry pie filling layered with a dreamy cream cheese mixture, topped with a buttery, golden crust that practically melts in your mouth. This dessert takes just a few pantry staples and turns them into a slice of heaven, making it perfect for anyone who loves sweet, tart, and creamy flavors in one glorious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s adding sweetness, a tangy creaminess, or that irresistible crunchy topping. Having these essentials on hand means you can whip up this cake anytime the craving strikes without any unnecessary fuss.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show providing bright, juicy cherries and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature for a smooth, rich texture that adds a luscious layer between the cherries and topping.
- Egg: Helps bind the cream cheese mixture so it stays creamy yet firm during baking.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the tart cherries perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch introduces a hint of warm spice, elevating the flavors subtly but beautifully.
- Yellow cake mix: This pantry staple creates the quick and easy topping that crisps up golden and inviting.
- Butter: Very cold butter grated on top for that unbeatable flaky, buttery crust.
- Non-stick spray or butter: To grease your baking dish for easy cleanup and a flawless bake.
How to Make Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake will bake evenly from the moment it goes in. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray or a light butter coating to stop the cake from sticking later on.
Step 2: Layer in the Cherry Pie Filling
Empty both cans of cherry pie filling right into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This juicy base is where all the fruity goodness starts.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, one room-temperature egg, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This layer adds richness and a gentle tang to balance out the sweet cherries.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling, trying to cover as much of the fruit as possible. Don’t stress about perfection here; rustic dollops work beautifully and give the cake a lovely handmade vibe.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly distribute the yellow cake mix over the top of the cherry and cream cheese layers. This dry mixture will transform into a crunchy, tender crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Grate and Distribute the Butter
Using a box grater, shred the very cold butter and scatter it evenly over the cake mix. The butter’s cold temperature is key for the topping to develop its signature flaky texture.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your dish into the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling begins to bubble enticingly at the edges. If you spot any dry patches on top during the last few minutes, grate a little more butter over those spots to keep things moist and rich.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow your cake to cool for about 15 minutes so it can set nicely. This resting period makes slicing easier and lets those layers settle into a decadent ensemble.
How to Serve Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake begs for a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream to soften the richness and add a frosty contrast. Top with a few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this dessert is that it shines on its own, but if you want to make your dessert table pop, pair it with simple sides like a vibrant green salad or a cup of hot coffee or tea. These help balance the sweetness and refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins, layering the cherry dump cake with extra cream cheese dollops and a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans on top. Or turn it into parfaits by layering the cake with whipped cream and fresh berries in clear glasses for an eye-catching treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your dessert feast, cover the leftover cherry dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place the whole cake in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover the cake loosely with foil to prevent the topping from drying out while maintaining its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
You can absolutely use fresh cherries, but you’ll want to macerate them with sugar and perhaps a little cornstarch to mimic the thick pie filling texture. Keep in mind this might change the moisture content, so baking time may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to grate the cold butter instead of cutting it into chunks?
Grating cold butter allows it to distribute more evenly across the cake mix topping, ensuring a flaky, crumbly crust. If you cut it into chunks, the topping may bake unevenly and produce denser pockets of butter.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version and confirming that your cherry pie filling is gluten-free, you can enjoy this dump cake with no gluten worries.
What is the texture of this dump cake like?
This cake boasts a contrast of textures: a juicy, tender cherry base; creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese middle; and a buttery, crisp cake topping—making each bite a delightful experience.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe comfortably serves 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings or when you want to have some delicious leftovers to enjoy later.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making a dessert that feels indulgent yet couldn’t be simpler to prepare. The Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly that—a perfect blend of sweet cherries, creamy layers, and a golden topping that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Give yourself the gift of this comforting treat; once you try it, I bet it will become a trusted staple in your dessert repertoire.
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Effortless Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This Effortless Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that layers cherry pie filling, a creamy cinnamon-cream cheese mixture, a yellow cake mix topping, and cold butter to create a moist, flavorful cake with minimal effort. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for quick gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth with a classic fruit dessert.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (15.75-ounce cans)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter (very cold)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dump cake evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cherry Filling: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the fruit base layer.
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, room-temperature egg, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon and drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling, distributing it as evenly as possible to cover most of the cherries.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the cherry and cream cheese layers, ensuring full coverage.
- Grate Butter: Using a box grater, grate the very cold butter and distribute the grated pieces evenly across the surface of the dry cake mix to help create a buttery crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Check for Dry Spots: During the last few minutes of baking, if you see any dry areas on the topping, sprinkle additional grated butter over those spots to keep the cake moist and rich.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Cold butter is easier to grate and helps create a crumbly, rich topping.
- Use full cans of cherry pie filling for the best flavor and moisture.
- Letting the cake cool slightly improves slicing and serving.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts on top for extra crunch before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
