Are you looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family? Cherry dump cake is the perfect solution! This easy-to-make dessert requires minimal effort, yet delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. With its sweet cherries and crumbly topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to whip up this delightful treat!
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) of cherry dump cake contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Total Fat: 16g
– Saturated Fat: 7g
– Cholesterol: 30mg
– Sodium: 200mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 51g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 30g
– Protein: 3g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with the melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix mixture over the cherry filling.
- Add chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Enjoy your delicious cherry dump cake!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or peach for a different flavor profile. Additionally, a gluten-free cake mix can be used for those with dietary restrictions. Experimenting with different nuts or spices can also add unique twists to the dish.
Serving and Pairings
Cherry dump cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or alongside a scoop of yogurt for a tangy contrast. It makes a delightful dessert for gatherings, picnics, or family dinners.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much butter can make the cake greasy.
- Not spreading the cake mix evenly can lead to uneven baking.
- Overbaking may result in a dry cake; keep an eye on it!
- Using a smaller baking dish can cause overflow.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven can lead to longer cooking times.
Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of almond extract.
- Top with fresh cherries for added texture and taste.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors.
- Always let it cool slightly before cutting for cleaner slices.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the cake.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
The dump cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just reheat before serving.
Is cherry dump cake suitable for special diets?
You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix and checking other ingredients for allergens.
What can I substitute for cake mix?
If you don’t have cake mix, you can make a homemade version using flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, combined with other ingredients.
Conclusion
Cherry dump cake is a delightful, hassle-free dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with a buttery cake topping. It’s perfect for any occasion, and its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Enjoy this delicious dessert with your loved ones and make lasting memories.
Cherry Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 1 box 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with the melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the cake mix mixture over the cherry filling.
- Add chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Enjoy your delicious cherry dump cake!
Nutrition
