If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying, then a Sour Cherry Dump Cake is just what you need. This dessert has all the qualities that make it a go-to for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight treat. The combination of tart cherries, a buttery golden topping, and the ease of preparation makes it an irresistible choice for anyone who loves a classic fruit-based dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless to Make: This dump cake comes together in just a few simple steps. You don’t need to fuss over pie crusts or intricate details – just dump, spread, and bake.

Tart and Sweet Flavor: The tartness of the cherries is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the cake mix and butter. Every bite is a wonderful combination of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Comforting Dessert: The golden-brown, slightly crispy topping contrasts beautifully with the juicy cherry filling. It’s a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect after a long day or to share with friends and family.

Versatile: While it’s delicious on its own, you can also enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this simple dessert, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:

1 can (21 oz) of sour cherry pie filling: This gives the dump cake its signature tart cherry flavor.
1 box of yellow cake mix: This forms the base of the topping and adds sweetness and texture.
1/2 cup of unsalted butter: Melted butter helps to create the golden, slightly crisp topping.

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cake mix.

How to Make Sour Cherry Dump Cake

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your cake is assembled.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Spread the Cherry Filling: Open the can of sour cherry pie filling and spread it evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure the cherries cover the surface evenly.
Add the Cake Mix: Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top of the cherry filling. Don’t worry about spreading it out perfectly—this is a dump cake, so the cake mix can be a bit uneven.
Add the Butter: Cut the butter into thin slices and place them on top of the cake mix. The butter will melt as the cake bakes, helping to create the golden, crisp topping.

Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end to make sure the topping doesn’t burn.
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy it on its own!

Variations of Sour Cherry Dump Cake

While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can make a few easy modifications to switch things up and make it your own:

Add Nuts: To add texture and extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, over the top of the cake mix before baking. This will give the topping a delightful crunch.
Use a Different Fruit: While sour cherries are the star in this recipe, you can swap them for other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or apples. The key is to use fruit that’s packed in syrup or pie filling to maintain the right consistency.
Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix before sprinkling it over the cherry filling to give it a warm, cozy flavor perfect for the fall or winter months.

Chocolate Lovers Twist: For a chocolate version of this dump cake, sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake mix before baking, or stir them into the cherry filling.

FAQs About Sour Cherry Dump Cake

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Sour Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. It’s also delicious served cold.

Can I use fresh cherries?

While fresh cherries are delicious, they may require some extra steps. You’d need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a filling similar to what you get from a can. If you’re in a pinch, canned cherry pie filling is the easiest and quickest option.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, feel free to use a different cake mix flavor if you prefer. A white cake mix or spice cake mix would also pair well with the tart cherry filling. The butter will create the signature golden topping, no matter the flavor of cake mix you choose.

How to Serve Sour Cherry Dump Cake

This dessert is incredibly versatile in how you can serve it:

With Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, but a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or even chocolate ice cream could complement the tart cherries beautifully.

Whipped Cream: For a lighter topping, whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the tartness of the cherries and the richness of the cake.
With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a slice with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate makes it the perfect dessert for any time of day.