When it comes to easy desserts that never fail to impress, Cherry Dump Cake stands out as a delightful treat. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, surprise guests, or any occasion where you want a warm, comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dump cake lies in its simplicity and the spectacular burst of flavors that come from just a few ingredients.
Why We Love This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with Cherry Dump Cake is how quick and easy it is to whip up. With just three primary ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels much more extravagant than its minimal prep time would suggest. It allows you to impress friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for gatherings and casual get-togethers.
Moreover, the flavor combination of sweet cherries paired with moist cake is undeniably comforting. This dessert is a nostalgic reminder of home and warm family gatherings. You can serve it fresh out of the oven and watch everyone clamoring for seconds (or even thirds). The added option to pair it with a scoop of ice cream elevates the experience to another level, creating a culinary masterpiece that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Baking this Cherry Dump Cake is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about enjoying the entire experience of sharing good food with those you love. It embraces the essence of homemade dessert joy and will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
To make this scrumptious Cherry Dump Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cans of cherry pie filling (20 oz each)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup of salted butter (melted)
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Making Cherry Dump Cake is as simple as it gets, making it a favorite for those who may not consider themselves to be seasoned bakers. Follow these straightforward directions, and you’ll have a delightful dessert in no time!
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is vital as it ensures even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This will help prevent the cake from sticking.
- Spread the Cherry Filling: Open your cans of cherry pie filling and pour them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly to ensure every piece has that delicious cherry goodness.
- Add the Cake Mix: Next, open the box of yellow cake mix. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not stir; simply spread it out to cover the cherries. This is the “dump” part of your cake!
- Drizzle with Butter: Melt your salted butter and then drizzle it generously over the top of the cake mix. The melted butter will seep into the mix and create a beautiful crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for up to 1 hour. Keep an eye on it, and once the top turns golden brown, it’s time to take it out.
- Serve Warm: Allow to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. For the best experience, serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm cake and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
This method, while straightforward, leads to results that will have everyone coming back for more. There’s something wonderfully satisfying about knowing you created such a delightful dish with minimal effort.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake
Serving at the right moment makes all the difference. Cherry Dump Cake is best enjoyed warm from the oven. When it’s just out of the oven, the butter and cake mix have melded together into a delicious, crispy topping, while the cherries are warm and juicy below.
For presentation, consider cutting the cake into squares and placing them in shallow bowls. This allows the vibrant red of the cherry filling to be the star of the show. Top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The combination of warm cake and cold toppings creates a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall experience.
For an added touch, consider sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar over the top of the cake before serving. This not only adds a bit of elegance to your presentation but also a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the existing flavors.
Expert Tips for Cherry Dump Cake
To elevate your Cherry Dump Cake experience further, here are some expert tips to ensure your dessert reaches its full potential:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cherry pie filling, preferably one made with real fruit. This will enhance the flavor of the cake and make the dish more enjoyable.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The salted butter not only adds richness but also a lovely flavor that complements the cherries. Make sure to melt it properly before drizzling.
- Experiment with Toppings: If you want to take things up a notch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts on top of the cake mix before baking. This addition can provide an interesting texture contrast.
- Serve with Creative Sides: While classic vanilla ice cream is a go-to, consider other flavors like almond or cherry ice cream to complement the dish or even whipped cream with a dash of almond extract for an elegant twist.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. If the top is becoming golden brown but the edges seem to need more time, cover the edges with foil. This helps prevent overbrowning while ensuring the center cooks through.
How to Store Cherry Dump Cake
If you happen to have leftovers (which is often rare with this delicious dessert!), storing them correctly is key to maintaining freshness. Allow the Cherry Dump Cake to cool completely before covering it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container.
Store the cake in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days, as the cold will help preserve the flavors and texture, keeping it enjoyable for days to come. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days.
If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To do this, cut the cake into individual servings and wrap them securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy another slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm.
Variations of Cherry Dump Cake
While the classic Cherry Dump Cake is undeniably delicious as it is, exploring different variations can keep things interesting. Here are a few creative takes you might want to try:
- Mixed Fruit Dump Cake: Replace cherry pie filling with a mixture of your favorite fruits, like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches. This will create a colorful, fruity experience.
- Almond Cherry Dump Cake: Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of almond extract together with the cherry filling. This adds a beautiful depth that complements the flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake for a deliciously rich chocolate dessert. You can even sprinkle chocolate chips over the cherries before adding the cake mix.
- Nutty Topping: Mix chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) with your cake mix topping for some added crunch and texture. This brings in a delightful contrast to the soft, moist cake underneath.
- S’mores Cherry Dump Cake: Create a s’mores-inspired variation by adding crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows on top of the cake mix before baking. This adds a fun twist reminiscent of campfire treats!
Each of these variations allows you to play with flavors and textures while keeping the charm of the original recipe intact. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
FAQ About Cherry Dump Cake
What is Cherry Dump Cake, and why is it called that?
Cherry Dump Cake is a simple dessert where cherry pie filling is “dumped” into a baking dish, layered with dry cake mix, and topped with melted butter. The straightforward preparation method is why it’s affectionately called a “dump” cake.
How do I make Cherry Dump Cake from scratch without pie filling?
If you wish to use fresh cherries, you can prepare a homemade cherry filling by cooking pitted cherries with sugar and a bit of cornstarch until thickened. This selection allows for a fresh taste, though canned cherry pie filling remains more convenient.
Can I use other types of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with any flavor, such as chocolate or vanilla, to create different flavor profiles. The process remains the same, and you’ll enjoy unique results.
How can I make Cherry Dump Cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Be sure to check your cherry filling for gluten-containing ingredients to ensure it’s safe.
Can Cherry Dump Cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cherry Dump Cake a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator after baking. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best results.
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (20 oz each) cherry pie filling Use high-quality for best flavor.
- 1 box yellow cake mix Any flavor can be used.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted Ensure to melt before drizzling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling without stirring.
- Drizzle the melted butter generously over the top of the cake mix.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for up to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Consider sprinkling powdered sugar on top before serving.
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