Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Oh, sweet friends, let me tell you about a little secret weapon in my kitchen that saves my sanity on busy weeknights and makes everyone’s eyes light up: my Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake. Just last Tuesday, after a whirlwind day of school drop-offs, grocery runs, and an unexpected playdate crisis, my husband texted to say his sister and her family were spontaneously swinging by for dessert. Panic?

Not entirely! I remembered this glorious Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake recipe. Within minutes, I had the few simple ingredients out, layered them into a pan, and slid it into the oven.

The house soon filled with the most comforting aroma of warm cherries and sweet cake. When they arrived, fresh out of the shower and still a little flustered, the sight of that bubbly, golden-brown dessert waiting for them was like a warm hug.

It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a moment of calm, a gesture of love, and a testament to how truly simple deliciousness can be. This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake truly embodies everything I believe about food: it brings people together without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake (and Other Simple Desserts!)

As a mom of three, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. This Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake hits every single mark. First and foremost, it’s unbelievably easy.

The name “dump cake” isn’t just catchy; it’s a literal description of the process. You simply “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, and let your oven do the rest. Imagine a dessert that requires no mixing bowls, no fancy equipment, and barely any cleanup – that’s the magic of this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

You’ll love the irresistible combination of tart cherry pie filling beautifully contrasted with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese layer, all topped with a buttery, golden cake crust. It’s a warm, comforting treat perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a potluck gathering.

Plus, the sheer joy of watching a dessert come together with so little effort truly feels like a culinary superpower. This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake quickly becomes a family favorite, I promise you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is as simple as the recipe itself. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in our delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

Ingredient	Quantity
Cherry Pie Filling	2 cans (21 ounces each)
Cream Cheese, softened	1 (8-ounce) block
Granulated Sugar	1/4 cup
Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
Yellow Cake Mix	1 box (15.25 ounces)
Unsalted Butter, melted	1 cup (2 sticks)

Substitutions & Variations

One of the beautiful things about a dump cake, especially this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand!

* Fruit Filling Alternatives: While cherry is classic, feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit options. Peach pie filling makes a fantastic peach cream cheese dump cake, apple pie filling is wonderful, or even blueberry pie filling creates a delicious twist. You can even combine two different fruit fillings for a unique flavor profile.

* Cake Mix Creativity: Yellow cake mix provides a lovely, classic base for our Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake. However, a white cake mix works just as well. For a slightly different flavor, try a French vanilla cake mix or even an almond-flavored cake mix for an extra depth of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

A chocolate fudge cake mix could be interesting if you’re feeling adventurous with this dump cake recipe!
* Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, you can use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and dairy-free butter. Just ensure the cream cheese alternative is suitable for baking.

* Add-ins for Texture and Flavor:
* Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix layer before adding the butter for a delightful crunch. This is a popular addition to many dump cakes.
* Chocolate Chips: A half-cup of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips sprinkled over the cherry layer before the cream cheese adds a touch of indulgence to your Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

* Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg mixed into the dry cake mix can enhance the warm, comforting flavors of this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
* Gluten-Free Version: Easily make this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels.

One of the beautiful things about a dump cake, especially this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, is its incredible versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor it to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand! If you’re looking for a different flavor option, check out these 4 Ingredient Protein Balls – Easy, Healthy, No-Bake Snack for a nutritious twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake truly couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a wonderfully decadent dessert ready to enjoy with minimal effort. This is the beauty of a dump cake!

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

This ensures your Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake comes out easily.
2. Lay the Cherry Foundation: Evenly spread both cans of cherry pie filling across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to make sure it covers the entire bottom. This forms the delicious base of our dump cake.
3.

Create the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer makes this quick work, but you can also use a sturdy whisk.
4.

Dollop the Cream Cheese: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the cherry pie filling. Don’t worry about covering everything perfectly; the cream cheese will melt and spread as the Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake bakes.
5.

Sprinkle the Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire box of dry yellow cake mix over the cherry and cream cheese layers. Make sure it forms an even layer without any large clumps. This dry mix becomes your cake crust.

6. Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix layer. Try to get as much of the cake mix saturated as possible.

This butter is what transforms the dry mix into a delicious, golden crust for your Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the cake mix looks cooked through. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
8.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake from the oven. Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Pro Tips for Success

Even with a recipe as straightforward as this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, a few insider tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic.

* Soften the Cream Cheese Completely: This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer. Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before you plan to bake. If you’re short on time, remove the foil and microwave it on low power for 10-15 seconds, just until pliable.

A creamy filling is key to a perfect Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
* Do NOT Stir! This is perhaps the most important rule for any dump cake.

Once you’ve layered the ingredients, resist the urge to stir them. The magic of a dump cake lies in the layers baking undisturbed, allowing the butter to seep down and create that delightful crumbly top and gooey bottom. Stirring will turn it into a soggy mess, not the beautiful Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake you’re aiming for.

* Even Butter Distribution: While it might seem like a small detail, ensuring the melted butter covers as much of the dry cake mix as possible helps achieve that perfect, golden-brown crust. If some areas look too dry, you can gently drizzle a little extra melted butter (if you have it) or simply trust the process; it usually works out beautifully for this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
* Check for Doneness: The bake time is an estimate.

Look for a deeply golden-brown crust and a bubbly filling peeking through the edges. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. You want your Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake cooked through.

* Cooling Time is Essential: While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake to cool for at least 15-20 minutes (or even longer) allows the molten filling to set up. This makes for cleaner scoops and prevents it from being overly runny.

Even with a recipe as straightforward as this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, a few insider tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Soften the cream cheese completely for the best texture – if you’re short on time, try this Keto Cinnamon Roll Mug Cake – Irresistibly Easy & Low-Carb recipe for another deliciously easy dessert!

Storage & Reheating Tips

You made this incredible Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, and now you have leftovers – a happy problem to have! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy every last bite.

* Storing Leftovers: Once the Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake cools completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. Due to the cream cheese, this dessert absolutely needs to be refrigerated.

* How Long Does It Last? Properly stored in the refrigerator, your Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days.
* Reheating:
* Oven: For a taste closest to freshly baked, reheat individual slices or smaller portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

* Microwave: For a quick warm-up, individual slices can be microwaved for 30-60 seconds, or until heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cake tough.
* Freezing (Optional): While you can freeze dump cakes, the texture of the cake portion can sometimes become a bit crumbly upon thawing.

If you choose to freeze, ensure the Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake

This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is fantastic on its own, a true star! However, serving it with a little something extra can elevate the experience and make it feel even more special.

* Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm, gooey Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast in temperatures and textures is simply divine.
* Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness and richness that beautifully complements the sweet and tart flavors of this dump cake.

A quick spray of canned whipped cream works perfectly too!
* A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, lightly dust your Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake with powdered sugar just before serving.
* A Hot Beverage: Serve a slice alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

It’s the ultimate comfort combo.
* Fresh Berries: A scattering of fresh raspberries or blueberries adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color to your individual servings of this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.
* For Brunch or Potluck: This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake makes an excellent addition to a brunch spread or a potluck dessert table. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is fantastic on its own, a true star! However, serving it with something extra can make it feel even more special; consider pairing it with No-Bake Cheesecake Bars: Easy, Creamy & Oven-Free Recipe for a delightful dessert experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling for this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

While you *can* use fresh cherries, this recipe specifically calls for cherry pie filling because it provides the necessary sweetness, thickening, and syrupy texture essential for the dump cake’s consistency. If using fresh cherries, you would need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to achieve a similar result, making it less of an “easy dump cake.” For this particular Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake, canned pie filling is best.

Do I have to use butter, or can I use oil for this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake?

Melted butter is highly recommended for this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake. The butter not only provides moisture but also imparts a rich, nutty flavor and helps create that desirable crisp, golden-brown crust. While you could technically substitute oil, the flavor and texture would be different and generally less desirable for this type of dump cake. Stick with butter for the best Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake experience.

Can I make this Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake tastes wonderful served warm, but it also holds up beautifully when cooled and refrigerated. You can bake it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and then gently reheat individual slices or the entire dish before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Why is it called a “dump cake”?

It’s called a “dump cake” quite simply because you “dump” all the ingredients into a baking dish without any pre-mixing in separate bowls. This minimal-effort approach is the hallmark of all dump cake recipes, including our delightful Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

Is this really an “easy” recipe? I’m not a confident baker.

Yes, truly! This is one of the easiest dessert recipes you will ever make. If you can open cans, soften cream cheese, and sprinkle cake mix, you can master this Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake. It’s designed for minimal effort and maximum reward, perfect for beginner bakers or anyone needing a quick, reliable dessert.

The Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that showcases the beauty of quick baking. This delightful cake generally features a layer of cherry pie filling combined with cream cheese, making it a favorite for those who appreciate easy-to-follow recipes and tasty results, similar to many comforting desserts often celebrated in American cuisine.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and exact portion sizes. This calculation assumes 12 servings from a 9×13-inch pan of Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400-450 kcal
Total Fat	20-25 g
Saturated Fat	12-15 g
Cholesterol	40-50 mg
Sodium	250-300 mg
Total Carbohydrates	50-55 g
Dietary Fiber	1-2 g
Total Sugars	35-40 g
Protein	3-4 g

Print