There is something special about a dessert that looks like it took hours to make but comes together in just a few minutes. That is exactly why the Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake has become a favorite in so many homes. It is simple, comforting, and packed with sweet cherry flavor.
I first discovered this dessert when I needed a last-minute treat for a family gathering. The refrigerator was nearly empty, and I did not have time to bake a traditional cake from scratch. A couple of cans of cherry pie filling and a box of cake mix saved the day. The result was a warm dessert with bubbling cherries underneath and a golden topping that everyone loved.
The best part is that this recipe requires very little effort. Yet, when prepared correctly, it delivers the same comforting feeling as many classic homemade desserts.
If you enjoy easy fruit desserts, you may also like our guide to strawberry puree and our collection of delicious recipes on the RecipesMind homepage.
For food safety and baking best practices, resources from the FDA and the USDA provide reliable information for home cooks.
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Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
This Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake combines sweet cherry pie filling and yellow cake mix for an incredibly easy dessert. A layer of melted butter creates a golden, crisp topping while the cherries bake into a rich and jammy filling.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz / 595 g each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh cherries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the cherries.
- Do not stir.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Cool 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cherry pie filling, not canned cherries in syrup.
- Butter is highly recommended for a golden crust.
- If dry patches remain after 20 minutes, lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Let the cake rest before serving.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
What Is a Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake?
A Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make. The name comes from the method. Instead of mixing ingredients in several bowls, you simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish.
Cherry pie filling forms the fruit base. Dry yellow cake mix is sprinkled directly over the filling. During baking, the topping develops a delicious texture while the fruit layer becomes warm and bubbly.
Although many people call it a two-ingredient dessert, experienced bakers know that adding melted butter creates a much better result. The butter helps the topping brown evenly and prevents dry patches.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe remains popular for several reasons:
- Requires minimal preparation
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Produces a bakery-style dessert
- Perfect for beginners
- Great for potlucks and family gatherings
- Easy to customize
The contrast between the juicy cherry layer and the crisp topping creates a texture that keeps people coming back for another serving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
Recommended Ingredient for Best Results
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh cherries
- Powdered sugar
Equipment Needed
Before starting, gather the following:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cup
- Small bowl for melting butter
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
A glass or ceramic baking dish usually provides the most even baking results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the dessert inside. An oven that is not hot enough may affect the texture of the topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
A thin coating of cooking spray or butter helps prevent sticking around the edges.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Open both cans of cherry pie filling.
Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Make sure every corner is covered.
Step 4: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
Do not stir.
This step is important because the distinct layers help create the signature texture.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Slowly drizzle the melted butter across the entire surface.
Try to cover as much dry cake mix as possible.
This is the most important step for achieving a beautiful golden crust.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish on the center rack.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
The dessert is ready when:
- The topping is golden brown
- Cherry filling bubbles around the edges
- The surface looks crisp
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
For even cleaner servings, wait 20 minutes.
The filling will thicken slightly as it cools.
Secrets to a Perfect Golden Topping
Many online recipes skip the details that truly matter.
Here are the secrets that help create the same appearance shown in popular photos.
Use Melted Butter
Without butter, portions of the cake mix often remain dry and powdery.
The melted butter helps create:
- Better color
- Better flavor
- Better texture
- Crispier topping
Cover Most of the Surface
Try to distribute the butter evenly.
If some dry spots remain after 20 minutes of baking, lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Do Not Mix the Layers
Mixing destroys the classic dump cake texture.
Keep the layers separate.
Use Quality Cherry Pie Filling
Pie filling contains the proper thickness and sweetness.
Avoid canned cherries packed only in syrup.
The texture will not be the same.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Plain Canned Cherries
Cherry pie filling contains thickened fruit.
Regular canned cherries are too thin.
Forgetting the Butter
Technically, the recipe still bakes.
However, the topping will often look pale and dry.
Overmixing
The layers should remain separate.
Never stir after adding the cake mix.
Serving Too Soon
The filling continues to set after baking.
Allow enough cooling time.
Using a Small Pan
A smaller dish may cause overflow during baking.
Stick with a 9×13-inch baking dish whenever possible.
Delicious Variations
One reason people love Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake is its flexibility.
Cherry Almond Version
Add:
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds
The almond flavor pairs beautifully with cherries.
Chocolate Cherry Version
Sprinkle:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate chunks
The combination tastes similar to a Black Forest dessert.
Berry Blend Version
Combine:
- Cherry pie filling
- Blueberry pie filling
The result offers deeper fruit flavor.
Crunchy Topping Version
Add:
- Chopped pecans
- Chopped walnuts
The extra crunch creates more texture.
Best Serving Ideas
This dessert tastes wonderful on its own, but toppings make it even better.
Vanilla Ice Cream
The contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream is hard to beat.
If you enjoy classic dessert combinations, check out our article about Crème Brûlée and Custard.
Fresh Whipped Cream
Adds a light and creamy finish.
Fresh Cherries
Perfect during cherry season.
Powdered Sugar
A simple finishing touch for presentation.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Cover tightly.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze portions in airtight containers.
Best consumed within 2 months.
Reheating
For individual servings:
- Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds
For larger portions:
- Bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes
Nutritional Notes
The exact nutritional values vary by brand.
Generally, a serving contains:
- Carbohydrates from cake mix and fruit filling
- Moderate fat from butter
- Small amounts of protein
This dessert is intended as an occasional sweet treat rather than an everyday food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake without butter?
Yes, but the topping may remain dry and pale. Butter creates a much better texture and appearance.
Can I use white cake mix?
Absolutely. White cake mix produces a lighter flavor that allows the cherries to stand out.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Homemade filling often provides even better flavor.
Why is my topping still powdery?
Not enough butter covered the cake mix. Make sure the surface is coated evenly.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it earlier in the day and reheat before serving.
What is the best topping?
Vanilla ice cream remains the most popular choice because it balances the warm fruit filling perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Two-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake proves that delicious desserts do not need complicated ingredients or advanced baking skills. With just cherry pie filling, cake mix, and a little melted butter, you can create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes comforting.
Whether you are bringing a dessert to a potluck, serving guests after dinner, or satisfying a late-night sweet craving, this easy recipe delivers consistent results. Follow the tips in this guide, pay attention to the butter coverage, and allow the cake to rest before serving.
The reward is a warm, fruity dessert with a golden crust that everyone will remember long after the last spoonful disappears.