Introduction
This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines sweet cherry pie filling, creamy pockets of cream cheese, and a golden, buttery cake topping. Made with just a handful of convenient ingredients, this delicious dessert delivers the flavors of cherry cheesecake and classic fruit cobbler without the work of preparing a traditional cheesecake batter.
Everything is layered directly in one baking dish, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and special occasions. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Cooling Time | 10–15 minutes |
| Total Time | About 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Servings | 10–12 |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Cooking Method | Oven-baked |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cherry cheesecake dump cake is wonderfully simple because it requires no complicated mixing, rolling, or special baking techniques. The canned cherry filling creates a sweet, fruity base, while the cream cheese adds creamy cheesecake-like richness. A buttery cake topping turns golden in the oven, creating a delicious contrast of textures. Best of all, everything comes together in one baking dish, so preparation and cleanup are easy.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Cherry pie filling | 2 cans (21 oz / 595 g each) |
| Yellow or white cake mix | 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) |
| Cream cheese, softened and cubed | 8 oz (225 g) |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup (113 g) |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | ½ teaspoon |
For Serving
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Vanilla ice cream | As desired |
| Fresh cherries | Optional, for garnish |
| Powdered sugar | Optional, for decoration |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it can be distributed more easily throughout the dessert.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Filling
Pour both cans of cherry pie filling into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the filling evenly across the bottom using a spatula.
Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, stirring gently into the cherry filling to distribute the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes, approximately ½ inch in size.
Scatter the cubes evenly over the cherry filling. Try to distribute them across the entire dish so each serving contains some creamy cheesecake flavor.
There is no need to mix the cream cheese into the cherries completely. The separate layers create delicious pockets of creaminess as the dessert bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Open the cake mix and sprinkle the dry powder evenly over the cherry and cream cheese layers.
Spread it into an even layer, paying particular attention to the corners and edges.
Do not prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, and do not stir the layers together. The dry mix forms the topping that will bake into a buttery, golden crust.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Pour the melted butter slowly over the dry cake mix, distributing it as evenly as possible.
Try to moisten as much of the cake mix as you can. If preferred, cut the cold butter into very thin slices and arrange them evenly across the surface instead.
Some small dry patches may remain, but even butter distribution helps prevent excessive powdery areas on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes.
The dessert is ready when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
If the topping still looks very powdery after 40 minutes, continue baking for a few additional minutes, keeping a close eye on the surface to prevent burning.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The cherry filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the warm cherry cheesecake dump cake into individual bowls.
Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and, if desired, a few fresh cherries or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy the combination of warm cherries, creamy cheesecake-like pockets, and a buttery cake topping.
Best Tips for Success
Spread the dry cake mix evenly to help the topping bake consistently, and distribute the butter carefully to reduce dry patches. Use softened cream cheese for easier layering, but keep the cherry filling and cake mix in separate layers rather than mixing everything together. Allow the dessert to rest briefly after baking so the filling thickens slightly, and serve it warm for the best contrast with cold vanilla ice cream.
Best Ingredient Options
Yellow cake mix creates a rich, buttery flavor, while white cake mix offers a lighter taste. Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest result, and unsalted butter allows you to control the overall flavor. Almond extract complements cherries particularly well, but you can use vanilla extract alone if you prefer a milder flavor. If you cannot find canned cherry pie filling, homemade thickened cherry filling can be used as an alternative.
Recipe Variations
For a chocolate cherry version, use chocolate cake mix instead of yellow or white cake mix. For a mixed-berry dessert, replace the cherry filling with blueberry or mixed-berry pie filling. You can also sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the topping for extra crunch. For a stronger cheesecake flavor, add a little finely grated lemon zest to the cream cheese before distributing it over the fruit.
What to Serve With Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Vanilla ice cream is the classic accompaniment because it melts into the warm cherry filling and buttery topping. Fresh whipped cream also works beautifully, while fresh berries can add a refreshing contrast. For a cozy dessert after dinner, serve it with coffee, black tea, or a glass of cold milk.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the cherry filling, cream cheese, and dry cake mix layers in advance, but for the best topping texture, add the butter and bake shortly before serving. If assembling ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate it briefly, then add the butter immediately before baking. Allow extra baking time if the ingredients are cold.
For the easiest preparation, measure the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dessert just before placing it in the oven.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover dump cake to cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer the dessert to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking and store for up to 3–4 days.
The topping will soften during refrigeration, but the dessert will still taste delicious. Keep leftovers refrigerated because the recipe contains cream cheese and should not be stored at room temperature for extended periods.
Reheating Instructions
For individual servings, microwave for approximately 30–60 seconds, checking frequently until warmed through.
To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on the amount being reheated. Cover loosely with foil if the topping begins to brown too much.
Add vanilla ice cream just before serving rather than reheating it with the dessert.
Freezing Instructions
For best texture, enjoy this dessert fresh or refrigerated. However, leftovers can be frozen if needed.
Allow the dump cake to cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe portions and seal tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through. The topping may be softer after freezing and thawing, but the cherry and cream cheese layers should remain flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not mix the dry cake mix with water, eggs, or oil before adding it to the dish. Avoid leaving large areas of cake mix uncovered by butter, as they may remain powdery after baking. Do not use cream cheese straight from the refrigerator if it is too firm to distribute evenly. Avoid baking at an excessively high temperature, which can burn the topping before the filling heats through. Finally, allow the dessert to rest before serving to reduce the risk of burns from the hot fruit filling.
Nutrition Estimate
The following values are approximate and vary according to the cake mix, pie filling, cream cheese, butter, and serving size.
| Nutrient | Estimated Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 380–460 kcal |
| Protein | 4–6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55–65 g |
| Total Fat | 16–22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9–13 g |
| Sugar | 35–45 g |
| Fiber | 1–3 g |
| Sodium | 300–450 mg |
Estimated for 12 servings, without vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dump cake topping still powdery?
This usually happens when the butter does not reach enough of the dry cake mix. Distribute the melted butter as evenly as possible, or use thin butter slices arranged across the surface. If dry patches remain, drizzle a small amount of additional melted butter over them and continue baking until the topping looks cooked.
Do I need to prepare the cake mix first?
No. Use the cake mix directly from the box. Do not add the ingredients listed on the package because the butter and moisture from the fruit filling help create the topping.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Homemade cherry filling works well as long as it is sufficiently thick. A very watery filling may make the bottom of the dessert too loose.
Can I make this recipe without almond extract?
Absolutely. Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor, but it is optional. You can omit it or use a little additional vanilla extract instead.
Should the cream cheese be mixed with the cherries?
No. Distribute small cream cheese cubes over the cherry filling without mixing them completely. This creates creamy pockets throughout the finished dessert.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. Chocolate, white, yellow, and vanilla cake mixes all work well. Chocolate cake mix creates a rich chocolate-cherry variation, while yellow cake mix gives a classic buttery flavor.
Can I make cherry cheesecake dump cake ahead of time?
Yes. You can measure the ingredients and prepare the layers ahead, then add the butter and bake shortly before serving. You can also bake the entire dessert in advance and refrigerate it, although the topping will soften as it sits.
How do I know when the dump cake is finished baking?
The topping should be golden brown, and the cherry filling should bubble around the edges. If the top is still pale or powdery, continue baking for a few more minutes while checking regularly.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavors of cherry cheesecake but wants a quicker, easier recipe. With sweet cherry filling, creamy pockets of cream cheese, and a golden buttery topping, it delivers plenty of flavor with minimal preparation.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting homemade dessert that is ideal for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and special occasions. One spoonful of this sweet, fruity, creamy treat is enough to make it a favorite! 🍒🍰