This cherry dump cake is one of the easiest five ingredient dessert recipes you’ll ever make. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, creating a warm, fruity, and sweet treat perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful dessert that practically makes itself.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Canned Cherry Pie Filling: You can substitute with other fruit pie fillings like apple, peach, or blueberry.
- Boxed Yellow Cake Mix: White or vanilla cake mix works well too.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or a plant-based butter substitute can be used.
Ingredients:
- 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup 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
- Tools needed: 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Add the Cherry Filling
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
3. Sprinkle with Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir it in; just let it sit on top.
4. Drizzle with Melted Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as possible.
5. Bake Your Dump Cake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter before baking.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in a half cup of shredded coconut with the dry cake mix for extra flavor.
- Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruit pie fillings to create various five ingredient dessert recipes.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use fresh cherries for this dump cake?
While you technically can, this specific five ingredient dessert recipe relies on the thick consistency of canned pie filling. Using fresh cherries would require additional sugar and thickeners.
Do I need to mix the cake mix into the cherries?
No, it’s crucial not to mix them. The “dump” method relies on the butter seeping through the dry mix to create a cake-like topping.
Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm through.
What should I serve with cherry dump cake?
It’s delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why is it called a “dump cake”?
It’s called a dump cake because you simply “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish without much mixing. It’s one of the easiest five ingredient dessert recipes around!
Can I use a different size baking dish?
A 9×13 inch dish is ideal. If you use a smaller or larger dish, you may need to adjust baking times.