This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Craving a sweet treat without all the fuss? This mini Cherry Dump Cake is the answer! A delightful small batch dessert, this small dump cake combines the sweet flavors of cherries with a moist cake topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth on a whim.

Explore our delightful range of small cake recipes, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings! Try the rich and chocolaty Texas Sheet Cake, the unique and flavorful Hummingbird Cake, the decadent German Chocolate Cake, and the classic, buttery Pound Cake. Each mini cake recipe is a perfect blend of taste and charm, ideal for small gatherings or a personal treat.

Why You’ll Love This Small Dump Cake Recipe

  • Effortless Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and no need for mixing, this recipe brings a delectable dessert to your table with ease.
  • Ideal Serving Size: Baked in a 5×7 inch dish, this small cake recipe perfect for one or two servings. Enjoy it yourself or share with someone special.
  • Versatility in Serving: Whether hot or cold, with whipped cream or without, you’ll find endless ways to savor this cake.
  • Time-saving Convenience: Skip the elaborate preparations and dive into baking a dessert that’s ready in no time.
  • Rich, Satisfying Flavor: The blend of cherries with a moist cake creates an indulgent taste that delights the palate. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat, this cake fits the bill.

What Is A Dump Cake?

A dump cake is exactly what it sounds like – a cake that’s made by dumping all the ingredients into a baking dish, no mixing is required! A Cherry Dump Cake takes this simplicity to a whole new level, combining canned cherry pie filling with cake mix for a scrumptiously sweet dessert.

RELATED: Best Small Batch Cookie Recipes

A cherry dump cake in a mini baking dish with a jar of maraschino cherries in the background.

RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For Busy College Students

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small dump cake recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Cherry pie filling: This ingredient is the highlight of the dish, providing a rich and fruity flavor that makes the cake truly delightful. If you want to explore other tastes, you can substitute it with different fruit fillings. Most grocery stores stock canned cherry pie filling, usually found in the baking aisle or alongside canned fruits. The standard can size is 20 ounces, but for this recipe, you’ll only need half (10 ounces).
  • Maraschino cherries: I use an entire 10 ounce jar in this recipe. Use the juice as well as the cherries. Use extra cherries in single serve Ambrosia.
  • Boxed white cake mix: I prefer using white but you can use yellow cake mix or another favorite flavor instead. Use 1 1/2 cups of cake mix which is about half of the box.
  • Butter: I use salted butter. Slices of butter are placed on top of the cake mix before baking.
  • Whipped cream: This ingredient is optional. Add it to the top of your baked dump cake before serving, if desired.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here’s how you can make this Mini Cherry Dump Cake your own:

  • Different Fruit Fillings: Swap cherry for peach or apple.
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle some almonds or pecans for a crunchy texture.
  • Use Chocolate Cake Mix: For a richer flavor, try chocolate cake mix.
  • Add Spices: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
Send Me the Recipe!
Never lose this recipe! Get it in your inbox now. Plus, get weekly recipes for delicious single serving meals – all for free.

How To Make A Small Dump Cake

Creating a dump cake is a breeze, especially with this cherry-flavored delight. Here’s how to whip it up:

  1. Prepare the Cherry Base: Begin by emptying a jar of Maraschino cherries into a 5×7 inch baking dish. Layer cherry pie filling on top and spread both layers evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a juicy, fruity base for your cake.
  2. Layer with Cake Mix: Gently sprinkle white cake mix over the cherry layers, ensuring an even distribution. This step is key for achieving a perfect cakey top layer.
  3. Top with Butter Slices: Place thin slices of butter across the surface of the cake mix. Arrange them strategically to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This helps in creating a rich, golden crust as it bakes.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Place the cake in a preheated oven and bake at the designated temperature for about 50 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color on top, a sign that your cake is perfectly baked.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Let the cake cool slightly, then serve it warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. This adds a delightful contrast to the warm, fruity cake.
A slice of cherry dump cake on a small plate with a jar of maraschino cherries in the background.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying this Mini Cherry Dump Cake, the possibilities are endless. From pairing with ice cream to enjoying it on its own, here are some delightful options:

  • With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the cherry flavor.
  • Alone: Enjoy the cake on its own, relishing in the cherry goodness.
  • With Coffee: Pair it with a cup of coffee for a satisfying dessert experience.
  • With Fresh Berries: Add some fresh berries for an extra fruity twist.

Expert Tips

  • Right Size Baking Dish: Opt for a 5×7 inch baking dish for this recipe. This size is perfect for achieving the ideal depth and even cooking of your cherry dump cake.
  • Variety with Fruit Fillings: Feel free to get creative by trying different fruit fillings. Blueberry, peach, or apple can offer delightful variations in flavor. Experimenting with various fillings can bring a whole new taste experience to this classic dessert.
  • Even Cake Mix Distribution: Ensure you spread the cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Uniform distribution is key for consistent cooking and helps in forming that perfect golden crust on top of your dump cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling in this cherry dump cake recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh cherries, you can follow our small batch cherry pie filling recipe and double the ingredient amounts. You’ll need to pit and cook the cherries with some sugar and other ingredients to create the perfect texture and sweetness. This homemade option gives you the chance to enjoy the fresh cherry flavor in your dump cake and makes it even more special.

How do you know when a dump cake is done?

You’ll recognize that the cake is done when the cherry filling becomes bubbly around the edges and the top transforms into a beautiful golden brown hue. For this particular cherry dump cake recipe, the baking time usually ranges between 40 to 50 minutes. Monitoring these visual cues will ensure your cake is cooked to perfection, ready to be enjoyed warm with your favorite toppings!

How long does a cherry dump cake last?

If you have any leftovers, you can store the cherry dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To enjoy it warm again, just reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Can I use a different flavor cake mix in this cherry dump cake recipe?

Certainly! While this recipe calls for white cake mix, feel free to experiment with other flavors like yellow or butter cake mix to suit your taste preferences. Different cake mix flavors can bring a unique twist to the classic cherry dump cake.

RELATED: Apple Recipes For One

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

RELATED : Empty Nest Recipes – The Joys Of Cooking For Two

If you’ve tried this cherry dump cake or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Mini Cherry Dump Cake

5 from 5 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Indulge in a fuss-free mini Cherry Dump Cake, perfect for a quick sweet treat. A delightful small batch dessert blending sweet cherries with moist cake.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 (10 -ounce jar) maraschino cherries with the juice
  • 10 ounces cherry pie filling (½ of a 20-ounce can)
  • 1 ½ cups boxed white cake mix (usually ½ of a standard box of cake mix)
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
  • Prepare the Cherry Base: Begin by emptying a jar of Maraschino cherries into a 5×7 inch baking dish. Layer cherry pie filling on top and spread both layers evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a juicy, fruity base for your cake.
  • Layer with Cake Mix: Gently sprinkle white cake mix over the cherry layers, ensuring an even distribution. This step is key for achieving a perfect cakey top layer.
  • Top with Butter Slices: Place thin slices of butter across the surface of the cake mix. Arrange them strategically to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. This helps in creating a rich, golden crust as it bakes.
  • Bake to Perfection: Place the cake in a preheated oven and bake at the designated temperature for about 50 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color on top, a sign that your cake is perfectly baked.
  • Serve Warm and Enjoy: Let the cake cool slightly, then serve it warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. This adds a delightful contrast to the warm, fruity cake.

Notes

  • Right Size Baking Dish: Opt for a 5×7 inch baking dish for this recipe. This size is perfect for achieving the ideal depth and even cooking of your cherry dump cake.
  • Variety with Fruit Fillings: Feel free to get creative by trying different fruit fillings. Blueberry, peach, or apple can offer delightful variations in flavor. Experimenting with various fillings can bring a whole new taste experience to this classic dessert.
  • Even Cake Mix Distribution: Ensure you spread the cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Uniform distribution is key for consistent cooking and helps in forming that perfect golden crust on top of your dump cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 382kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 562mg, Potassium: 196mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 82g, Vitamin A: 495IU, Vitamin C: 2.6mg, Calcium: 441mg, Iron: 4mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Receive Our Latest Single Serving Recipes!
Sign Up for the weekly One Dish Kitchen Newsletter!!
Red 5-inch square baking dish with One Dish Kitchen branded paper sleeve around it.

Make 80+ Recipes With This Dish!

Ideal for home chefs, this individual square ceramic baking dish is safe for oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. Simple to use & easy to clean!

Welcome!

I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

More Ideas

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




37 Comments

  1. I would like to know the manufacture of the dish that is a light yellow and has wavy sides pictured in your post for this cherry dump cake. It has your logo in the bottom right.

    Thanks!

  2. Interestingly enough, I saw someone post about pie filling cakes on FB.
    I thought, “We need this but, not a big cake.”
    So, off to find One Dish Kitchen.
    Shazam!!! Its a mini dump cake.

    Perfect for we 2. :O)