Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake

by:

January 26, 2026

A nostalgic, no-fuss dessert favorite

This Old-Fashioned Cherry Dump Cake is the kind of classic dessert that never goes out of style. With sweet cherry pie filling, buttery cake mix, and a hint of almond flavor, it delivers cozy, bakery-style goodness with almost zero effort. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or those nights when you need a homemade dessert but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. One of the best easy dump cake recipes, this crowd-pleaser comes together in minutes using pantry staples no mixing bowls required. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistibly comforting treat that feels nostalgic and indulgent all at once.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients List

1 teaspoon almond extract, divided (optional)
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
½ cup salted butter (1 stick), melted

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring spoons
Spoon or spatula
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the dish. Stir in ½ teaspoon almond extract if using .
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries do not mix.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix, covering as much surface as possible.
Add remaining almond extract lightly over the top if desired.
Bake for 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the cherries are bubbling around the edges.
Cool slightly before serving. The topping should be crisp and buttery .

Pro Tips

Butter coverage matters: Try to drizzle butter evenly to avoid dry cake mix spots.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Serving idea: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Flavor swap: Use chocolate or white cake mix for a fun twist.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Soduim	Fiber	Sugar
12	187	7g	28g	94mg	2g	36g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.