This Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake is the ultimate old-school dessert made easy. With just 3 main ingredients and a few pantry staples, you get a rich, creamy, fruit-filled cake that tastes like it came straight from a vintage family recipe box.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and nostalgic without requiring complicated steps, mixers, or hours in the kitchen. Everything comes together in one bowl and one pan, making it perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, or when you just want something sweet and comforting—fast.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is ideal for:
- Busy home cooks who want quick, no-stress desserts
- Beginners who want a foolproof baked treat
- Anyone who loves retro, church-cookbook flavors
- Budget-conscious families (costs under $6!)
- Potlucks, holidays, or casual gatherings
Why It’s Great
- Only 3 main ingredients
- 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes bake
- Budget-friendly and pantry-based
- One bowl, one pan cleanup
- Creamy, fruity, buttery flavor everyone loves
- Easy to customize with different pie fillings
The 3 Key Ingredients
- Yellow cake mix (18.25 oz)
Use a classic brand like Betty Crocker for best texture and flavor. - Cream cheese (8 oz), softened
Full-fat cream cheese creates the best richness and sets properly. - Cherry pie filling (21 oz)
Can be swapped with blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling.
Pantry Essentials
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish (glass recommended)
- Measuring cup
How to Make Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Base
In a bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and salt until crumbly. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
Spread half of the crumb mixture into the baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese evenly over the top. Spread cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Finish and Bake
Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly on top. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Delicious warm or chilled.
Pro Tips
- Always use full-fat cream cheese—low-fat versions won’t set correctly.
- Stir the cake mix just until crumbly; overmixing makes it dense.
- Glass baking dishes provide even baking and are perfect for gifting.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked and cooled cake for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 15–20 seconds
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! White or vanilla cake mix works well, but yellow gives the most classic flavor.
Can I change the pie filling?
Absolutely. Blueberry, apple, peach, or strawberry all work beautifully.
Does this need frosting?
No—this cake is rich and flavorful on its own. A dollop of whipped cream is optional.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better the next day once flavors settle.
Conclusion
This Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake proves that simple recipes can deliver big flavor. With minimal effort, low cost, and nostalgic charm, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll make again and again.
