Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate quick dessert. With only four ingredients—yellow cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and butter—you can have a delightful treat in less than an hour. This cake has a golden, crisp top and a deliciously gooey cherry filling underneath. The almond extract adds a unique flavor that enhances the cherry sweetness. The best part? It’s virtually foolproof and requires only about five minutes of prep time. Whether you make it in the oven or in a crockpot, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a dessert with little to no effort.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup butter, cold (Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x9 or 9x13-inch baking dish (or a 12-inch skillet) and spread the cherry pie filling in the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the almond extract with the cherry filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the cherry filling.
- Slice the butter into small pieces and place them on top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: Add a can of crushed pineapple to the cherry pie filling for a tropical twist.
- Crockpot Version: To make it in a crockpot, add the cherry filling and almond extract into a greased crockpot, then top with the cake mix and butter. Cook on high for 2 hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover Cherry Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! You can substitute the yellow cake mix with other flavors like white, vanilla, or even chocolate for different taste experiences.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.
3. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
While fresh cherries can be used, they may need extra sugar and cornstarch to achieve the right consistency. Cherry pie filling simplifies the process.
4. How can I make this cake more decadent?
Top the cake with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
5. Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
6. What if I don’t have almond extract?
You can omit the almond extract or substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
7. Can I make this in a larger pan?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time as needed if you’re using a larger pan, as the cake might cook faster.
8. Is there a way to make this more fruit-forward?
You can experiment by adding other canned fruits like peach, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling along with the cherry filling for a more complex flavor.
9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply follow the recipe instructions but use a greased slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours.
10. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing it.
Conclusion
Cherry Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can serve a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love. Whether you choose the classic oven-baked version or try it in a slow cooker, this simple cake is sure to impress. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finish!
Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert made with just a few ingredients, including yellow cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and butter. It has a golden, crispy top with gooey cherry filling, making it a perfect treat for busy days. This easy-to-make dessert can be baked in the oven or made in a slow cooker, ensuring maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking (Oven or Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup butter, cold
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x9 or 9x13-inch baking dish (or a 12-inch skillet) and spread the cherry pie filling in the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the almond extract with the cherry filling.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top of the cherry filling.
- Slice the butter into small pieces and place them on top of the cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, try adding a can of crushed pineapple to the cherry pie filling.
- If making in a crockpot, cook on high for 2 hours after layering the ingredients.
- Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or chocolate syrup for a more decadent treat.
- To make this gluten-free, simply swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free variety.
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