There is something incredibly comforting and delightfully simple about the Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. Imagine layers of buttery cookies, luscious cherry pie filling, creamy whipped cream cheese, and a golden vanilla cake topping that bakes into a warm, bubbly dessert. This recipe is a perfect crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor and texture, making it an absolute favorite for gatherings, casual dinners, or whenever you want a quick dessert fix that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Dump Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch that makes this dessert unforgettable.
- Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies: These buttery cookies create a crisp and flavorful base that sets the crust apart from traditional dump cakes.
- Cherry pie filling: Sweet and tangy, it provides that classic cherry flavor and vibrant red color that makes the cake irresistible.
- Whipped cream cheese: Adding a creamy texture and slight tang, it cuts through the sweetness and swirls beautifully in the filling.
- Vanilla cake mix: This forms a light, airy topping that crisps up nicely during baking for a wonderful contrast in texture.
- Unsalted butter: Thin slices melted into the cake mix ensure the top layer is rich, moist, and perfectly golden brown.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily when ready and helps the edges crisp beautifully.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Base
Arrange the Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies in a single layer across the bottom of the baking dish. This buttery, crunchy base is the foundation that gives the cake a delightful texture contrast once baked.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling
Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the cookie base. The filling’s sweet tartness adds a punch of classic flavor while softening the cookies just enough during baking for a perfect balance.
Step 4: Swirl in the Whipped Cream Cheese
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, dollop the whipped cream cheese over the cherry filling. Gently swirl the cream cheese with a knife to create pretty ribbons throughout the filling, adding richness and a lovely creamy layer.
Step 5: Spread the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix evenly over the cream cheese layer. This will bake up into a fluffy, golden topping that holds everything together and adds a comforting cakey sweetness.
Step 6: Add Butter for Perfect Browning
Distribute the thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This step is key for achieving that irresistible golden brown crust and adds a rich buttery flavor to the cake’s top layer.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be tantalizing, signaling the perfect moment to pull it from the oven.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries on top takes this dessert from wonderful to stunning. For an extra touch, a small dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream complements the warm cake perfectly.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Dump Cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. For a more decadent touch, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a tart berry compote enhances its fruity flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist on presentation, serve the cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, making it perfect for parties or picnics. Alternatively, layering it in a trifle bowl with extra cherries and cream cheese for dipping spoons will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cherry Dump Cake Recipe can be covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the creamy layers without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and the flavors will merge beautifully once warmed.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the entire cake in a 325ºF oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Reheating brings back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, making every bite taste just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?
Absolutely! While Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies are perfect for their buttery crunch, you can substitute with other sturdy butter cookies or graham crackers if you prefer a slightly different texture or flavor.
Is whipped cream cheese necessary?
Whipped cream cheese adds an airy creaminess that sets this recipe apart. You can try regular cream cheese, but it might be a bit denser and harder to swirl evenly across the filling.
Can I make this cake with fresh cherries?
Fresh cherries can be used but require cooking down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic pie filling consistency, which adds a step. Using canned cherry pie filling keeps it simple and reliably delicious.
What if I don’t have vanilla cake mix?
If you don’t have vanilla cake mix, you can substitute with yellow or white cake mix for a similar effect. Avoid using chocolate or other flavors, as they might clash with the cherry and cream cheese layers.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two pans. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for a golden top and bubbly edges as your cue to remove from the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but comes together in a snap. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, the combination of buttery cookies, sweet cherries, and creamy layers baked under a golden cake crust is sure to bring smiles at every bite. I hope you try this recipe soon and fall in love with it as much as I have!
Print
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that combines buttery cookies, sweet cherry pie filling, creamy whipped cream cheese, and vanilla cake mix for a quick bake-and-forget treat. It’s perfect for those who want a crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (7.25-oz) package Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies
- 1 box vanilla cake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 (21-oz) cans cherry pie filling
- 1 (12-oz) container whipped cream cheese
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cut into thin slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Cookies: Arrange the Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a solid base layer.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the cookie layer, covering all the cookies with the sweet fruit mixture.
- Dollop Cream Cheese: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, dollop the whipped cream cheese over the cherry pie filling. Use a knife to swirl it gently for an even distribution and a marbled effect.
- Spread Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the vanilla cake mix over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely.
- Add Butter Slices: Distribute thin slices of the unsalted butter over the top of the cake mix, making sure the entire surface is covered to help melt and create the cake’s moist texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use Pepperidge Farm Chessmen Butter Cookies for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling for other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or apple for variety.
- Make sure to slice the butter thinly so it melts evenly during baking.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
