Crowd-Favorite Cherry Dump Cake in Under an Hour

Ready to wow your friends without breaking a sweat? This Cherry Dump Cake is your go-to for parties, BBQs, tailgates, or last-minute get-togethers.

With just a few pantry staples and less than 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm, sweet dessert that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.

It’s rich, fruity, and totally irresistible — especially with a scoop of ice cream on top.

Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash, hosting the game day crew, or heading to a sunny picnic, this easy dessert will be the cherry on top of your celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need For This Recipe:

• 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
• ½  cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbs carob fruit syrup or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Step-by-step Guide:

1 – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2 – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3 – Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

If you’re using fresh cherries, mix them with a bit of sugar before adding them.

4 – Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not stir; let it sit on top.

5 – Pour the melted butter evenly and carob syrup over the top of the cake mix.

Make sure to cover as much of the cake mix as possible for even baking.

6 – Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and bubbly. The edges may be slightly crisp, which is perfect!

7 – Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes.

8 – Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success:

• Use cold butter if you want a crispier top. Cut it into thin slices and lay over the cake mix instead of melting it.

• Try different pie fillings. Swap in blueberry, peach, or apple pie filling for a new twist each time!

• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Pecans or almonds add crunch and balance the sweetness.

• Add some spice! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give it a cozy, warm flavor.

This easy Cherry Dump Cake is a must for your next party, BBQ, or potluck.

It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of that sweet cherry goodness everyone loves.

Don’t forget the ice cream — and don’t be surprised when guests ask for seconds!

Cherry Dump Cake

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Print

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
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbs carob fruit syrup or agave syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4. Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not stir; let it sit on top.

5. Pour the melted butter evenly and carob syrup over the top of the cake mix.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and bubbly.

7. Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes.

8. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.