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.
Cherry dump cake in a small white dessert dish.

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.

Cherry dump cake on a white dessert plate with ice cream on top.

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.

More cherry recipes…