Oh my gosh, you have to try this crockpot cherry dump cake! It’s the dessert that saved my sanity last week when I needed something sweet but had zero time. I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off (you know those days), and bam – 5 minutes of dumping ingredients into the slow cooker later, my house smelled like a bakery. The best part? That magical moment when the cake mix, butter, and cherries transform into this gooey, crispy-topped wonder while you go about your day. My kids now call it “magic cake” because it practically makes itself!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Listen, I know what you’re thinking—dump cake sounds too good to be true. But trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer! Here’s why it’s become my go-to dessert:
- Effortless magic: Just dump, layer, and walk away—no mixing bowls or fancy techniques required
- That perfect texture: The crispy golden top gives way to warm, jammy cherries underneath
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids go nuts for it, and adults always ask for seconds (especially with vanilla ice cream melting on top)
- Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you probably already have on hand
- Slow cooker wonder: Frees up your oven and fills your home with the most amazing cherry-vanilla aroma
Seriously, it’s like having your cake and eating it too—without any of the usual baking stress!
Ingredients for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Here’s the beautiful part – you only need 3 main ingredients (plus one fun extra if you’re feeling fancy)! I always keep these staples in my pantry for last-minute dessert emergencies:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling – Don’t skimp here, get the good stuff with plump cherries
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix – The classic Betty Crocker works perfectly
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Real butter makes all the difference
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) – Pecans or walnuts add amazing crunch
See? I told you it was simple! Now let’s make some magic happen.
How to Make Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! This is seriously the easiest dessert you’ll ever make – just follow these simple steps and resist the urge to stir (I know it’s tempting!).
Step 1: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
First, grab your crockpot and pour in that glorious cherry pie filling. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom – you want every bite to have that jammy cherry goodness!
Step 2: Add the Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry cake mix right over the cherries. Here’s the important part: don’t stir! Just let it sit there like a fluffy yellow blanket covering the cherries.
Step 3: Drizzle Melted Butter
Take your melted butter and drizzle it slowly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. This creates those irresistible crispy bits on top!
Step 4: Optional Nuts and Cooking
If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle them on. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to LOW, and let it work its magic for 3-4 hours. Check at 3 hours – you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and set.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
After making this dump cake more times than I can count (my neighbors keep requesting it!), I’ve learned a few tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time:
- Hands off! Resist the urge to stir – the magic happens in those undisturbed layers
- Early peek: Start checking at 3 hours to prevent overcooking (slow cookers vary wildly)
- Crispy bits: For extra crunch, tilt your butter drizzling to create uneven coverage
- Serve warm: It’s best right from the crockpot with melty ice cream on top
- Switch it up: Try different pie fillings – blueberry is my second favorite!
Trust me, follow these tips and you’ll be the dump cake hero of every potluck!
Common Questions About Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often from friends and readers:
What’s the biggest mistake to avoid? Stirring! I know it’s tempting, but leaving those beautiful layers undisturbed is what creates the perfect texture contrast between the gooey cherries and crisp topping.
Does it need refrigeration? Yes! Cover any leftovers and pop them in the fridge – they’ll keep for about 3 days. We usually reheat slices for 15 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-crockpot warmth.
Can you really bake in a slow cooker? Absolutely! The low, even heat works wonders for dump cakes. Just make sure your crock is oven-safe if you’re ever tempted to finish it under the broiler for extra crispiness.
Can I use brownie mix instead? Oh my gosh, yes! Swap the yellow cake mix for brownie mix and you’ve got yourself a fudgy chocolate-cherry delight. Just watch the cooking time – it might need a bit less.
Serving and Storing Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Here’s my favorite part – digging into that warm, bubbly cake straight from the crockpot! I always serve it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the cherry filling – pure heaven. For leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!), just cover the crock with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm and gooey again. Pro tip: Cold leftovers make an amazing breakfast treat – not that I’d know anything about that!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake
Okay, let’s be real – we’re not eating dump cake for its health benefits! But for those curious, here’s the approximate nutrition per serving (based on 8 slices): about 320 calories, 25g sugar, and 12g fat. Remember, these are estimates – your actual numbers will vary depending on brands and optional add-ins like nuts. My philosophy? Enjoy every gooey bite guilt-free – life’s too short to stress over dessert numbers!
Did this crockpot cherry dump cake become your new favorite lazy dessert? I’d love to hear about it! Snap a pic of your creation and tag me, or leave a comment below telling me how it turned out. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your dump cake victories – the good, the gooey, and the oh-so-delicious!
Print3-Ingredient Crockpot Cherry Dump Cake Will Wow You
A simple and delicious crockpot cherry dump cake made with minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for a quick dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes - 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix over the cherry filling.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
- Add chopped nuts on top if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the top is golden and set.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Do not stir the ingredients after layering.
- Check for doneness after 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
