Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake (So Easy and So Good!)
If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better, this cherry cheesecake dump cake is it. Made with just a few simple ingredients and barely any prep, it’s the kind of dessert that feels special without requiring much effort. The combination of sweet cherries, tangy cream cheese, and buttery cake topping is downright addictive. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat after dinner, this dump cake is always a hit.
Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This recipe is perfect for when you need something quick, comforting, and crowd pleasing. You can keep it simple or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you love easy dessert recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out a few more of my favorites like Strawberry Icebox Cake, Kool-Aid Pie, and Peanut Butter Cake. They’re all made with easy pantry ingredients and deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
The best part? No mixer, no fuss, and no baking skills required. You literally dump everything into the pan and bake. This cherry cheesecake dump cake is the definition of a no-stress dessert. And if you have extra cherries in the freezer or a cake mix in the pantry, you’re halfway there.
What You Will Love About This Recipe:
• It uses simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand
• No mixing bowls required — just layer and bake
• The flavor combo of cherry and cream cheese is delicious
• Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight cravings
• You can easily customize it with different fruits or cake mix flavors
Tips & Tricks:
• Don’t worry if you don’t use the entire bag of frozen cherries — about ¾ of a standard bag works great
• Cut the butter into thin slices to help it melt evenly over the cake mix
• Make sure all the cake mix is covered with butter so there are no dry patches
• If you want extra richness, you can drizzle a little sweetened condensed milk over the top before baking
• Serve warm for the best flavor and texture — it also reheats beautifully
FAQs:
Do I need to thaw the frozen cherries?
Nope! You can add them straight to the pan frozen. They’ll bake up perfectly in the oven.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely. White cake mix or even vanilla works well too. Yellow cake mix just adds a nice buttery flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it ahead and reheat individual servings in the microwave. It’s best served warm, but leftovers are just as delicious.
Can I skip the cream cheese?
You can, but it adds a really nice cheesecake-like flavor and texture. It’s worth including if you have it.
Searching For More Dump Cake Recipes
- Peaches and Cream Dump Cake | Here is a fantastic pairing. If you love the classic peaches and cream desserts you will love this moist dump cake.
- Ninja Foodi Apple Dump Cake | I love apples next to cake, so this was a great one for me. If you have a Ninja Foodi try making this dessert in your appliance.
- Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake | Calling all lemon lovers. This recipe is one that will go down in history. It is loaded with creamy lemon, cream cheese, and of course your moist cake.
- Instant Pot S’mores Dump Cake | If you are a fan of the classic marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker dessert you have to try this s’mores dump cake.
Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
5 ingredients are all it takes to make this cherry cheesecake dump cake. A box cake mix gets a makeover with cherries, cream cheese, and is baked to perfection. Dump cakes became increasingly popular in the 1960's. Its ease to make and delicious results have kept this a superstar recipe ever since.
Ingredients
- 1 Can, 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 1 Bag frozen cherries
- 4 Ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 1 Package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup 1 stick butter, cut into thin slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13' x 9' baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread cherry pie filling and frozen cherries in prepared pan. (I did not use my entire bag of frozen cherries, you can use as many as you like. I used about 3/4 of the bag)
- Scatter cream cheese pieces over cherries.
- Top with cake mix, spreading evenly.
- Top with butter in a single layer. Cover cake mix completely. Its possible that you may need a few extra slices of butter from another stick. You want to make sure all of the cake mix is covered, so use a bit extra butter if needed.
- Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm if possible.
Notes
Adapted from Quick & Easy Dump Cakes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 490Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 626mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 2gSugar: 31gProtein: 4g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
Should I prepare the cake mix at all? Like add the wet ingredients (eggs, milk, etc)?
Not at all. That is the beauty of these recipes. You just add the dry cake mix, but make sure you cover the top completely with butter slices. The butter is enough liquid as it cooks and melts to turn your cake mix into pure yumminess.
I would to try making this in cupcake form. Any thoughts?
It could work. The key is just making sure you cover all of the cake mix with butter. Worst case you may want to try making it in a mini loaf pan, that may be a bit easier then a cupcake.
I made this back in the 70’s. It was a little different. You spread a can of crushed pineapple on top of the cherry pie filling. You didn’t add extra cherries or cream cheese. On top of the cake mix and butter, you sprinkled on coconut and nuts. It was called “The Thing”! Good stuff!!!
I learned a long time ago to use room temperature butter and mix it into the dry cake mix, until it resembles crumbs, then spread it over the filling. It gives you a much better, evenly distributed crust.
Interesting idea. I may just give it a try the next time I make it.
Fabulous recipe. Ive made dumps cakes before, but this one was a real winner. My community choir often has dish-to-pass gatherings. Last June we had our Annual Meeting and I was looking for something simple to make and I found your recipe. I made it (along with about 4 dozen no-bake cookies) and I came home with only a tiny smidgen for a family member (as compared to the 2 dozen that came home). It was such a hit that 3 people asked for the recipe. Now, as we prepare for our new season we are planning an Meet and Greet and the president of the choir board said in a recent email to the choir, “We’re still looking for whomever brought that cherry dessert at the June Annual Meeting.” I’ve never had a dessert make that much of an impression that people are still talking about it. Thank you so much for sharing it with the world!!
I finally tried this tonight I love it thanks
I am trying this cherry cheesecake dump cake with a chocolate cake mix.
I just made the apple toffee dump cake as well…just for fun because I absolutely love to bake! ❤☺
I made this tonight for our Easter lunch with our Church Family tomorrow. I followed the directions except for the frozen cherries, I substituted frozen mixed berries I had in the freezer. Then to decorate it for Easter I used cool whip for “icing” and then added peeps and mini malt eggs. It turned out really good and cute!
It sounds amazing!!! <3
This looks yummy! I must be missing something, this recipe has the same ingredients but it’s about twice the calories of the Instant pot recipe. I wanted to make this but too many calories. What?
It is very possible I have the caloric information incorrect. Our systems for calculating are easily goofed. I will double check it as well