Fresh Cherry Dump Cake – Sweet, Simple, and Perfect for Summer
If you love easy, no-fuss desserts that taste like something grandma would make, you’re going to fall hard for this Fresh Cherry Dump Cake. 🍒 It’s everything a comforting dessert should be: juicy, sweet, buttery, and warm with a slightly crisp golden topping.
Made with just a few pantry staples and fresh cherries, this cake is as low-effort as it gets—no mixing bowls required. It’s called a “dump cake” for a reason: you literally dump the ingredients in layers into a pan and bake! The result? A cobbler-meets-crumble dessert that’s perfectly gooey underneath and crisp on top.
Whether you're serving it for summer BBQs, Sunday family dinners, or a last-minute dessert, this cherry dump cake is a crowd-pleaser that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust based on cherry sweetness
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 box yellow cake mix or white cake mix
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or almond extract for extra flavor
- Optional: ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
- Spread the pitted cherries evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Sprinkle with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- If using, sprinkle cinnamon or almond extract for added depth.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer—do not stir!
- Gently pat it down with a spatula to smooth the surface.
Step 4: Pour on the Butter
- Slowly pour melted butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix.
- Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for even browning.
Step 5: Add Nuts (Optional)
- Sprinkle sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top for a toasty, nutty crunch.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. 🍦
Notes
🥄 Variations
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and add ½ cup chocolate chips. Cherry Almond Flavor: Add ½ tsp almond extract and top with sliced almonds. Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Combine cherries with blueberries or raspberries. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix—no other changes needed! Cherry Pineapple: Add 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the cherries for a tropical twist. Mini Dump Cakes: Divide into ramekins for individual servings (reduce bake time by 10–15 minutes). 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days. Freezer
Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheating
Microwave: Reheat individual servings for 30–45 seconds. Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first. Reduce sugar slightly if they’re sweetened. 2. Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, though the fresh version is less sweet and more natural. Use 2 cans if substituting. 3. Do I have to stir the cake mix?
Nope! The magic of a dump cake is not stirring. Just layer and bake. 4. What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow or white cake mix are classic, but chocolate or spice cake also work well. 5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—substitute the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil. 6. How do I know when it’s done?
The top will be golden brown and crisp, and the filling should be bubbling at the edges. 7. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or apples all work beautifully. 8. Should I pit the cherries by hand?
Yes, or use a cherry pitter. You can also pit them with a straw or chopstick. 9. Can I serve this cold?
You can—but it’s best warm, especially with ice cream! 10. What can I serve it with?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even Greek yogurt. 🏁 Conclusion
This Fresh Cherry Dump Cake is everything a homemade dessert should be—simple, nostalgic, and loaded with juicy flavor. With barely any prep and just one pan, you get a gooey, golden cherry treat that tastes like it took hours to make. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you need a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert—this cake is a true celebration of summer fruit. 🍒 Just dump it, bake it, and love every bite. 💛
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix and add ½ cup chocolate chips. Cherry Almond Flavor: Add ½ tsp almond extract and top with sliced almonds. Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Combine cherries with blueberries or raspberries. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix—no other changes needed! Cherry Pineapple: Add 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained) to the cherries for a tropical twist. Mini Dump Cakes: Divide into ramekins for individual servings (reduce bake time by 10–15 minutes). 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days. Freezer
Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheating
Microwave: Reheat individual servings for 30–45 seconds. Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw and drain them first. Reduce sugar slightly if they’re sweetened. 2. Can I use canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, though the fresh version is less sweet and more natural. Use 2 cans if substituting. 3. Do I have to stir the cake mix?
Nope! The magic of a dump cake is not stirring. Just layer and bake. 4. What type of cake mix works best?
Yellow or white cake mix are classic, but chocolate or spice cake also work well. 5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—substitute the butter with vegan butter or melted coconut oil. 6. How do I know when it’s done?
The top will be golden brown and crisp, and the filling should be bubbling at the edges. 7. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Peaches, blueberries, raspberries, or apples all work beautifully. 8. Should I pit the cherries by hand?
Yes, or use a cherry pitter. You can also pit them with a straw or chopstick. 9. Can I serve this cold?
You can—but it’s best warm, especially with ice cream! 10. What can I serve it with?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even Greek yogurt. 🏁 Conclusion
This Fresh Cherry Dump Cake is everything a homemade dessert should be—simple, nostalgic, and loaded with juicy flavor. With barely any prep and just one pan, you get a gooey, golden cherry treat that tastes like it took hours to make. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you need a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert—this cake is a true celebration of summer fruit. 🍒 Just dump it, bake it, and love every bite. 💛