When it comes to desserts that are simple to make but still deliver on flavor, this Cherry Vanilla Dump Cake is a clear winner. With its warm, gooey cherry base and golden, buttery topping, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert that takes minimal effort.
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a casual dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this dessert is the perfect go-to.
What Makes This Dessert Special
The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and no complicated steps, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The combination of sweet cherry filling and a perfectly baked cake layer creates a blending of flavors that feels indulgent yet effortless. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking.
Tips for the Best Cherry Dump Cake
To make sure your dump cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Even Butter Coverage: Pour the melted butter slowly over the cake mix to ensure an even coating. This helps the cake mix bake evenly and prevents dry spots.
- Fresh Cherry Option: If you prefer fresh cherries, mix them with a bit of sugar to create a homemade filling before adding them to the baking dish.
- Crispy Edges: If you love crispy edges, make sure to bake the cake long enough for the sides to turn golden and bubbly. This is the secret to that delicious texture contrast.
Substitutions and Additions
Make this recipe your own with these simple swaps or additions:
- Alternative Sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup in place of carob syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Different Fillings: Swap the cherry filling for apple, peach, or blueberry pie filling for a new twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture.
What to Serve with Cherry Dump Cake
This dessert shines on its own but is even better with a little something extra. Pair it with:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness to the rich dessert.
- Ice Cream: The warm cake and cold ice cream create a heavenly combination.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: A warm drink balances the sweetness of the dessert and makes it perfect for cozy evenings. My favorite is a warm cup of homemade hot chocolate!
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
Cherry Vanilla Dump Cake is more than just a quick dessert—it’s a recipe that brings people together. Its warm, fruity flavor and buttery topping make it a hit with guests, while the ease of preparation makes it a stress-free choice for you. Once you’ve made this once, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Cherry Vanilla Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 ounces cherry pie filling (or 4 cups of homemade cherry pie filling)
- 1 box 15.25 ounces yellow or white cake mix (vanilla is my favorite)
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons carob fruit syrup or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. If using fresh cherries, mix them with a bit of sugar before adding.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. Do not stir; let it sit on top.
- Drizzle the melted butter and carob syrup over the top of the cake mix, ensuring it covers as much of the surface as possible for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be slightly crisp.
- Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.