Cherry dump cake is one of these recipes that you can't really go wrong with. It checks all the boxes as far as I am concerned: boxed cake mix, cherry pie filling, butter, and it's quick. In my opinion, it is better than a cherry cobbler or peach cobbler - it's just pure deliciousness without any prep time or messy mixing bowls.
This 3-ingredient cherry dump cake has been a favorite among Amish families for generations, and once you try it, you'll understand why. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a church gathering or want a simple weeknight dessert, this recipe delivers every time.
What Makes This Cherry Dump Cake Special?
"Dump cakes" have a long history among Amish homemakers - they are just so easy and so delicious, and they allow for some corner-cutting to feed a crowd. Who wouldn't like that? The beauty lies in the simplicity: no mixing, no measuring complicated ingredients, just dump, bake, and enjoy.
We made this cherry dump cake over a campfire at a recent gathering, but you can make it at home in your oven just as easily. Now, in the case of this particular dump cake, we made it over an open fire outside, but no need to go through all of that - you can just as easily make it in your oven, and that's what the instructions below are for.
Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients (Just 3!)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling - The star of the show
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix - Any brand works perfectly
- ¾ cup butter, melted - For that golden, crispy top
- Optional: Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for serving
Why These Ingredients Work: The cherry pie filling provides all the fruit flavor and sweetness, while the dry cake mix creates a cobbler-like topping when combined with melted butter. It's foolproof!
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Instructions:
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the fruit: Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
- Add the cake mix: Top with dry cake mix; gently shake pan to distribute evenly over the cherries.
- Pour the butter: Pour melted butter over the top, tilting pan to cover as much of the cake mix with butter as possible.
- Bake: Bake 42 to 45 minutes or until mostly dry on top and bubbly around edges.
- Cool and serve: Cool 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Dump Cake
- Don't stir! The magic happens in layers - resist the urge to mix
- Use a glass dish for even baking and easy cleanup
- Check at 42 minutes - ovens vary, and you want golden brown but not burned
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes so it sets up properly
Cherry Dump Cake Variations
If you don't like cherry (I'm not a huge fan personally), you can swap cherry out for:
- Blueberry dump cake (my personal favorite!)
- Apple pie filling for an apple dump cake
- Strawberry for spring gatherings
- Pineapple dump cake for a tropical twist
- Chocolate cherry dump cake (popular with kids!)
From our readers: Jennifer Bellanger suggests trying cherry dump cake with chocolate cake mix - her Scout troop wins awards with this combination! She also recommends a pumpkin pie dump cake in fall using pure pumpkin filling.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to serve: We love dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Some people like to sprinkle walnuts or chopped pecans on top, which adds a nice crunch.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I prefer it cold, but plenty of people eat it at room temperature. Kathleen mentions in the comments that leftovers are even good for breakfast!
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble this in the morning and bake it later in the day.
Different Ways to Make Dump Cake
Oven method (most common): Follow instructions above Campfire method: Use a Dutch oven over medium-hot coals for about 45 minutes Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 2-3 hours until set Individual servings: Make in ramekins, reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes
Why Dump Cakes Are Perfect for Amish Cooking
Among the Amish, dump cakes are especially popular while camping and for large gatherings. The recipe requires minimal ingredients, no special equipment, and feeds a crowd - perfect for the practical Amish approach to cooking.
The simplicity aligns with Amish values of not being wasteful with time or resources, while still creating something delicious that brings families together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A: You can, but you'll need to add sugar and a thickener. Pie filling is easier and more consistent.
Q: What if I don't have melted butter?
A: You can cut cold butter into thin slices and distribute over the cake mix - it will melt as it bakes.
Q: How do I know when it's done?
A: The top should be golden brown and mostly dry, with bubbling around the edges.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Use two 13x9 pans or one very large roasting pan.
More Easy Amish Desserts
- Easy Peach Dump Cake
- Gloria's Pineapple-Pecan Cheat Cake
- Amish Sugar Cookies
- Traditional Amish Apple Crisp
Nutrition: Approximately 285 calories per servingif you are making this at home, you could even make the cake in a slow cooker or crock pot. Among the Amish, dump cakes are an especially popular treat while camping!
🍒 Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream, if desired
📋Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread pie filling in baking dish.
- Top with dry cake mix; gently shake pan to distribute evenly.
- Pour melted butter over top, tilting pan to cover as much of top with butter as possible.
- Bake 42 to 45 minutes or until mostly dry on top and bubbly around edges.
- Cool 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.
🖨️ Full Recipe
3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21oz cans)
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup butter melted
- whipped topping or vanilla ice cream if desired
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread pie filling in baking dish.
- Top with dry cake mix; gently shake pan to distribute evenly.
- Pour melted butter over top, tilting pan to cover as much of top with butter as possible.
- Bake 42 to 45 minutes or until mostly dry on top and bubbly around edges.
- Cool 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.
Jennifer Bellanger
You should try the Cherry Dump Cake with Chocolate cake mix. The boys in our Scout troop have won a few awards at summer camps using a Dutch oven. No cleaning the pot when they are through as it looks like it was licked clean. If you like Blueberry then try using a lemon cake mix and drop dabs of blueberry pie filling in it (DO NOT STIR). One our scoutmasters cuts slices of bananas on all of his, you can't taste the banana but sure is moist. Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake is a hit in the fall (use pure pumpkin and make the pie filling as a pie, sprinkle yellow cake mix on top, pour 1 stick melted on top and sprinkle with pecans, you won't want regular pumpkin pie again).
I enjoy your email every day it gives me a lift when I am down.
Jennifer Bellanger
Kevin
Wow, Jennifer, those sound like some amazing dump variations...especially the pumpkin pie dump, I'll have to try those! Hope you are staying safe and healthy!
Kathleen
HI, This is yummy have been making it for years. The left overs are good for breakfast. It always is a hit at a party.
Kevin
I like the idea of dump cake for breakfast!
Jaci
Dump cake is easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Can’t wait to try the chocolate cherry and pumpkin version.
Kevin
The pumpkin version is amazing!
Stephen & B.J. Miller
We Make Cherry Dump Cake By Adding A Full Can Of Crushed Pineapple(Juice Included) Spread All Over The Bottom Of A 13x9 Inch (Greased) Cake Pan, Then Add A Full 20 Oz. Can Of Cherry Pie Filling All Over The Top Of The Crushed Pineapple. Sprinkle An Entire Box Of Either White, Yellow, Or Even A Butter Cake Mix All Over The Top Of The Pie Filling. Finally Take A Stick Of Butter Cut Into Slices And Lay All Over The Top Of The Cake Mix & Bake @ 350* For 45-60 Minutes (Check @ 45 Minutes) It's Done When The Top Is Golden Brown & Bubbling.
You Can Even Use Chocolate Cake Mix & Just Leave Out The Can Of Crushed Pineapple. You Can Serve This With Your Choice Of Homemade Whip Cream, Cool Whip, Or Even Use A Can Of Reddi-Whip By Letting Each Person Putting Their Own Whipped Cream On Top....Or You Could Serve It Up With Your Favorite Brand Of Vanilla Ice Cream.
Enjoy Y'all!
Stephen & B.J. Miller
Kevin
Thanks for sharing that, that sounds amazing!
Abby
How long did it take to cook over a campfire? How hot were the coals? Thanks for the advice!
Kevin Williams
Always good to hear from you, Abby. It took awhile, to be honest, it was a wood fire....it probably took a good 45 minutes for it to be done over "medium hot" coals. Hope that helps!