Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This dump cake with cherry pie filling is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert cravings. It's incredibly easy – hence the name – requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in minutes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably easy and satisfying treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents your cake from sticking.
Layer the ingredients: Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out to create an even base.
Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle the entire box of yellow cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Try to distribute it evenly, but don’t worry about perfection; it'll all bake together beautifully.
Pour on the melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. The butter will help moisten the cake and give it a delightful texture.
Add nuts (optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter. This adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
Bake to perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before serving. This allows the cake to set up a little, making it easier to cut and serve. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance, if desired.
Tips for the Best Dump Cake:
- Don't overmix: Resist the urge to mix the cake mix and the butter together. The slightly uneven texture adds to the charm of this easy dessert.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of cake mix slightly or use a sugar-free version.
- Experiment with fillings: Feel free to experiment with different pie fillings, like apple, blueberry, or peach. The possibilities are endless!
- Add a crumble topping: For an extra layer of deliciousness, sprinkle a crumble topping made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter over the cake before baking.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
- Cream Cheese Dump Cake: Spread a layer of softened cream cheese over the cherry pie filling before adding the cake mix for an extra creamy element.
- Spiced Dump Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients for the most accurate information.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This dump cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!