Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Name: Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 can cherry pie filling; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 egg; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 15.25 ounce box vanilla cake mix; 10 Tablespoons butter, melted

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 can cherry pie filling
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15.25 ounce) box vanilla cake mix
10 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).
Pour the cherry pie filling into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly without mixing the layers.
Sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even distribution. Avoid stirring the layers together.
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbly.
Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	461
Total Fat	21g (27%)
Saturated Fat	13g (64%)
Cholesterol	72mg (24%)
Sodium	496mg (22%)
Total Carbohydrate	64g (23%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (3%)
Total Sugars	30g
Protein	4g (8%)
Vitamin C	2mg (2%)
Calcium	126mg (10%)
Iron	1mg (6%)
Potassium	126mg (3%)

History of the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

The Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is a modern take on the classic cheesecake, incorporating the convenience of a dump cake. The dump cake itself traces its roots back to the mid-20th century in America, with the invention of "dump cakes" credited to quick and easy recipes aimed at busy home cooks. The combination of fruit, cake mix, and butter created a dessert that required little preparation but yielded delicious results. The addition of cream cheese in the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings a smooth, tangy flavor that mimics the classic cheesecake filling, making this recipe a beloved variation.

Regional Features of the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert is most popular in the United States, especially in the South, where dump cakes have become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and barbecues. The Southern culinary tradition values simplicity and delicious flavors, and this recipe embodies both. While cherry pie filling is commonly used in the recipe, variations can be found with different fruit fillings like blueberry, peach, or even apple, reflecting regional preferences for seasonal fruits.

What Sets the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Apart?

At first glance, the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake might appear similar to other fruit-based dump cakes or cobblers. However, its distinct feature lies in the layer of cream cheese filling that gives the dessert a rich, tangy flavor akin to cheesecake. Unlike traditional cobblers, which often have a biscuit or cake-like topping, the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake uses a box of cake mix as the topping, creating a crumbly, buttery crust that contrasts with the smooth cream cheese and fruity filling. This makes it both a cheesecake and a dump cake, combining the best of both worlds.

Where is it Typically Served?

This indulgent dessert is often served at casual gatherings like family dinners, holiday parties, or picnics. Its easy preparation and universal appeal make it a go-to dessert for both novice and seasoned bakers. Whether its served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is versatile and well-suited for any occasion. You can often find it on dessert tables at potlucks, where its popularity continues to grow thanks to its sweet, comforting flavors.

Interesting Facts About Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Despite its name, "dump cake" refers to the ease of preparationingredients are literally "dumped" into the pan and baked together.
While this recipe is often made with canned cherry pie filling, you can swap it out for fresh or frozen fruit, giving it a personal twist.
The dish is a hit for those who enjoy quick and easy desserts that require minimal effort yet deliver a crowd-pleasing result.
In some regions, the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is made with a mix of cherries and other fruits, like peaches or strawberries, for added flavor variety.

In conclusion, the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is more than just a dessertits a comforting treat that brings together the best aspects of both cheesecake and dump cake. Its versatility and simplicity ensure that it will continue to be a favorite in kitchens for years to come.

FAQ about Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

The Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake should be stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can also store it at room temperature for 1-2 days, but refrigeration will help maintain its freshness.

Yes, you can make this dessert a day ahead. Simply prepare the cake, bake it, and then let it cool completely. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve the next day. If needed, you can also reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Yes, you can freeze the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!

Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings, such as blueberry, strawberry, or peach. You can also use fresh or frozen fruit like mixed berries or even apple slices for a different flavor twist.

Yes, you can use a different cake mix, such as chocolate, yellow, or even a gluten-free cake mix. The flavor and texture may change depending on the cake mix you choose, but the overall result should still be delicious.

If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese, or even a vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The texture will vary slightly, but it should still work well in the recipe.

If your dump cake is soggy in the middle, it could be due to underbaking. Make sure to bake it for the full 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If you're using a convection oven, you may need to adjust the temperature or baking time slightly.

While some prefer placing pats of cold butter on top of the cake mix to ensure a crispier texture, you can use melted butter if that's what you prefer. Just be sure to pour it evenly over the top to ensure a good distribution.

Yes, you can definitely add nuts to this dessert! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be sprinkled on top before baking for added texture and flavor.

Yes, if you're looking to make this recipe egg-free, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use 1/4 cup of applesauce as a binder.

Comments

Wil

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Great recipe! To the notes of everyone here and other recipes, do not melt your butter. Cut pats of butter and cover the top of the cake mix. It really minimizes the cake mix powder on top. Also a stick and a half works much better, lol, and makes it mo' better!

Robert

04/22/2025 04:10:22 PM

Other than the cream cheese filling, which sounded fantastic, we've been making this dessert for years. My opinion was one can of pie filling would not be enough for a 9x13 pan so I used two. Also next time I make it I will also double the cream cheese filling as I had a hard time even noticing it. in addition I added some chopped walnuts to the top. This is definately a recipe that I will make again.

Camo Collins

09/12/2025 01:13:28 PM

The base recipe is a great idea however, it is easily "SOOPED UP" from GREAT to FANTASTIC..! These are my EZ tweaks and why. You have to use a 9 X 13 casserole because that's a lot of cake mix. Increase to TWO Kroger 21 oz EXTRA CHERRY pie filling (at least) OR I use 1 can Kroger pie filling and ONE 16 oz bag frozen cherries. Both are great..! Increase cream cheese to TWO 8 oz boxes. Increase to TWO eggs and 2 tsp vanilla but keep sugar @ 1/2 cup. This makes the filling tangy-ier and more like cheese cake . Use 2 sticks of cold butter and cut thin and place them end to end in a blanket fashion all over the top of the dry cake mix. If you need more butter to complete your "blanket" then do it..! I baked mine @ 350 for 48 minutes. I started checking it at 40 minutes since it was my first time. It came out perfect; golden brown crusty on the top w/ bubbling edges. EZ & Deeeelicious..!

Ita

03/20/2025 09:32:57 AM

So delicious and so easy! Love the cheesecake layer. I drizzled the melted butter all around the sides of cake mix layer for nice crispy edges. Going to make this again using strawberries or blueberries. Yum!

Regina Wagner

06/01/2025 03:04:22 AM

Absolutely delicious! My son LOVES it! First time I made it with strawberries and this time I made it with blueberries. 😋

Mo

09/20/2025 11:41:06 PM

I don't care for the crust on the top. Everything mushed together. If I make it again, the cake mix will go on the bottom, then cream cheese with cherries on the top like a traditional cherry cheese cake.

Maranda

07/24/2025 03:34:13 AM

It was amaaaazing!! Thank you for sharing this with us!!!.... gonna try making this tonight but I'm gonna use peaches 🍑 and pineapples 🍍

Zeke

08/06/2025 12:32:55 PM

Easy recipe and definitely a crowd favorite. I added some chocolate covered cherries on top as a garnish.

Sheletha

09/22/2025 12:10:21 PM

Love the recipe. Can you use other fruits

Rebekah McCoy

07/28/2025 02:37:59 PM

I added apple pie seasoning, cinnamon, a nutmeg i forgot to say I didn't use cherry pie filling, I don't like it. I used apple instead.

TealGoat7012

07/15/2025 08:50:04 PM

Perfect dessert!

martin

07/07/2025 10:01:04 PM

Nope

Edna

06/25/2025 11:31:56 AM

Can I use Stawberry frozen ?

RHP

06/25/2025 02:21:47 AM

Other than using the convection setting on my stove, which has left my cornbread soggy in the middle on occasion, I followed it to the letter. I think mine could have baked another 10-15 minutes & an elderly lady in the grocery store once told me, "Always add an extra egg to whatever you bake." She claimed it made it more puffy & light. I may try next time. Oh there will be a next time! I may experiment with blueberry or pineapple & maybe some brown sugar on the bottom. I love the taste of this and the simplicity! Thank you! Oh! I forgot to melt my butter so I just did like another baker did & just placed pats of butter on top. Off to have another bowl full.

TimidDuck2983

06/07/2025 08:25:57 PM

Omgoodness! This has the best flavor and just enough crusty! I wouldn't change a thing!

William Williams

04/03/2025 10:44:16 PM

Bro, zero regrets — tastes insane.

Paula Golden

03/30/2025 08:55:21 PM

I followed the directions, and it could be that the canned cherry pie filling looked like there was hardly anything in it. But it felt like something was missing. The top where the butter was, was cruspy/tough. Not sure where I went wrong, but I'll keep looking for that perfect recipe.

Little Debbie Brownie Tree Dip Recipe

View Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Deviled Blondies Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Chocolate Chipless Cookies Recipe

View Recipe

audio version

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

History of the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Regional Features of the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

What Sets the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Apart?

Where is it Typically Served?

Interesting Facts About Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

FAQ about Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe