This Cherry Dump Cake is the easiest dessert ever. With only five ingredients and minimal effort, this irresistible treat always gets rave reviews.

For more easy Dessert Recipes, be sure to check out my Cake Mix Cookie Bars, No Bake Key Lime Pie, and Easy Banana Pudding.

a plate of cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream on top.

I’ve talked about my love of easy dump cakes before, and this Cherry Dump Cake is no exception.

Here, I’ve taken the super-easy three ingredient dump cake base (pie filling/fruit, cake mix, and butter) and added a couple of optional ingredients to really pump up the cherry flavor. This is one dessert you definitely need to have in your back pocket; especially in the summer time!

two plates of cherry dump cake with ice cream on top.

Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake

  • cherry pie filling
  • maraschino cherry juice, optional
  • cherry extract, optional
  • yellow cake mix
  • unsalted butter
ingredients for a cake laid out on a marble counter top.

How to Make Cherry Dump Cake – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Add cherry pie filling to baking dish

Spread the cherry pie filling on the bottom of the baking dish, then add the maraschino cherry juice and cherry extract if using. Stir to combine and spread into an even layer.

Step 3: Add cake mix and butter

Cover the pie filling with the cake mix in an even layer. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix covering as much surface area as possible.

Step 4: Bake

Bake your cherry dump cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until lightly golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

Let the cake cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

two plates of cherry dump cake with ice cream on top.

Cherry Dump Cake – Tips and Notes

  • Optional ingredients: I like to add the maraschino cherry juice and cherry extract for an extra boost of cherry flavor. But if you don’t have any on hand or don’t feel like buying it, the recipe works perfectly fine without it.
  • Flavor variations: a dump cake can be made with any kind of fruit filling you prefer. Apple or peach pie filling all work great in place of the cherry pie filling. I also love to make Chocolate Dump Cake, Lemon Bueberry Dump Cake, and in the fall a Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect treat!
  • Slice the butter instead. Instead of melting the butter and pouring it over the top, you can also slice it thinly and layer over the top of your cake before baking.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Enjoying this cherry dump cake a la mode truly takes it to the next level.
  • How to store: any leftover cherry dump cake can be stored in an airtight container, covered, in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave before serving again.
a plate of cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream on top.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

a plate of cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream on top.
5 from 3 ratings

Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
This Cherry Dump Cake is the easiest dessert ever. With only five ingredients and minimal effort, this irresistible treat always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

  • 2 – 21 ounce cans cherry pie filling
  • 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice, optional
  • 1 teaspoon cherry extract, optional
  • 15.5 ounce box yellow cake mix
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, (1 1/2 sticks) melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Spread the cherry pie filling on the bottom of the baking dish, then add the maraschino cherry juice and cherry extract if using. Stir to combine and spread into an even layer.
  • Cover the pie filling with the cake mix in an even layer. Pour the melted butter over the cake mix covering as much surface area as possible.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
  • Let the dump cake cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

  • Optional ingredients: I like to add the maraschino cherry juice and cherry extract for an extra boost of cherry flavor. But if you don’t have any on hand or don’t feel like buying it, the recipe works perfectly fine without it.
  • Flavor variations: a dump cake can be made with any kind of fruit filling you prefer. Apple or peach pie filling all work great in place of the cherry pie filling. I also have a lemon blueberry dump cake and a pumpkin dump cake that is perfect for fall!
  • Slice the butter instead. Instead of melting the butter and pouring it over the top, you can also slice it thinly and layer over the top of the cake mix before baking.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Enjoying this cherry dump cake a la mode truly takes it to the next level.
  • How to store: any leftover cherry dump cake can be stored in an airtight container, covered, in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave before serving again.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Calories: 526kcal, Carbohydrates: 87g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 429mg, Potassium: 187mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 24g, Vitamin A: 837IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.