
3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate lazy-day dessert. You’ll be making it again and again. With just a few pantry staples and one dish, this cherry treat comes together fast. It’s buttery, bubbly, and full of flavor. No mixing needed. Just layer and bake. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or those sudden dessert cravings.
What makes this dump cake so beloved? It’s all about simplicity and nostalgia. Dump cakes first gained popularity in the 1960s and have stood the test of time for good reason—they’re reliable, customizable, and always delicious.
The combination of sweet cherry pie filling, fluffy cake topping, and crispy edges is pure magic. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the coziest, most comforting bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want something easy and homemade, 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake is a must-try recipe you’ll treasure.

Recipe Yield: 12 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add cherry filling: Pour the cherry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish and gently spread it out to cover the bottom.
3. Sprinkle cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry filling, spreading gently without mixing.
4. Drizzle butter: Slowly pour the melted butter over the cake mix layer, covering as much surface as possible. Some dry spots are okay—they’ll crisp up beautifully.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy at room temperature.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Butter Coverage Matters: Pour the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix to help create that iconic golden, crisp topping.
- Get Creative with Cake Mix: Try using white or spice cake mix for a subtle flavor twist that pairs perfectly with the cherry filling.
- No Stirring Allowed: Keeping the layers separate ensures that signature “dump cake” texture with a cobbler-like finish on top.
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