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Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 137 reviews

Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling with a buttery cake topping. This no-fuss recipe layers cherry filling and dry cake mix directly in the baking dish and is topped with melted butter and syrup before baking to golden perfection. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling or 4 cups homemade cherry pie filling

Cake Topping

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow or white cake mix
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons carob fruit syrup or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Toppings (Optional)

  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dump cake.
  2. Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
  3. Add cherry filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. If using fresh cherries, toss them with a bit of sugar beforehand to add sweetness and enhance flavor.
  4. Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix gently over the cherry filling without stirring so it sits on top, allowing the butter to melt through and create a crust.
  5. Pour butter and syrup: Drizzle melted butter and carob or agave syrup evenly over the dry cake mix, covering as much surface as possible. This helps create a moist, golden topping as it bakes.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Edges may get crisp, which adds a pleasing texture.
  7. Cool and serve: Allow the dump cake to cool for a few minutes after baking, then serve warm topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh cherries tossed in sugar if preferred.
  • Do not stir the cake mix with the filling or butter; this layering creates a unique texture.
  • Use agave syrup or carob syrup for a subtle sweetness and a healthier alternative to corn syrup.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • To make this dessert vegan, use a dairy-free cake mix and plant-based butter substitutes.