Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of cherries with a buttery cake topping. This simple recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself to something delicious, this cherry dump cake will satisfy your cravings effortlessly. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can throw everything into one pan and let the oven do the work for you. As it bakes, the cherries bubble up through the cake mix, creating a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to swap out the cherries for other fruits based on your preference or what you have on hand. In just about an hour from start to finish, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Cherries: Use two cans of dark sweet cherries in syrup for optimal sweetness; drain some syrup if you prefer less moisture.
- Cake Mix: A box of yellow or white cake mix works best as it complements the cherries nicely.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness; use one stick (1/2 cup) for better texture and flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile of your dump cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Cherries
In the prepared baking dish, spread the drained canned cherries evenly across the bottom. You can reserve some syrup if desired.
Step 3: Add Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the layer of cherries without mixing.
Step 4: Pour Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This step is crucial as it creates a beautiful crust while baking.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cinnamon
Evenly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the buttered cake mix. This adds an aromatic flavor that enhances each bite.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned cherries for better flavor; fresh cherries can also be used if in season.
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on your cake during baking; ovens may vary in temperature.
- Add Texture: For extra crunch, consider sprinkling chopped nuts on top before baking.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake
This Cherry Dump Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that enhances the sweetness of the cherries.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of ice cream balances the warm, fruity flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate adds a rich contrast that elevates this dessert.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Cherry Dump Cake components in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and preparing the fruit. Store them separately in airtight containers for up to two days before assembly.
- Storing: Leftover Cherry Dump Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high or warm it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Suggestions for Cherry Dump Cake
Use Fresh Cherries
When making Cherry Dump Cake, using fresh cherries can elevate the flavor significantly. Frozen or canned cherries often contain added sugars and preservatives that can alter the taste. If you opt for fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and remove the pits. This ensures that each bite is bursting with natural cherry flavor. Fresh fruits also provide a delightful texture that complements the cake’s moistness. Remember to adjust your sugar levels accordingly since fresh cherries can be less sweet than their canned counterparts.
Don’t Skimp on Butter
A common mistake when preparing Cherry Dump Cake is skimping on butter. The butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, preventing it from becoming dry. Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness, and make sure to melt it before pouring it over the other ingredients. This helps distribute the butter evenly, allowing it to soak into the cake mix properly. For best results, use a generous amount of butter to ensure a rich flavor profile.
Layer Ingredients Properly
Proper layering of ingredients is crucial for a successful Cherry Dump Cake. Begin by placing your cherries at the bottom of the pan, followed by dry cake mix sprinkled evenly on top. Finally, pour melted butter over everything without stirring. This layering technique allows the flavors to meld beautifully while baking, ensuring that your cake has a deliciously moist bottom and a crumbly top. Avoid mixing ingredients; letting them remain separate will yield ideal texture and flavor.
Bake at the Right Temperature
Baking your Cherry Dump Cake at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking or burning. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal results. This temperature allows for even baking while ensuring that the top becomes golden brown without overcooking the cherries underneath. Always use an oven thermometer to verify that your oven reaches this temperature accurately, as some ovens may run hotter or cooler than indicated.
FAQs
What are some variations of Cherry Dump Cake?
There are numerous delightful variations of Cherry Dump Cake that you can try! One popular option includes using different fruit combinations like peaches or blueberries alongside cherries for a mixed fruit dump cake experience. You can also experiment with flavored cake mixes such as chocolate or lemon to create unique twists on this classic dessert. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts gives an extra crunch, while incorporating spices like cinnamon can enhance overall flavor depth.
How do I store leftover Cherry Dump Cake?
Storing leftover Cherry Dump Cake properly ensures its freshness and flavor remain intact longer. Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within a few days; this helps maintain its moisture and taste. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in an oven until warm.
Can I make Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, preparing Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time is not only possible but often convenient! You can assemble all ingredients in your baking dish without baking it right away—just cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake it ahead of time, let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator until serving time. Reheat individual portions in a microwave for quick enjoyment or serve cold for a refreshing dessert option.
Is Cherry Dump Cake suitable for special diets?
Cherry Dump Cake can be adapted for various dietary needs with some creative ingredient substitutions! For gluten-free options, use gluten-free cake mix instead of traditional flour-based mixes while ensuring other ingredients are also gluten-free certified. For dairy-free versions, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. Additionally, if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake, consider using sugar-free cherry pie filling or alternatives like agave syrup to keep this dessert enjoyable without compromising dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
is an incredibly easy and versatile dessert that anyone can master with just a few simple tips. By using fresh cherries and ensuring proper layering techniques, you enhance both flavor and texture significantly. Don’t forget about using enough butter; it’s key to achieving that rich moistness we all love! Remember also to bake at just the right temperature for perfect results every time you whip up this delightful treat.
Whether you’re preparing it for family gatherings or enjoying quiet evenings at home, this dessert never disappoints! With various adaptations possible—like incorporating different fruits or accommodating dietary preferences—Cherry Dump Cake is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Cherry Dump Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful dessert that combines juicy cherries with a buttery, golden cake topping. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something sweet. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can assemble the ingredients in just a few minutes and let the oven work its magic. As it bakes, the cherries bubble up, creating a moist and flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Versatile enough to accommodate your favorite fruits, this comforting dessert will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. In about an hour, you’ll have a warm, bakery-quality dessert ready to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 cans dark sweet cherries in syrup
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread drained cherries evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle cake mix over the cherries without mixing.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around edges. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
