Craving a sweet treat without the fuss? This Easy Cherry Crumble Dump Cake is your answer. You’ll love how effortlessly you can create a warm, fruity dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, perfect for cake recipes with few ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cherry Pie Filling: You can substitute with other fruit pie fillings like apple, peach, or blueberry.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A white or vanilla cake mix works just as well.
- Butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter alternative can be used.
Ingredients:
- 2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 45-50 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 350
- Tools needed: 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your cake won’t stick.
2. Spread the Cherry Filling
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread it out to create a uniform layer. This forms the delicious base of your cake recipes with few ingredients.
3. Sprinkle with Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir it in; just let it sit on top. This dry layer is crucial for the crumble effect.
4. Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible. The butter will help create a golden, crispy topping.
5. Bake Your Dump Cake
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the fruit filling bubbly around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the cake mix before baking for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract over the cherry filling for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Easy Cherry Crumble Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy it chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to sweeten and thicken them first. This recipe is designed for the convenience of canned pie filling.
Q: Why is it called a “dump cake”?
A: Because you “dump” all the ingredients into one pan! It’s one of the easiest cake recipes with few ingredients.
Q: Can I make this in a smaller pan?
A: You can halve the recipe for an 8×8 inch pan, but adjust baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
Q: Do I need to stir the cake mix and butter?
A: No, absolutely not. The magic of a dump cake is in the layers. Stirring will change the texture and result.
Q: Can I prepare this dump cake ahead of time?
A: You can assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving. This works well for many cake recipes with few ingredients.
Q: How do I know when the dump cake is fully cooked?
A: The topping will be golden brown and crisp, and the fruit filling will be bubbling vigorously around the edges of the pan.