There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about a simple, fuss-free dessert like this 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake. It takes me back to lazy summer afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where the scent of baking filled the air as we played in the garden. Her kitchen was always a hub of activity, filled with laughter and the promise of delicious treats. This cherry dump cake brings back those memories vividly, combining the ease of modern cooking with the timeless flavors of cherries and buttery cake.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just three ingredients, it’s a perfect dessert to whip up when you’re short on time or when unexpected guests arrive. The magic happens in the oven, where the butter melts into the cake mix and cherry pie filling, creating a delightful, gooey masterpiece that’s hard to resist. What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or to use what you have on hand. For instance, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the cake mix before baking can add a warm, spicy note. If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or almonds to the mix for an extra crunch.
This dump cake is also a fantastic base for experimenting with different flavors. Swap out the cherry pie filling for apple, blueberry, or peach if you prefer. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic dessert, ensuring that it never gets boring. And don’t forget the toppings! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this humble cake to new heights. Whether you’re sharing it with family or serving it at a casual get-together with friends, this 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake is sure to be a hit. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the greatest joy.
Preparing the 3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
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Ingredients
- 24 pieces (1 stick) salted butter, sliced
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling, 2 cans
- 15.25 ounces boxed yellow cake mix
Directions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F.
- Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Distribute the cherry pie filling evenly in the prepared dish.
- Spread the dry cake mix uniformly over the cherries.
- Arrange the butter slices evenly across the cake mix.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pie filling?
Yes, you can substitute cherry pie filling with any other fruit pie filling like apple, blueberry, or peach for a different flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have salted butter?
If you only have unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to the recipe to balance the flavors.
How can I make the cake mix layer more even?
To ensure an even layer of cake mix, you can sift the mix over the cherry pie filling or use a spatula to spread it out gently.
Is it necessary to use a nonstick spray on the baking dish?
Yes, using nonstick spray prevents the cherry filling from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve and clean up afterwards.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips can provide additional texture and flavor to the cake.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover cherry dump cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave before serving.
3-Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces of yellow cake mix boxed
- 2 cans 21 ounces each of cherry pie filling
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, sliced into 24 pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the cherry pie filling from both cans into the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the dry cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Place the butter slices uniformly over the cake mix layer.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, until the cake mix is golden brown on top. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
