Dessert

Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

ByLila Prescott December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Introduction

Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling with a crumbly cake topping and crunchy pecans. It’s an effortless treat perfect for any occasion, requiring minimal prep but delivering maximum flavor.

A close-up of a spoon holding a bite of a three-layer dessert with a crunchy crumb top layer that is pale beige, a middle layer of thick, shiny red berry filling, and a bottom layer of soft, darker crumb mixed with the filling; in the background, there is a white plate with more of the dessert and a round scoop of creamy white ice cream. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
2 cans (20 ounces each) cherry pie filling

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a small bowl.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse.
Step 4: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbly cake mixture over the cherry filling in an even layer.

Step 6: Top with the chopped pecans, spreading them evenly over the cake layer.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the cherry filling is bubbly.
Step 8: Let the cake cool slightly, then serve warm. It’s delicious with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix a teaspoon of almond extract into the cherry pie filling before baking.
Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
Use fresh or frozen cherries sweetened with sugar if you want to avoid canned pie filling.

Try a yellow or spice cake mix for a slightly different taste.

Storage

Store any leftover cherry dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature.

How to Serve

A square glass baking dish filled with a fruit crumble dessert that has a golden crumbly top layer with scattered chopped nuts, and a deep red fruit filling visible where a portion is scooped out from one corner. In front is a round silver plate with a large square portion of the crumble, showing the nutty crumbly layer on top and the juicy red fruit filling beneath. On top of the crumble on the plate is a large, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream with a smooth texture. A metal fork rests on the plate next to the dessert. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Yes, this recipe works well with other pie fillings like blueberry, apple, or peach. Adjust the nuts and spices accordingly for best results.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake before baking?

No refrigeration is needed before baking. Simply assemble the dump cake and bake immediately as directed.

Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful, easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Combining sweet cherry pie filling with a crumbly cake topping and crunchy pecans, it’s baked to golden perfection and served warm, making it an irresistible treat that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Mix Topping

1 box white cake mix (optional: yellow cake mix)

¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
½ cup chopped pecans

Filling

2 (20-ounce) cans cherry pie filling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquid, preparing it for the crumbly topping mixture.
Mix Cake Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the white cake mix and melted butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse, ensuring an even texture.

Arrange Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base layer.
Add Cake Mixture: Sprinkle the crumbly cake mix and melted butter mixture evenly over the cherry filling layer for a uniform covering.
Top with Pecans: Evenly scatter the chopped pecans on top of the cake mix layer to add crunch and nutty flavor.

Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is slightly browned and the cherry filling is bubbly and hot.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic and comforting dessert experience.

Notes

You can substitute yellow cake mix if preferred; it will slightly change the flavor profile.

For extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans before sprinkling on top.
This dessert is best enjoyed warm but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
Use fresh or frozen cherries if unable to find canned cherry pie filling; just add sugar and cornstarch to thicken.

For a dairy-free version, use melted coconut oil instead of butter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cherry Dump Cake, Easy Cherry Dessert, Simple Baked Cake, Fruit Crisp Cake, Classic Dump Cake

Lila Prescott

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