As a busy mom, we love desserts that are sweet, simple, and scoopable, and my Cherry Dump Cake is the lazy deliciousness we adore! Just layer cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter for a gooey, fruity explosion that bakes itself, topped with ice cream for extra indulgence. Bursting with tart-sweet cherry flavor, it’s foolproof family hit! Here’s how to dump and delight!

A close up shot of cherry cobbler topped with melting vanilla ice cream

If you’ve been around for awhile you know I love a super easy dessert! If you aren’t already a fan of using cake mix to make other desserts I would love to introduce you! We love brownies made from cake mix, cookies made from cake mix, and of course dump cakes (aka cake mix cobbler)

This cherry dump cake is super easy and it combines the amazing sweet tart flavor of cherries with a buttery crumbly topping that is the perfect combination. It is the perfect busy weeknight dessert or quick treat to throw together for company! We like to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of my cream cheese whipped cream.

a picture of cherry cobbler on a white plate topped with vanilla ice cream.

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Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy dessert recipe. The full detailed list with measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.

The ingredients for cherry dump cake on a pink backdrop. Cherry pie filling, brown sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter and cake mix.

Cherry Pie Filling – The filling for this easy dessert starts with a can of cherry pie filling. If you prefer to use homemade pie filling you’ll need 4 cups.

Cake Mix – You can use either yellow cake mix or white cake mix for this recipe. They both have a light sweet flavor that compliments the pie filling beautifully.

Butter – I like to use salted butter because I like the little bit of salt it adds to the topping. If you prefer you can use unsalted butter. You’ll be melting it so no need to soften beforehand.

Brown Sugar – This is an optional ingredient. It adds a richness to the cherry filling that is super tasty. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

Vanilla – This is another ingredient that adds a little depth to the flavor of the filling. I like to add it because it gives the canned cherry pie filling a more homemade flavor.

an overhead shot of a white plate with a piece of cherry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Next to it is the baking pan full of cherry cobbler and a container of vanilla ice cream.

Here’s How to Make This Easy Delicious Dessert

First you’ll need to preheat the oven to 350.

Prepare a 13×9 baking dish bu buttering it or spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the cherry pie filling in a medium size bowl, add in brown sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until well incorporated.

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Spread the pie filling across the bottom of the prepared pan.

step by step photos of assembling cherry c

Next sprinkle the whole box of dry cake mix as evenly as possible across the cherry filling.

DO NOT STIR.

Now take the melted butter and drizzle it as evenly as possible across the cake mix layer covering as much of the cake mix as possible. You can also cut the sticks of butter into slices and arrange the slices evenly across the top of the cobbler.

Place in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly around the edge.

Let cool a little before serving.

Top with ice cream or whipped cream and serve!

FAQ, Tips & Variations

Change up the flavor –

You can use different cake mix flavors to create variations of this cherry cobbler. Create a chocolate cherry dump cake by using a chocolate or Devil’s food cake mix. Lemon cake mix is another great flavor that compliments the cherry well.

Another way to change up the flavor is by swapping out the vanilla extract for almond extract. Cherry almond is an amazing combination that everyone loves.

Add nuts –

You can add a little crunch and texture to this dessert by adding chopped pecans or slivered almonds. Just sprinkle them across the top of the cake mix before drizzling with butter for a buttery, crumbly, crunchy topping.

How to store leftovers –

This cherry cobbler stores well refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or transfer it to a container. The topping will be softer as it sits but it is still delicious!