When you need a no-fuss dessert that practically makes itself, a slow cooker cherry dump cake is the answer. It’s a classic comfort dessert with minimal prep, zero stress, and maximum flavor.
The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity. Just “dump” the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. In a few hours, you’ll have a warm, gooey, sweet treat that tastes like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy dessert without turning on your oven. It’s especially great in the summer months when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat up the house.
Using canned cherry pie filling means you don’t have to fuss with pitting or cooking cherries. It’s a shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction.
Yellow cake mix creates a golden, buttery topping that’s perfectly crisp around the edges and soft and fluffy underneath. The combination of tart cherries and rich cake is completely irresistible.
Butter is the magic ingredient that helps the topping bake up beautifully in the slow cooker. As it melts, it soaks into the cake mix, giving it a rich texture and buttery flavor.
You can elevate the flavor by adding almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cherry filling. A little goes a long way in enhancing the dessert.
This recipe is also flexible. You can switch out the cherry pie filling for apple, blueberry, or peach, or mix two for a unique twist.
It’s a kid-friendly recipe that’s also nostalgic for adults who grew up on dump cakes. Everyone loves a warm serving of fruit and cake topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Speaking of ice cream, vanilla or even a swirl of cherry or almond-flavored ice cream pairs beautifully with this dessert.
Cleanup is minimal, especially if you use a slow cooker liner. It’s practically effortless from start to finish.
You’ll love how hands-off this recipe is. While it cooks, you can focus on your main meal or enjoy time with guests.
Even though it’s called a “cake,” the texture is closer to a cobbler, which makes it perfect for those who like a fruity dessert with a buttery crumble.
Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting and treat yourself to a dessert that’s as comforting as it is easy.
Servings: 6-8 servings
Time: Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 3 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or cinnamon
Instructions:
- Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker or line it with a slow cooker liner.
- Pour cherry pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- If using almond extract or cinnamon, mix it into the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top of the filling. Do not stir.
- Place butter slices evenly across the surface of the cake mix.
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- For a crispier topping, uncover the slow cooker for the last 15–20 minutes.
- Use a spoon to gently swirl the topping mid-cook for a marbled effect.
- Substitute with chocolate or spice cake mix for a flavor variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Slow Cooker Cherry Dump Cake is the ultimate easy dessert. It’s warm, fruity, buttery, and requires almost no effort—perfect for any occasion.
Need a quick dessert with no stress? Try this Slow Cooker Cherry Dump Cake! Just dump, cook, and enjoy a warm, fruity dessert topped with buttery golden cake.
