Kitchen Tools You'll Need

You don't need any special baking equipment.

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish

  • Measuring cup

  • Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan

  • Spoon or spatula

  • Oven mitts

  • Serving spoon

Ingredient Substitutions and Delicious Variations

One of the best things about dump cake is how versatile it can be. You can change the fruit and cake mix to create completely different desserts.

1. Peach Dump Cake

A wonderful choice for summer!

Replace the cherry pie filling with two cans of peach pie filling. Yellow cake mix works beautifully with peaches.

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the fruit before adding the cake mix.

2. Apple Dump Cake

Use two cans of apple pie filling and yellow cake mix.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice if you like warm autumn flavors.

3. Blueberry Dump Cake

Use blueberry pie filling for a sweet, fruity variation. White or yellow cake mix both work well.

4. Strawberry Dump Cake

Strawberry pie filling creates a lovely pink-red fruit layer. Pair it with white or vanilla cake mix.

5. Pineapple Dump Cake

Use crushed pineapple with its juice instead of pie filling for a different, tropical-style version. Because the moisture and sweetness differ from pie filling, the finished texture may be softer and less predictable.

6. Change the cake mix

You can experiment with:

  • White cake mix

  • Vanilla cake mix

  • Butter cake mix

  • Spice cake mix

  • Chocolate cake mix

Chocolate cake mix with cherry filling is especially delicious if you enjoy a chocolate-and-cherry combination!

How to Make 3 Ingredient Dump Cake

Prep time: 5 minutes · Cook time: 45–55 minutes · Servings: 10–12

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Add the cherry filling

Open both cans of cherry pie filling.

Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Use a spoon or spatula to distribute the cherries and filling into an even layer.

Step 3: Add the dry cake mix

Open the yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry filling.

Try to cover the entire surface, including the corners.

Important: Do not mix the cake mix into the fruit. The layers are what make this dessert a dump cake.

Step 4: Add the melted butter

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.

Drizzle it as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the surface as you can. Areas of dry cake mix may remain, but distributing the butter well helps prevent large floury patches.

Step 5: Bake until golden

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden.

If some dry patches remain after baking, you can check whether the topping needs a little more time. Avoid serving areas where the cake mix is still dry or powdery.

Step 6: Cool slightly and serve

Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10–15 minutes.

This gives the filling time to settle slightly.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a little powdered sugar.

Trust me, the combination of warm cherries and melting ice cream is hard to beat!

What to Serve With Dump Cake

This dessert is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions make it even more special.

  • Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing. Cold ice cream melts into the warm fruit filling.

  • Whipped cream: Adds a light, creamy finish.

  • Caramel sauce: Especially delicious with apple or peach variations.

  • Chocolate sauce: A wonderful option for cherry or strawberry versions.

  • Fresh berries: Add a fresh contrast to the sweet cake.

  • Powdered sugar: A light dusting makes the dessert look beautiful.

For a dinner party, serve individual portions in small bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for the Best 3 Ingredient Dump Cake

Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tricks can make a big difference.

Distribute the cake mix evenly

Try to sprinkle the dry cake mix across the entire surface. Thick piles in one area can leave some sections underbaked.

Drizzle the butter carefully

Don't pour all the butter into one spot. Spread it across the topping as evenly as possible.

Don't stir the layers

The secret to dump cake is keeping the fruit, cake mix, and butter in separate layers before baking.

Watch the edges

The filling should bubble around the edges, and the topping should become golden. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil while the center finishes baking.

Let it rest before serving

A short resting period helps the fruit filling settle and makes serving easier.

Serve it warm

Although it's delicious at room temperature, warm dump cake has the most comforting texture and flavor.

Common Dump Cake Mistakes to Avoid

Using too little butter

Butter helps the dry cake mix bake into a golden topping. Too little can leave large areas of dry powder.

Leaving thick piles of cake mix

An uneven layer can result in patches that don't bake properly. Spread the mix carefully before adding butter.

Baking at too high a temperature

A very hot oven may brown the top before the fruit filling and topping are properly cooked.

Cutting immediately after baking

The filling is extremely hot and loose straight out of the oven. Let the cake rest before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to store leftover dump cake

Allow the cake to cool, then cover the baking dish or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

Because it contains fruit filling, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to reheat dump cake

For individual servings, microwave for approximately 20–40 seconds, depending on portion size and microwave strength.

For larger portions, reheat in an oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.

Can you freeze dump cake?

Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then divide it into freezer-safe portions.

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The topping may soften slightly after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dump cake still powdery on top?

This usually happens when some areas of the dry cake mix don't receive enough butter or moisture. Spread the cake mix evenly and drizzle the melted butter over as much of the surface as possible.

If you notice dry patches near the end of baking, continue baking until the topping is cooked rather than serving it while powdery.

Do I mix the cake mix before adding it?

No! Use the dry cake mix straight from the box. Do not add eggs, milk, or oil according to the package instructions.

Do I need to melt the butter?

For this version, yes. Melted butter is easier to distribute over the dry cake mix and helps the topping bake more evenly.

Can I use salted butter?

Absolutely. Salted butter works perfectly well. The flavor may be slightly saltier, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use fresh or frozen fruit instead of pie filling?

You can, but you'll need to adjust the amount of sugar and liquid. Fresh and frozen fruit don't behave exactly like canned pie filling, so the texture and baking time may vary.

For the easiest, most reliable three-ingredient version, canned pie filling is recommended.

Can I prepare dump cake ahead of time?

You can assemble the layers shortly before baking, but for the best texture, bake it fresh. If you prepare it ahead, cover and refrigerate it and bake it promptly rather than leaving the dry cake mix sitting on the wet filling for hours.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, dump cakes can be made in a slow cooker, but the cooking time and topping texture will differ. The oven version gives a more golden top.

How do I know when dump cake is done?

The fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges, and the topping should look golden and cooked rather than powdery. Baking time varies depending on the oven and baking dish.

3 Ingredient Dump Cake Recipe Card

Easy 3 Ingredient Cherry Dump Cake

A buttery golden topping layered over sweet cherry filling. Perfect for family desserts, potlucks, and holidays.

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOK TIME

45–55 minutes

TOTAL TIME

50–60 minutes

SERVINGS

10–12

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

  • 1 box (about 15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix

  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

  2. Spread cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom.

  3. Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit.

  4. Drizzle melted butter across the cake mix.

  5. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the topping is golden and cooked.

  6. Rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

  7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

APPROXIMATE NUTRITION PER SERVING

Calories: 390

Protein: 3 g

Carbohydrates: 61 g

Fat: 16 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 39 g

Estimated for 12 servings, without ice cream or other toppings. Actual nutrition varies by brand.

Final Thoughts

This 3 Ingredient Dump Cake is one of those desserts that proves homemade treats don't need to be complicated.

With just cherry pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter, you can create a warm, fruity dessert with a golden, buttery topping that everyone will want to try.

It's easy enough for an ordinary weeknight, delicious enough for a holiday gathering, and perfect when you need a dessert without spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen.

My favorite way to serve it? Warm from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious!

If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and comment below. I'd love to know which fruit filling you used! And don't forget to share your finished dessert on Pinterest so other home cooks can discover this easy little treasure.

More Easy Dessert Recipes You'll Love

If you enjoyed this simple dump cake, here are a few more sweet treats to add to your recipe list:

  • Easy Peach Cobbler

  • Southern 4-Ingredient Butter Dip Biscuits

  • Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

  • Easy Blueberry Dump Cake

  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

  • Classic 3-Ingredient Fruit Cobbler

Happy baking!