This Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake is an incredibly easy and gooey recipe, which is made with cherry pie filling and yellow cake mix. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 55 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake Ingredients
A simple list for one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make.
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 (21-oz.) cans cherry pie filling
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 cup salted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 (15.25-oz.) box yellow cake mix
- Cherry-vanilla ice cream, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake
A step-by-step guide to this simple and delicious dessert.
- Prep the Oven and Skillet: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the Cherry Base: Pour the cherry pie filling into the skillet. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the cold butter cubes over the cherry filling. Pour the dry yellow cake mix directly over the cherry mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
- Top with Butter: Scatter the remaining cubes of cold butter evenly over the top of the dry cake mix.
- Bake the Cake: Place the skillet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best served warm, topped with a generous scoop of cherry-vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips
For the perfect gooey dump cake every time.
- Should I stir the cake mix in? No! The magic of a dump cake is that you do not stir. The dry cake mix combines with the fruit filling from the bottom and the melting butter from the top to create a delicious, gooey, cobbler-like texture.
- Why use cold butter? Using cold, cubed butter and distributing it evenly over the top is crucial. As the cake bakes, the butter melts and moistens the dry cake mix, creating pockets of rich flavor and helping to form the golden-brown crust.
- Can I use a different pie filling? Absolutely. This recipe is fantastic with almost any canned fruit pie filling. Try peach, blueberry, apple, or even strawberry for a different variation.
- Can I add nuts? Yes! For a bit of crunch, sprinkle about a half cup of chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top of the cake mix before adding the butter.
What To Serve With Cherry Dump Cake
The perfect accompaniments for this warm, gooey dessert.
This simple cake is a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with:
- A big scoop of vanilla bean or cherry-vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream
- A sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch
How To Store Cherry Dump Cake
Keeping your dessert fresh for later.
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover the skillet or baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is it called a dump cake?
It gets its name from the preparation method. You simply u0022dumpu0022 the ingredients into the pan in layers without much mixing, making it one of the easiest and quickest desserts to assemble.
Can I make a dump cake in a Crock-Pot?
Yes, a dump cake can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as instructed in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for about 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, until the filling is bubbly and the top is set.
Do I have to use a cast-iron skillet?
No, a standard 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. A cast-iron skillet gives it a rustic presentation and can create slightly crispier edges, but the results will be delicious either way.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Description
The ultimate easy dessert, this cherry dump cake requires just a few ingredients layered in a pan for a warm, gooey, and delicious cobbler-like treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-inch skillet or 9×13-inch pan.
- Spread the cherry pie filling in the pan and stir in the vanilla.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the butter cubes over the cherries.
- Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the top. Do not stir.
- Scatter the remaining butter cubes over the cake mix.
- Bake for 50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm with ice cream.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe key to a dump cake is not to stir the layers. Let the ingredients work their magic in the oven.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing cold butter cut into small cubes and distributing it evenly is essential for creating a perfectly moist and golden topping.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis recipe is highly adaptable; feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like peach or blueberry.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the cake mix before baking.u003c/liu003e
