Name: American Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 4 cups homemade cherry filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons of honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, chopped almonds

A serving of cherry dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream on a white plate.

A vintage American classic with gooey charm and golden edges: The American Cherry Dump Cake

Cuisine: American
Servings: 10–12
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Tags: cherry dump cake, easy summer dessert, vintage cake mix recipe, no-mixer dessert, quick cherry dessert

A Cake That Practically Makes Itself 🍰

Some days, you want a triple-layer showstopper with intricate piping and a lemon glaze spun from dreams. Other days? You just want something warm, cozy, and delicious now. No stand mixer. No stress. No judgment.

Enter: the Cherry Dump Cake. Despite the slightly questionable name (which we’ll blame on the ‘70s), this dessert is all about ease meets indulgence. It’s the kind of recipe you pull out when guests are en route, you’ve got one stick of butter left, and your inner pastry chef has taken the day off.

And while it only uses a handful of pantry staples, this retro favorite delivers big flavor. Think gooey cherry pie meets buttery golden cake topping—with a hint of caramel thanks to brown sugar and a touch of carob or agave for a molasses-like finish. No fuss. Just a spoon, a plate, and pure dessert happiness. 🍒💕

Ready to dive in? Either keep reading or…

Jump to Recipe

A serving of Cherry Dump Cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white plate, showcasing gooey cherry filling and golden cake edges.

A visually appealing layout showcasing a cherry dump cake served with vanilla ice cream, surrounded by bowls of cherry pie filling and a baking dish in the background. The text overlay reads 'how to make A DUMP CAKE with Cherry Pie Filling'.

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Pinterest Title: Easy Cherry Dump Cake Recipe – A No-Mix Summer Favorite 🍒
Pinterest Description: This Cherry Dump Cake is gooey, golden, and ridiculously easy. Just layer, bake, and enjoy! The perfect nostalgic dessert with minimal effort.

A Little Slice of Americana 🇺🇸✨

There’s something wonderfully old-fashioned about a dump cake. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like it came straight out of a Midwestern church cookbook or a handwritten recipe card tucked into Grandma’s recipe tin. No fancy layers. No decorating tools. Just honest ingredients, cozy flavors, and that nostalgic feeling of comfort food done right.

In North America, using a boxed cake mix isn’t cutting corners—it’s a beloved shortcut. Like using a family heirloom that’s been helping bakers for generations. It’s about capturing that weekend-at-the-cabin ease—something spontaneous and delicious made with what you already have in your pantry.

We know many of our German readers might raise an eyebrow at the idea of baking without mixing—but trust us: this is one of those times where simple is the charm. The result is golden, gooey, and warm with every bite. And once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why this humble American classic is so deeply loved. 🥄🇺🇸

A slice of cherry dump cake topped with two scoops of ice cream, served on a plate with cherry filling and cake crumbs visible.

Why We’re Swooning Over This Cherry Dump Cake

5-minute prep time: Just layer, drizzle, and bake.
No mixing bowls required: The magic happens in the pan.
Great for crowds: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a lazy Sunday.
Customizable: Try it with other pie fillings (peach, blueberry, or apple, oh my!).
Irresistible texture: Crispy edges + gooey center = perfection.

Ingredients laid out for Cherry Dump Cake, including cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, brown sugar, and oil, on a pink background.

Ingredients You’ll Need 📝

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling or 4 cups homemade cherry filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Honey (we prefer fireweed honey, find out why here!). Don’t like honey? Switch this for agave syrup.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but lovely)
Optional toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, chopped almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or baking spray.

2. Spread the Cherry Pie Filling

Pour your cherry pie filling into the dish and spread it evenly. If you’re using homemade filling or fresh cherries, add a touch of sugar and maybe a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavor.

3. Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly distribute the dry cake mix over the top. No stirring! The cake mix acts like a cozy crumble blanket over the fruit.

4. Drizzle the Good Stuff

Pour the melted butter and Honey over the top as evenly as possible. Use a spoon to spread out any dry spots gently. Add the brown sugar on top for extra caramel richness. Add vanilla extract if using.

5. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Slide your cake into the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and parts are bubbling at the edges.

6. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the cake sit for about 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

A glass bowl filled with cherry pie filling and brown sugar, with a wooden spoon for mixing, placed on a pink surface next to a measuring spoon and a small bowl of liquid.

Close-up of cherry pie filling with a wooden spoon and brown sugar sprinkled on top.

Bonus points if you eat it right out of the dish. We won’t tell. 😉

Let’s Talk Substitutions & Swaps 💡

Fruit fillings: This recipe works with almost any canned or homemade pie filling. Try peach, apple, or blueberry for seasonal twists.
Cake mix: Yellow or white cake mix are traditional, but spice cake adds a cozy, autumnal feel.
Sweeteners: Not feeling the Honey? Agave and maple syrup are great stand-ins.
Butter: For a dairy-free version, swap in melted vegan butter or coconut oil.

A serving of cherry dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream on a white plate, accompanied by a glass of milk and a fork.

How to Store Cherry Dump Cake 🍒

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container:

Room temperature: Up to 2 days
Fridge: Up to 5 days
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze dump cake! Store in a sealed container or wrap portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Hosting Tip: Make It Your Signature Dessert 🍽️

Planning a garden party? A cozy movie night? A brunch where you actually want to relax? This cherry dump cake is your secret weapon. Dress it up in ramekins with whipped cream and mint, or let it play its humble role straight from the dish. It’s charming either way.

P.S. We once served this at a backyard dinner and our fanciest guest asked for seconds. It’s that kind of dessert.

A slice of cherry dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream, served on a white plate, with cherry filling drizzled on top, alongside the baking dish in the background.

Looking for More Easy-Breezy Baking Magic?

You might also love:
👉 Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
👉 Zucchini Swirl Bread with Basil Cream Cheese
👉 Easy Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe

A serving of cherry dump cake topped with vanilla ice cream on a white plate, with a glass of milk and a fork beside it, set on a pink surface.

The Final Crumb 🍒

Let’s be honest—sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we go back to over and over again. This Cherry Dump Cake checks every box: it’s quick, it’s nostalgic, and it tastes like summer afternoons and birthday parties all rolled into one bite. ✨

Whether you’re baking with little ones, impressing unexpected guests, or just craving something sweet and satisfying—you really can’t go wrong. Just dump, bake, and dig in. 💕

Much love,

tastycue