Cherry Valentine Dump Cake Recipe
Get ready for the easiest dessert you’ll ever make! This cherry dump cake transforms simple ingredients into a warm, fruity cake ready in under an hour. The combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery cake mix creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
As this cherry dump cake bakes, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients and about five minutes of prep time to create this delicious treat that everyone will love.
Looking for more fruit desserts? Try my Apple Dump Cake for a fall favorite, or whip up my Blueberry Buckle for another simple and delicious treat!
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Beginners: this easy cherry dump cake recipe truly lives up to its name—just dump, layer, and bake! With minimal effort and just a few ingredients from the grocery store, you’ll have an impressive dessert ready to serve.
- Budget-Friendly Dessert: Using basic ingredients like a box of cake mix and cherry pie filling keeps this recipe cost-effective while still delivering amazing flavor. It’s a great way to make a delicious dessert without breaking the bank.
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize this recipe with different fruit fillings or cake mix flavors. Try chocolate cake mix for a chocolate cherry dump cake, or use white cake mix for a lighter variation. The possibilities are endless!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dump cake stays fresh when properly stored, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s also great for busy weeknights when you want a quick dessert ready to go.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cherry pie filling – Two 21-ounce cans of cherry pie filling create the perfect fruity base. You can use sweet cherries or tart cherries, depending on your preference.
- Yellow cake mix – One box of yellow cake mix acts as the topping that bakes into a golden brown crust. Make sure to use just the dry mix straight from the box.
- Butter – One cup (2 sticks) of melted butter helps create that perfectly crispy, buttery top layer. Real butter gives the best results and flavor.
- Vanilla extract – A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. You could also use almond extract for a different twist.
Substitutions and Additions
- Cake Mix Options: For different flavor combinations, you can swap the yellow cake mix for vanilla or chocolate cake mix.
- Fruit Variations: Replace cherry pie filling with other canned fruit filling available at grocery stores.
- Extract Flavors: Try almond extract instead of vanilla extract to complement the cherry flavor.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake (step-by-step directions)
Step 1: Spread the cherry pie filling in an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 2: Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling.
Step 3: Pour the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer to cover as much as possible.
Step 4: Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Recipe Tips
- For the best results, make sure to cover all of the cake mix with melted butter to avoid dry patches.
- Use the back of a spoon to spread the cherry filling into an even layer.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It will be extremely hot straight from the oven.
Storing Tips
- Storage: You can store your cherry dump cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds, or use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry dump cake is fantastic served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For more fruity desserts, try my Easy Blueberry Dump Cake. If you’re hosting a dessert party, serve it alongside my Banana Icebox Cake and Cherry Oatmeal Bars for a delightful dessert spread.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If fresh cherries are used, cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first to create a filling similar to canned cherry pie filling.
This usually happens when the cake mix isn’t completely covered with melted butter. Try to drizzle the butter as evenly as possible over the entire surface.
Yes! Layer the ingredients as directed and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 hours until the top is set.
While it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerating it will extend its life to 5 days.
Yes! Use an 8×8 baking dish and half of all ingredients. Reduce baking time to 35-45 minutes.
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Cherry Valentine Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling (or 4 cups of homemade cherry pie filling)
- 1 box 15.25 ounces yellow or white cake mix
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional
- Whipped cream or Vanilla Ice Cream optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the cherry pie filling in an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish.1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling,1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling.1 box 15.25 ounces yellow or white cake mix
- Pour the melted butter over the entire cake mix layer to cover as much as possible.1 stick Unsalted Butter
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For the best results, make sure to cover all of the cake mix with melted butter to avoid dry patches.
- Use the back of a spoon to spread the cherry filling into an even layer.
- Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It will be extremely hot straight from the oven.
Nutrition Information
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