Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is a Cherry Dump Cake?
- Ingredients
- How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
- Tips for Making the Best Cherry Dump Cake
- Variations of Cherry Dump Cake
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage and Serving Suggestions
- Health Benefits
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you’re looking for a cherry dump cake, you’ve come to the right place! This dessert is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a last-minute party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, cherry dump cake is as easy as it gets. No mixing, no fuss just dump the ingredients in a pan, bake, and enjoy.
What is a Cherry Dump Cake?
So, what exactly is a cherry dump cake? It’s a simple and sweet dessert that layers ingredients in a baking dish. The best part? You don’t need to mix anything. Dump cakes are typically made with a fruit filling at the bottom, followed by a cake mix layer and topped with butter. When baked, the cake mix creates a buttery, crumbly topping over the juicy fruit filling, creating a warm, comforting dessert.
A cherry dump cake is the perfect combination of tart cherries and a soft cake topping, making it an instant classic.
Ingredients
To make a delicious cherry dump cake, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:
- Canned cherry pie filling – This is the base of your cake and gives it that sweet, tangy flavor.
- Boxed yellow cake mix – It’s the perfect shortcut to create a soft, golden cake topping without any mixing.
- Butter – Use real butter for the best flavor, and don’t skimp on it. The butter melts into the cake mix, creating that signature crispy topping.
- Optional: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like cinnamon to customize your dump cake.
These ingredients come together effortlessly to make a rich and satisfying dessert.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Making a cherry dump cake is so easy that anyone can do it, even with minimal baking experience. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dump the cherry filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling. No need to stir it in; just cover the cherries with the mix.
- Dot the top with thin slices of butter. You want to spread them evenly across the cake mix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
That’s all! Your cherry dump cake is ready to enjoy.
Tips for Making
While this dessert is incredibly simple, there are a few tricks to make your cherry dump cake even better:
- Use real butter – It gives the cake mix a rich flavor and ensures a crisp, golden topping.
- Spread the cake mix evenly – This prevents the cake from baking unevenly and ensures every bite has that perfect, buttery topping.
- Add extras – Toss in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the butter – Make sure to add enough butter on top. Without it, the cake won’t get that golden, crisp texture.
- Serve warm with ice cream – The warm cherry dump cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Variations of Cherry Dump Cake
While the classic cherry dump cake is amazing, there are several ways to mix things up:
- Fruit variations: You don’t have to stick with cherries. Peaches, blueberries, or apples can be swapped in for the cherry filling. Each fruit gives the cake a different flavor, but the method remains the same.
- Add a crumble topping: Instead of just butter, mix some oats and brown sugar into the cake mix for a crunchy crumble topping.
- Chocolate lovers: Add a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle some chocolate syrup over the finished cake for a decadent treat.
- Nutty twist: If you love nuts, try adding pecans or walnuts into the filling or sprinkling them on top for extra crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although cherry dump cake is easy, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Using too much butter: While butter is important for flavor and texture, adding too much can make the cake greasy. Stick to the recommended amount.
- Uneven cake mix coverage: Make sure to spread the cake mix evenly over the cherry filling for uniform baking.
- Over baking: If you leave the cake in too long, it could dry out. Keep an eye on the top to ensure it’s golden and not burnt.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Leftover cherry dump cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To serve, reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or pop it in the oven to get the topping crispy again. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Health Benefits
While cherry dump cake is definitely an indulgent dessert, it does offer some benefits:
- Cherries are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Butter provides essential fats, but be mindful of portion size since it’s high in calories.
- Keep in mind that this dessert should be enjoyed occasionally, as it is high in sugar and calories.
FAQs
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is a no-mix dessert made by layering fruit, cake mix, and butter, then baking it. The result is a cake-like topping over gooey fruit.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down to create a filling-like texture.
Can I make cherry dump cake in advance?
You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just store the unbaked cake in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of cherry dump cake.
Conclusion
Cherry dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert. It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers a flavorful, comforting treat. Whether you stick with the classic or try a fun variation, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you.
