Tired of spending hours in the kitchen just to create a delicious dessert that disappears in minutes? As a dessert enthusiast and the heart behind FoodyDish, I’ve been there! That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake recipe literally the simplest sweet treat you’ll ever make. When I first discovered dump cakes, I couldn’t believe something requiring so little effort could taste so heavenly.
The magic happens when the cherry filling bubbles up through the cake mix, creating pockets of fruity goodness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet after dinner, this Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal work. In this post, I’ll walk you through the simple steps, share my favorite variations, and answer all your questions about this no-fuss dessert.
Why This Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake Recipe Works
- Uses just a few affordable, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Only 5 minutes of actual hands-on prep time
- Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings
- No baking skills required literally dump and walk away!
- The slow cooker creates the perfect moist texture every time
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Best Cherry Filling Options
The foundation of any great cherry dump cake is, of course, the cherries! While cherry pie filling is traditional, you have several options depending on your taste preferences:
- Premium canned cherry pie filling (less sweet varieties work best)
- Homemade cherry compote (for those who prefer controlling the sugar)
- Frozen cherries mixed with sugar and cornstarch (for a fresher taste)
Cake Mix Considerations
Not all cake mixes are created equal for this recipe:
- Classic yellow or white cake mix provides a neutral, buttery base
- French vanilla adds a hint of elegance
- For chocolate lovers, try a chocolate cake mix for a black forest-inspired treat
Substitutions
Can’t find or don’t want to use certain ingredients? No problem:
- Substitute any fruit pie filling (blueberry, apple, or peach work wonderfully)
- Use gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly version
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative
Ingredients & Prep for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, pairs beautifully with cherries)
Optional Add-ins
- Chocolate chips (½ cup)
- Shredded coconut (¼ cup)
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon, brightens the flavor)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Pre-Cooking Prep for Cherry Dump Cake
- Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Open the cherry pie filling cans and stir in vanilla and almond extracts if using.
Layering Method for Cherry Dump Cake
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the bottom of the crockpot, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer, covering completely.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the mix as possible.
- If using nuts or other add-ins, sprinkle them on top.
Cooking Cherry Dump Cake
- Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-2.5 hours or LOW for 4 hours.
- The cake is done when the top is set and the edges are slightly browned.
Serving Cherry Dump Cake
- Let the dump cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Scoop into bowls rather than trying to slice like a traditional cake.
- For ultimate indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t stir the ingredients together—layering is key for the perfect texture
- Use a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and prevent a soggy top
- Check for doneness at the minimum cooking time, as crockpots vary in temperature
Tool Recommendations
- Oval-shaped crockpot works best for even cooking
- A cookie scoop makes perfect portions when serving
- Clear glass lid allows you to monitor progress without releasing heat
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds
- For best results, add a fresh scoop of ice cream to revive day-old dump cake
Love this recipe? Find more delicious dessert ideas on my Pinterest page where I share all my food inspirations and upcoming recipes!
Flavor Variations for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Seasonal Twists
- Summer Berry: Mix cherry filling with fresh blueberries and raspberries
- Fall Harvest: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg
- Winter Comfort: Include orange zest and a sprinkle of crystallized ginger
Dietary Adaptations
- Reduced Sugar: Use light pie filling and sugar-free cake mix
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite gluten-free cake mix
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and add oats for texture
| Flavor Variation | Additional Ingredients | Cooking Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Cherry | Add ½ cup chocolate chips | None needed |
| Tropical Cherry | Add ½ cup coconut + ¼ cup crushed pineapple | Add 15 min (drain pineapple well) |
| Cherry Almond | Add ½ cup sliced almonds + ¼ tsp almond extract | None needed |
| Spiced Cherry | Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ⅛ tsp nutmeg | None needed |
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
- Top with homemade whipped cream or premium vanilla ice cream
- Pair with coffee for breakfast (I won’t tell!) or after-dinner espresso
- Serve alongside a cheese board for an unexpected sweet counterpoint
- Create a dessert bar with various toppings like chocolate sauce, caramel, or crushed cookies
FAQs About Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Can I make this cherry dump cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Either keep the uncooked ingredients layered in the crockpot insert in the refrigerator (if you have room) or cook it completely, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.
My cake mix still looks powdery on top after cooking. What went wrong?
This usually happens when the butter doesn’t cover all the cake mix. You can either add a bit more melted butter before cooking or lightly spray the dry areas with cooking spray halfway through cooking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, but you’ll need a large 6-7 quart crockpot and should increase the cooking time by about 30-45 minutes. Watch carefully for doneness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a crockpot?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13 dish at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Conclusion
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating a warm, delicious dessert with almost no effort, and that’s exactly what this Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake delivers. As someone who believes good food should bring joy without stress, I love how this recipe lets you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life’s sweet moments.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, potluck, or just because it’s Tuesday, I guarantee it will become one of your go-to desserts. The simplicity, flexibility, and consistent results make it a winner every time.
I’d love to see your cherry dump cake creations! Share your photos and tag @foodydish so I can celebrate your success. And if you enjoyed this effortless dessert, be sure to check out my other simple sweet treats on FoodyDish.com. Happy baking or should I say, happy dumping!
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Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake: The Easiest Dessert Ever!
- Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy, sweet, and gooey Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake made with just three ingredients a fuss-free dessert that’s warm, buttery, and bursting with cherry flavor.
Ingredients
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
1. Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling — do not stir.
4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–2.5 hours or LOW for 4 hours until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Spoon into bowls and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Substitute with blueberry or apple pie filling for variation.
Add chopped pecans or coconut flakes before cooking for extra texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: crockpot dump cake, cherry dump cake, slow cooker dessert, easy dessert recipe, 3 ingredient dessert