Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Cherry pie filling: A sweet and tangy filling made from cherries, sugar, and a thickening agent. It provides the fruity base for the cake.

Gluten-free yellow cake mix: A pre-packaged mix that contains all the dry ingredients needed to make a yellow cake, but without any gluten. It forms the cake layer in this recipe.

Butter: Melted butter is poured over the cake mix to create a rich, golden crust as it bakes.

To ensure an even distribution of the melted butter over the gluten-free yellow cake mix, try using a basting brush or a spoon to drizzle it slowly and evenly. This helps to avoid dry spots and ensures a consistently golden brown crust.

• Cherry pie filling - Substitute with blueberry pie filling: Blueberries provide a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative for a different flavor profile.

• Cherry pie filling - Substitute with apple pie filling: Apples offer a different but complementary taste and texture, adding variety to the dessert.

• Gluten-free yellow cake mix - Substitute with gluten-free white cake mix: White cake mix has a similar texture and sweetness, ensuring the cake remains light and fluffy.

• Gluten-free yellow cake mix - Substitute with gluten-free chocolate cake mix: For a richer, more decadent flavor, chocolate cake mix can be used while still maintaining the gluten-free requirement.

• Melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• Melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative while still providing the necessary fat and moisture for the cake.

• Allow the cherry dump cake to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps to maintain the texture and flavor of the dessert.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• If you plan to freeze the cherry dump cake, first cut it into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, place the wrapped portions in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• Store the wrapped portions in the freezer for up to 3 months. This ensures the cake retains its flavor and texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired portions in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the integrity of the dessert.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed portions in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• For an extra touch, serve the reheated cherry dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a delightful contrast to the warm, fruity dessert.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cherry dump cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crisp texture of the cake mix topping.

• Microwave Method: Scoop a portion of the cherry dump cake into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is quick but may soften the crust.

• Stovetop Method: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a portion of the cherry dump cake to the skillet. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method can help retain some of the crispiness of the cake mix topping.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry dump cake in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method can help revive the crunchy texture of the cake mix topping.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry dump cake in a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method is great for smaller portions and helps maintain the texture of the cake mix topping.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the cake.

• Baking dish: Spread the cherry pie filling and layer the cake mix and butter.

• Can opener: Open the cans of cherry pie filling.

• Measuring cup: Measure 1 cup of melted butter.

• Microwave or stovetop: Melt the butter.

• Spatula: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.

• Knife: Cut the butter if needed before melting.

• Oven mitts: Safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-melted butter: Save time by using pre-melted butter from the store or melting it in the microwave.

Opt for canned filling: Using canned cherry pie filling eliminates the need for prepping fresh cherries.

Evenly distribute ingredients: Spread the cherry pie filling and cake mix evenly to ensure a consistent bake.

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use a non-stick baking dish: A non-stick baking dish makes for easy cleanup and quicker serving.