Have you ever craved a homemade dessert but felt short on time or ingredients? Enter the cherry dump cake with 3 ingredients—a delightful, fuss-free recipe that’s perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. This simple yet indulgent dessert brings together the tart sweetness of cherry pie filling, the comforting flavor of cake, and the buttery topping we all love, creating a treat that’s as effortless to make as it is delicious to eat.Curious about the health benefits of cherries? They’re a great addition to this quick and tasty treat!
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker looking for a quick fix, this cherry dump cake recipe is a game-changer. With just three pantry staples, minimal prep work, and no fancy skills required, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready in no time.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions, plus tips for customizing the recipe to suit your taste. By the end, you’ll see why this 3-ingredient cherry dump cake has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Table of Contents
What is a Cherry Dump Cake and Why You’ll Love It
Understanding the Concept of a Dump Cake
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a cherry dump cake so special, it’s all in the name—and the simplicity! A dump cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves homemade treats but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The concept is as easy as it sounds: you “dump” a few basic ingredients into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and voilà—dessert is served!
What Exactly is a Dump Cake?
Dump cakes are one of the easiest desserts you can make, often requiring just a few pantry staples like cake mix, canned fruit, and butter. Unlike traditional cakes that involve mixing and measuring, a dump cake skips the fuss. There’s no need for a stand mixer or even a mixing bowl—everything happens right in the baking dish. The result? A dessert with a soft, fruity base and a golden, buttery crust.
Why Are Dump Cakes So Popular?
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With only three ingredients in a cherry dump cake, the hardest part is waiting for it to bake!
- Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for those new to baking or anyone short on time.
- Customizable: While cherries are a classic choice, you can easily swap them for other fruits or add extras like nuts or chocolate chips.
Why This 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake Stands Out
If you’re wondering why this recipe is a fan favorite, the answer lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just three ingredients—cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, and butter—this dessert delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for an easy-to-make treat, this cherry dump cake has everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Simplicity at Its Best
Unlike more complicated desserts, this cherry dump cake doesn’t require any mixing bowls, electric mixers, or special equipment. All you need is a baking dish and three basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy a golden, buttery crust over a rich, fruity base. It’s the perfect dessert for last-minute gatherings or casual family nights.
A Crowd-Pleaser Every Time
One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is its universal appeal. The combination of tart cherries, sweet cake mix, and buttery goodness creates a flavor and texture that everyone loves. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s hard to beat.
Customizable and Foolproof
This recipe isn’t just easy—it’s endlessly adaptable. Swap out the cherry pie filling for peach, blueberry, or apple, or add a handful of nuts or chocolate chips for extra indulgence. No matter how you customize it, the result is always delicious and foolproof, making it ideal for both novice bakers and experienced cooks.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
The Three Essential Ingredients
What makes a cherry dump cake with 3 ingredients so incredible? It’s the simplicity of using just three pantry staples that come together to create a dessert that feels anything but basic. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this recipe and why they work so perfectly together.
1. Cherry Pie Filling
The tart and sweet cherry pie filling is the heart of this dessert. It provides a rich, fruity base that balances beautifully with the buttery crust and sweet cake mix. You can find canned cherry pie filling in most grocery stores, making it incredibly convenient. For a more personalized touch, try making your own cherry filling or mixing in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor.
2. Yellow Cake Mix
This magical ingredient is what gives the dump cake its signature crumbly, golden crust. Yellow cake mix brings just the right amount of sweetness and structure, making it the perfect complement to the juicy cherries below. Popular brands like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines work well, but any boxed yellow cake mix will do. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like vanilla or chocolate to create a unique twist.
3. Butter
Butter is the secret to achieving that golden, crispy topping. Thinly sliced and placed over the dry cake mix, it melts as the cake bakes, creating a rich, buttery crust. For the best results, use unsalted butter, but salted butter works too if that’s what you have on hand. For a slightly lighter version, margarine can be used, though it may not deliver the same rich flavor.
Basic Tools for Making a Dump Cake
One of the best things about making a cherry dump cake with 3 ingredients is that you don’t need fancy equipment to pull it off. With just a few basic tools, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time. Here’s a list of the essentials:
1. Baking Dish
The baking dish is the cornerstone of your dump cake. A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe, giving the cake enough space to cook evenly. Glass or ceramic dishes are ideal because they distribute heat well and allow you to see those beautiful golden edges as the cake bakes. If you don’t have a baking dish this size, a smaller dish can work, but you may need to adjust the baking time.
2. Spatula or Spoon
A simple spatula or large spoon is helpful for spreading the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. While the recipe involves minimal prep, ensuring an even layer of filling helps the cake bake consistently.
3. Knife or Butter Cutter
To achieve the perfect buttery topping, you’ll need a knife to slice the butter into thin, even pieces. This ensures it melts evenly over the cake mix, creating that golden, crispy crust we all love. A butter cutter or cheese slicer can also make this step quick and easy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Cherry Dump Cake
Preparing Your Ingredients and Baking Dish
Before diving into the fun of making your cherry dump cake, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring it turns out perfectly. Here’s how to get your ingredients and baking dish ready for this simple yet delicious dessert.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and stress-free. For this cherry dump cake, you’ll need:
- Cherry Pie Filling: One 21-ounce can. Make sure to check for any added flavors or preservatives that might alter the taste.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A standard box of cake mix (about 15.25 ounces). Brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker work well.
- Butter: ½ cup (one stick), sliced into thin pats for even melting. Let the butter sit out for a few minutes if it’s too cold to slice easily.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Your baking dish plays a crucial role in the outcome of your dump cake. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Choose the Right Size: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for even baking and layering.
- Grease the Dish: Lightly coat the bottom and sides with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Now that your ingredients and dish are ready:
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the cake mix directly on top of the cherries, creating an even layer. Avoid stirring!
- Arrange the thin butter slices over the cake mix, covering as much surface area as possible.
Assembling and Baking the Cake
Now that your ingredients and baking dish are prepped, it’s time to assemble and bake your cherry dump cake. This straightforward process is what makes dump cakes so appealing—even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, success is practically guaranteed!
1. Layer the Ingredients
Assembling a dump cake is as easy as layering three simple ingredients:
- Start with the Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates the fruity base that will bubble up as it bakes.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cherries. Make sure it covers the entire dish in an even layer, but resist the urge to stir—it’s not necessary!
- Top with Butter: Arrange your thinly sliced butter pats evenly over the surface of the cake mix. This ensures the butter melts uniformly, creating that golden, crumbly topping.
2. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat up before placing the dish inside.
- Bake the Cake: Place the assembled dump cake on the center rack of the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop.
3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling Substitute: Use your favorite fruit filling, like blueberry or apple, for a twist.
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix Tip: Experiment with vanilla or spice cake mix for different flavor profiles.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats Optional: Use salted butter for a slightly savory contrast.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Layer the Ingredients:
- – Spread the Cherry Pie Filling: Evenly distribute the cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- – Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Do not stir!
- – Top with Butter: Arrange the thinly sliced butter pats evenly over the cake mix to ensure even melting.
Bake the Cake:
- – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool and Serve:
- – Allow the cake to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.