No need for boxed mixes here! This recipe ensures you get the best taste while still requiring minimal effort. After all, that’s the point of a dump cake! Just toss your cherries into a baking dish, stir some ingredients together for a cake mix, and sprinkle it over the top. You’ll have a delicious cherry dessert in no time. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it on its own, this cherry dump cake is a fuss-free, flavor-packed treat that everyone will love.
If you’re feeling peachy, try our peach dump cake too!
Why Our Recipe
- No boxed mixes, but still as easy as stirring some pantry staples together.
- Uses fresh or frozen cherries.
You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps—just a few basic ingredients and a baking dish. As it bakes, the cherries release their sweet juices, mingling with those warm spices and creating a deliciously gooey filling. It’s a dessert that feels special enough for company but is simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Let’s be honest, the leftovers always make for a delicious breakfast too! Trust me, once you try this cherry dump cake, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredient Notes
- Pitted Cherries: You can use either fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the cherry juices as they bake, ensuring a nice, thick filling.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: It’s all about those warm spices when it comes to cherries.
- All-Purpose Flour: Don’t use self-rising on this!
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake mix rise.
- Butter: Cold butter is grated and sprinkled over the top, creating a delicious, crispy topping as it bakes. Just use a regular cheese grater for it and make sure that the butter is nice and cold.
Cherry Varieties
Dark Sweet Cherries: Varieties like Bing or Black cherries are the classic choice for cherry desserts and they have a rich, sweet flavor. They have that beautiful deep red color and a super juicy texture.
Light Sweet Cherries: Rainier or Royal Ann cherries are an option to switch things up. They aren’t quite as sweet and have a golden-red color and a slightly firmer texture.
Tart Cherries: Montmorency or Morello cherries are for those of you who like a bit of tang in your dessert. These are the least sweet, leaning towards sour.
Serving Suggestions
A cherry dump cake is an excellent standalone dessert, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its rich flavor makes it the perfect finale for a hearty dinner. It’s also great for celebrations and holiday meals, and is sure to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store your leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on a low setting until it’s warm to the touch.
Would this work with pie (sour) cherries? Do I need to adjust the sugar amounts?
I have your crockpot and your regular cookbook and use them all the time! Wonderful recipes that are easy and flavorful!
Yes, you can absolutely use sour (pie) cherries for this recipe! Since they’re more tart, you’ll want to increase the sugar slightly—start by adding 2-4 extra tablespoons of sugar to balance the flavor, and adjust to taste. So glad you’re enjoying the recipes!
Love your easy recipes 🥰
Super I will definitely make this recipe. Thank you .
I love you and I want to buy the book thank you keep on sharing but I hate to cook but I’m trying some of this stuff
I like both of you and I enjoy the recipes that each of you put out but I like it when your picture comes up with it the best it’s just more personal to me . The recipe is absolutely delicious. The cherry dump cake I would serve it almost every day if I wouldn’t get sick of it after a while thanks to both of you for all the delicious recipes
Delicious and so easy! Everyone wanted seconds.
U guys are great cooks I have tried loads of your recipe they are 10 out of 10