Cherry Dump Cake is one of those desserts that combine simplicity and flavor in a delightful way. This gooey and sweet dish requires minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients. Imagine fresh cherries enveloped in a buttery cake layer that’s crisp on top and soft underneath. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight treat, this cake can easily become a family favorite. The beauty of Cherry Dump Cake lies in its versatility; you can serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold as a refreshing snack. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone new to the kitchen, this recipe ensures you’ll impress your guests without spending hours in preparation. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this Cherry Dump Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Dump Cake
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cherry Dump Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Cherries: Use two cans of cherries in syrup for the best flavor; ensure they are pitted.
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic yellow cake mix provides the base; choose your favorite brand.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness; use about one stick for optimal results.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans can add texture; sprinkle them on top if desired.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Spread the canned cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure to include some syrup for extra moisture.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherries. Do not stir; simply allow it to sit on top.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter
Pour melted butter over the entire surface of the cake mix. This will create a golden crust as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh or high-quality canned cherries enhance flavor significantly.
- Check Doneness: Ensure that you check if it’s done by looking for a golden top and bubbling filling.
- Add Spice: Feel free to add cinnamon or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy making this Cherry Dump Cake—it’s sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake
This Cherry Dump Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of ice cream balances the tartness of the cherries and adds a delightful contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A light dollop on top enhances the flavors, providing a sweet and airy touch to each slice.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cake elevates its richness, making it a decadent treat for chocolate lovers.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cherry filling in advance by mixing the cherries with sugar and cornstarch. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Prepare the cake mix just before baking for optimal freshness.
- Storing: Store any leftover Cherry Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm. For larger portions, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Suggestions for Cherry Dump Cake
Choose the Right Cherries
Selecting the appropriate cherries is crucial for a perfect Cherry Dump Cake. Opt for fresh, ripe cherries when they’re in season, or high-quality canned cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. Avoid using overly sweet or sour varieties, as they can throw off the cake’s balance. If using canned cherries, choose those packed in juice rather than syrup for a more natural flavor. Drain them well to prevent excess liquid from making your cake soggy. Remember that the type of cherries you choose can significantly affect the taste and texture of your final dish, so this decision is vital.
Don’t Skip the Toppings
Cherry Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but toppings elevate the dessert to another level. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the tartness of the cherries beautifully. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor. For an extra touch, consider drizzling chocolate sauce over the finished cake. Skipping these toppings may result in a less appealing dessert experience. Always remember that presentation matters; a well-topped Cherry Dump Cake will look as good as it tastes.
Watch Your Baking Time
Baking time is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust on your Cherry Dump Cake. Every oven varies slightly in temperature, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking around 30 minutes into baking; you want to see a bubbly surface and a lightly golden top. If you bake it too long, the cake may become dry and lose its delightful texture. Conversely, underbaking could lead to soggy areas from unbaked batter. Use a toothpick inserted into the center to ensure it’s done; if it comes out clean, your Cherry Dump Cake is ready.
Don’t Overmix Ingredients
When preparing your Cherry Dump Cake, avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough texture instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix just until combined; lumps are okay! The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity—less effort means more delicious results. Stirring too much introduces air and gluten development, which negatively impacts your dessert’s overall quality. Remember that this cake is meant to be easy and enjoyable, so embrace its rustic charm.
FAQs
What are the best cherries to use for Cherry Dump Cake?
When making Cherry Dump Cake, both fresh and canned cherries work well, but they offer different flavors and textures. Fresh cherries provide a vibrant taste but require pitting and preparation time. Look for sweet varieties like Bing or Rainier for optimal flavor. Canned cherries are convenient; opt for those in juice rather than syrup to avoid excess sweetness. Regardless of your choice, ensure they are ripe and flavorful as they significantly impact your final dish.
Can I make Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing your Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time is possible and often recommended if you’re hosting an event or gathering. You can assemble all ingredients in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake—just remember that baking time may vary based on ingredient temperature. Once baked, allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerating it for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
How do I store leftover Cherry Dump Cake?
Storing leftover Cherry Dump Cake properly ensures it remains delicious even after days have passed since baking. Once cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within three days for optimal freshness but can last up to five days if stored correctly. Reheat individual portions gently in a microwave if desired; however, serving it cold can be quite refreshing!
Can I substitute other fruits in my dump cake recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry is classic for this dump cake recipe, you can easily substitute other fruits based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries all work beautifully with similar methods—just adjust sugar levels depending on fruit sweetness. Keep in mind that some fruits have more moisture than others; this might affect baking time and consistency slightly! Feel free to experiment with flavor combinations until you find what delights your taste buds!
Conclusion for Cherry Dump Cake
In summary, making a delightful Cherry Dump Cake involves selecting quality ingredients and avoiding common pitfalls such as overmixing or neglecting toppings. The right choice of cherries enhances flavor while careful attention during baking ensures optimal texture—golden brown and perfectly moist! Additionally, consider storage options if you plan ahead; leftovers can still taste fantastic when stored properly! Whether topped with ice cream or enjoyed plain, this simple yet satisfying dessert will surely impress everyone at your table! Embrace creativity by experimenting with different fruit options while keeping basic principles intact—happy baking!
Cherry Dump Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Cherry Dump Cake is a mouthwatering dessert that combines the delightful sweetness of cherries with a buttery cake layer, resulting in a warm, gooey treat everyone will love. With minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. Simply layer canned cherries with cake mix and melted butter, then bake until golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or allow it to cool for a refreshing snack. This versatile dessert is ideal for gatherings, holidays, or any occasion when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of pitted cherries in syrup
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread canned cherries evenly in the dish, including some syrup.
- Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the cherries without stirring.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
