This cherry dump cake requires only 4 ingredients and takes a few minutes of prep but tastes like it took hours to prepare. Cherry dump cake is similar to a cobbler but in my opinion is better and easier to prepare. It creates a sweet golden crust combined with a fruit filling that can be served warm, room temperature or even cold. Pair this with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream for the most satisfying dessert.
Now, lets dig into the details!
What is dump cake?
The name “dump cake” sounds kind of silly right? Well, dump cake gets its name from the method of preparing this recipe. Traditionally, this is made by “dumping” the fruit filling into a baking dish and topping with cake mix and baking.
Cherry dump cake ingredients
You will only need these 4 ingredients:
- Cherry pie filling
- Crushed pineapple in heavy syrup. The crushed pineapple in juice is fine too, the heavy syrup just gives the pineapple more flavor.
- Yellow cake mix for the topping
- Butter for the topping
How to make dump cake
Cherry dump cake only takes a few simple steps to make. First you want to make sure the pineapples are drained well, then dump them into a baking dish and spread it across the dish evenly creating a layer of pineapples. Layer the cherry pie filling evenly on top of the pineapple. Then layer on the boxed cake mix and spread evenly across the top. Cover the top of the cake mix with thinly sliced pieces of butter until completely covered with butter. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden and bubbly.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare cherry dump cake the night before and store at room temperature, covered until ready to serve. Let it cool completely before covering.
Storing cherry dump cake
Store dump cake in the fridge for 3-5 days. Before storing, allow to cool completely. It can also be frozen. Just store in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, just pop in the fridge and let it thaw out overnight. I am a big fan of eating my dump cake cold so I will just eat it right out of the fridge. If you like your dump cake warmed then reheat in the oven at 325 covered for about 15 minutes or just pop it in the microwave, whichever you prefer!
FAQs
The butter was not distributed evenly over the top of the cake mix. Just add slices of butter over the top of the powdery parts and bake for a few minutes longer.
It can be left out at room temperature for a day or two at most, but probably no longer than that.
Do not mix it! This cake should be make without mixing anything. Do not mix the butter into the cake mix but layer on top of it.
The crushed pineapple was not drained enough. Be sure to drain out all of the juice using a strainer.
Cherry Dump Cake
Equipment
- 1 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 cans crushed pineapple in heavy syrup 20 oz each, Drained
- 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 1/2 sticks butter unsalted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit
- Dump the drained crushed pineapple into baking dish and spread across evenly creating a layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Dump the cherry pie filling over the pineapple and layer evenly on top of the crushed pineapple.
- Pour the dry cake mix over the cherry pie filling and spread evenly across the top.
- Cut the butter into thin slices and layer the butter on top of the cake mix until the top is completely covered with a layer of sliced butter.
- Bake in preheated oven, uncovered until bubbly and the top is golden brown for about 45-50 minutes.
- Let stand for about 5 minutes to cool before serving.