Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add extra depth of flavor, consider sprinkling a small amount of cinnamon or a dash of almond extract over the cherry filling before adding the cake mix.

These subtle additions complement the cherries beautifully without overpowering the simple, rustic nature of the dessert. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the topping soggy rather than crisp.

Serving this cake warm is essential for the best experience. The contrast between the warm, bubbling fruit and the buttery, slightly crisp topping is what makes this dessert so satisfying.

For a festive touch, serve each portion with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, which helps balance the sweetness and warmth of the fruit base.

Variations

• Spiced Cherry: Add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry cake mix before sprinkling it over the fruit. This adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the cherry flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter slices before baking for an added crunch and a nutty flavor profile that pairs well with cherries.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 1 month, tightly wrapped, though the texture may change upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. It is best to keep the cake in the refrigerator to maintain the quality of the cream cheese, and it can be kept for up to three days. For longer storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it can be assembled and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking.

If you choose to assemble it ahead of time, add the butter slices just before putting the dish into the oven to ensure they melt properly. Note that the cake mix may absorb some moisture from the fruit if left too long, which might slightly alter the final texture.

Serving ideas

Serve the dump cake directly from the baking dish while it is still warm. Use a large spoon to scoop out portions, ensuring each serving includes a generous amount of the bubbling cherry and cream cheese mixture along with the buttery, crumbly topping.

Because the cake is quite rich, smaller portions are often satisfying, though it is easily scaled up for larger gatherings.

Present the dessert with simple accompaniments that do not distract from the main flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a fresh mint leaf can add a touch of elegance to the serving. If serving to a crowd, placing the warm dish in the center of the table allows guests to serve themselves, which is part of the charm of this rustic, easy-to-prepare dessert.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Prep 5 minCook 45 minRest 10 minTotal 1 hServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cans of cherry pie filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Evenly distribute the small cubes of cream cheese over the top of the cherry filling.
2. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry filling and cream cheese layer, ensuring no large clumps remain. Top the dry cake mix layer with the thin slices of butter, arranging them to cover as much of the surface as possible.
3. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

62 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

45 g

Sodium

380 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.