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    Design Dazzle » My Projects

    Published: Aug 30, 2016 · Modified: May 27, 2024 by Toni Roberts · This post may contain affiliate links · 77 Comments

    The Easiest Dessert Ever (Only Three Ingredients)

    QUICK & EASY Dessert
    QUICK & EASY
    The Easiest Dessert Ever (only 3 ingredients). You will love this dessert - it's super easy and quite yummy!! It only takes 5 minutes to make! | Design Dazzle

    This dessert is commonly known as the “cherry dump cake,” and oh, how easy it is to make! it’s just like the title says, The Easiest Dessert Ever (Only Three Ingredients). That’s right–only three ingredients! And what’s even better is that these three ingredients are things that you are easy to keep on hand. One ingredient is butter, and that is something I like to buy in bulk, then store in the freezer. It saves money, and it’s more convenient for me. The other two ingredients I keep in my pantry at all times so this is a quick and easy dessert to make.

    One of the best parts about this dessert is it can also be made GLUTEN FREE!! It’s so easy to make a yummy, gluten-free dessert.

    The Easiest Dessert Ever (only 3 ingredients). You will love this dessert - it's super easy and quite yummy!! It only takes 5 minutes to make! | Design Dazzle

    It was years and years ago when I FIRST made this recipe (I was in my early 20’s), I am happy to make it anytime as a dessert ! Seriously, it is so great when it comes to needing a SUPER easy, yummy dessert. Hosting a dinner party for friends, or any kind of gathering takes a lot of work. Often times, dessert is just one more thing to worry about. With this recipe though, there is no need for dessert-related anxiety. It literally takes only five minutes to make (and about 40 to bake)! And, to top that off, it is fool-proof! There is hardly any room for mistakes–it’s that simple. Just watch that oven timer, and you will be fine!

    The Easiest Dessert Ever (Only Three Ingredients)

     

    The Easiest Dessert Ever (only 3 ingredients). You will love this dessert - it's super easy and quite yummy!! It only takes 5 minutes to make! | Design Dazzle

    Ingredients for 9 x 13 pan:

    • 2 cans of cherry pie filling  21 oz each (or any other fruit pie filling you desire i.e. blueberries, peaches, etc.)
    • 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any other cake flavor according to your preference – my favorite is yellow cake). Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free dessert.
    • 2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
    • optional sliced almonds

    Ingredients for 8 x 8 pan:

    • 1 can of cherry pie filling  30 oz  (or any other fruit pie filling you desire i.e. blueberries, peaches, etc.)
    • 1 box of yellow cake mix (or any other cake flavor according to your preference – my favorite is yellow cake). Use gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free dessert
    • 1  – 1 ½ stick of butter (½  – ¾ cup)  I think it’s a little better with ¾ cup of butter!

    As you can see, there are many variations you can try with this recipe– which makes it even more wonderful! For my cake mix when I make it, I use a gluten-free mix. Of course, any cake mix will do though.

    To make this dessert:

    The Easiest Dessert Ever (only 3 ingredients). You will love this dessert - it's super easy and quite yummy!! It only takes 5 minutes to make! | Design Dazzle
    The Easiest Dessert Ever (only 3 ingredients). You will love this dessert - it's super easy and quite yummy!! It only takes 5 minutes to make! | Design Dazzle

    Dump the entire contents of the cherry filling can into the bottom of the pan.

    Next, add the entire bag of cake mix, and even it out by spreading the mix across the entire span of the pan. Cover the cherries completely.

    Lastly, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Pour the butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix. There will be spots that don’t have butter on it, don’t worry it all works out in the end. If you’d like, you may sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top of the dessert.

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    Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 40 -45 minutes. The time is the same for either size pan.

    CROCK POT VERSION:

    Or, if you would rather not heat up the house by turning your oven on, you can bake this dessert in the crock pot instead! Layer the ingredients the same way you would when preparing a pan for the oven. Let the dessert bake for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

    And there you have it! The quickest, simplest dessert to ever grace your home! Or at least, my home! 🙂

    If you would like, you can serve this dish topped with whipped cream or a side of ice cream. Or, perhaps, even both!

    I hope you also enjoy this delicious sweet treat! Talk about a win all-around!

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    Comments

    1. erika says

      September 02, 2016 at 10:17 am

      oh my gosh….this looks so easy and delicious! i know i have to make this very soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        September 06, 2016 at 1:29 pm

        Erika!
        You have got to try it! If you like nuts, make sure to add some. They are the finishing touch!
        Thanks,
        Toni

        Reply
    2. James S says

      July 24, 2017 at 6:49 am

      Looks delicious! Only 3 ingredients – amazing!! I can’t wait to try it out.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        September 23, 2017 at 9:17 pm

        It is really yummy.

        Reply
    3. Brenda Ramaley says

      October 02, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      Do you use I can or 2 cans of pie filling. Your directions are confusing.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        June 21, 2022 at 10:13 pm

        I’m sorry you find it confusing. I’ve offered two pan sizes for those who need to make larger or smaller servings.

        INGREDIENTS FOR 9 X 13 PAN:
        2 cans of cherry pie filling 21 oz each

        INGREDIENTS FOR 8 X 8 PAN:
        1 can of cherry pie filling 30 oz

        Reply
        • Joyce says

          October 29, 2023 at 7:45 am

          Thank you very much. I’m going to do a trial run before the holidays!

          Reply
          • Toni - Design Dazzle says

            October 31, 2023 at 4:42 pm

            My favorite is to serve with ice cream! Enjoy!

            Reply
      • Judy says

        May 17, 2023 at 4:29 pm

        The recipe shows both ways to make this dessert. Make it in a 8×8 pan or the 9×13 pan. There’s even a Crockpot version. I’m making it with blueberry pie filling. Hope you enjoy the recipe. **

        Reply
      • PaulaR says

        October 20, 2023 at 1:10 pm

        1 can for 8×8″ pan
        2 cans for 9×13′ pan

        Reply
    4. Gail d says

      January 20, 2022 at 1:52 pm

      I’m going to try this with a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling, like Black Forest cake. Thanks for sharing, yumm

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        February 10, 2022 at 8:33 pm

        I love those flavors together! Enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Patty Casebolt says

      May 08, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      How long do you cook it if you use a sheet pan?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        May 18, 2022 at 11:53 pm

        I’ve never used a sheet pan before. Sorry I wouldn’t know.

        Reply
    6. Flo Jones says

      July 18, 2022 at 10:58 am

      This looks so easy and yummy!! It also looks similar to a cake that I have REALLY searched for many months. I had it in high school in the fifties. It was called “Cherries Jubilee”. It looked like yellow cake with cherry pie filling on top, but it tasted like more than that. The cherries drizzled down the sides and was thinner than pie filling. Has anyone ever seen a recipe for this? If so can you please tell me where I can find it please?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        August 03, 2022 at 12:11 pm

        Hi Flo!
        I am not familiar with that cake. Sounds yummy. Try this one and see how you like it. It’s a family favorite and so easy.

        Reply
      • Linda Bonkrud says

        December 28, 2023 at 9:49 am

        I had it in High School too. Back then everything was homemade, so the cake would have been from scratch. The cherries were probably from the large commercial size cans. They may have cooked them with a little thickener.

        Reply
        • Toni - Design Dazzle says

          January 05, 2024 at 9:45 am

          Awesome.

          Reply
    7. Dorothy says

      January 07, 2023 at 3:23 pm

      what size crock pot? please send reply to email.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        January 25, 2023 at 11:43 pm

        Hi Dorothy!
        I have a standard-size crock pot of 6-7 quarts. It seems like a foolproof recipe for that size.
        Enjoy.

        Reply
    8. Judy says

      May 17, 2023 at 4:23 pm

      Glad you gave both choices for making this easy recipe. My husband and I could devour the smaller size ourselves. If only some people would read the complete recipe they would have the answer to their own questions
      I plan on making this in a few days. Thanks for sharing. **

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        May 27, 2023 at 9:39 am

        Thanks, Judy. For sure one of my FAVORITE easiest desserts!

        Reply
    9. Bevin L says

      May 22, 2023 at 12:20 pm

      We make something very similar, using a couple different fillings, in a dutch oven when we go camping and it always turns out amazing! Such an easy, yummy recipe. And we do make it gluten free because our son has Celiac disease-no one even notices!

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        May 26, 2023 at 12:27 pm

        I haven’t tried this recipe in the dutch oven but I am sure it is delicious!! I am gluten-free and I make this recipe gluten-free and no one notices either. Thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    10. Lee Ann Sarver says

      July 01, 2023 at 4:01 pm

      Looks so delicious and very simple. That’s my kind of recipe.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        July 03, 2023 at 2:31 pm

        It’s delicious and a favorite of mine for sure! Thank you

        Reply
        • John says

          June 30, 2024 at 10:36 pm

          Do you like the pan with parchment? If no parchment paper, do the cherries stick to the pan?
          How do you get the portions out, a broad serving spatula?
          Thanks

          Reply
          • Toni Roberts says

            July 10, 2024 at 4:38 pm

            No parchment paper is needed. The cherries don’t stick to the pan. I’ve used both a wide spatula and a large serving spoon. Both seem to work great. Enjoy this delicious and super easy dessert.

            Reply
    11. Karen A. says

      July 17, 2023 at 4:05 pm

      I have made this many times but I melt one stick of butter and mix it with the cake mix,,it will be lumpy,,then with my hands I sprinkle it over the top of the cherries and it looks like a crisp. It comes out crunchy and delicious. I bake it till the top is lightly browned. Just a different take but oth ways are really delicious.
      Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        July 18, 2023 at 2:50 pm

        Karen,
        Thanks for the comment. I’ll have to try that. It sounds yummy!

        Reply
    12. Kelly Dortono says

      July 18, 2023 at 12:42 am

      I’m curious to know if an angel food cake mix would work.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        August 29, 2023 at 9:40 pm

        I have never tried it. But it sounds yummy. Please let me know if it works!

        Reply
    13. Kelly Dortono says

      July 18, 2023 at 9:09 am

      Am I able to make this recipe with an angel food cake mix?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        July 18, 2023 at 2:37 pm

        That is a great question but I don’t know. I haven’t tried it. If you’re up for an experiment, let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
    14. Rose says

      July 28, 2023 at 9:21 pm

      Haven’t made this yet but I am this weekend

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        July 29, 2023 at 12:05 pm

        Let me know how you love it!!

        Reply
    15. Lydia M Rodman says

      July 28, 2023 at 9:56 pm

      Love easy dessert because I don’t have air condition and my husband has a sweet tooth. Thanks so much.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        July 29, 2023 at 12:05 pm

        Oh so happy to help out! This is the best, yummiest and easiest dessert!

        Reply
    16. Sue says

      August 22, 2023 at 8:06 pm

      Thank you for telling people how easy this will be to make. Your right is simple and easy and definitely very quick! Thank you for sharing!!!!

      Sue —-PS if you have any more like this to share I would be happy to hear from you

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        August 27, 2023 at 8:45 pm

        Thank you, Sue. It’s the best recipe. I just took it to a gathering and it was all gone and guests asked for the recipe. You can change out cherry pie filling for peach pie filling or apple pie filling. It’s also yummy!

        Reply
    17. Deborah Bray says

      August 28, 2023 at 12:00 pm

      I made this and it was delicious

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        August 29, 2023 at 9:37 pm

        Deborah, I’m so glad to help with this recipe. It is delicious and so easy! Thank you!

        Reply
    18. Sue Fisher says

      September 16, 2023 at 11:26 am

      Is this good cold, like hours after baking?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        September 16, 2023 at 11:32 pm

        Yes, it is yummy cold or warm!

        Reply
        • Jo Ann says

          September 26, 2023 at 6:52 pm

          Do you add a little less cake mix or a snack size cake mix with the 8 x 8 version?

          Reply
          • Toni - Design Dazzle says

            September 27, 2023 at 10:03 am

            I still added the entire cake mix. But if you feel it is too much maybe just leave some out and see how you like it.

            Reply
    19. Dee Nash says

      September 25, 2023 at 4:08 pm

      So easy and I’m sure its delicious. Guess it’s time to buy some cake mix and pie filling. Anytime is always a good time for a little dessert.
      Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        October 02, 2023 at 9:28 pm

        I’m making some tomorrow for guests. My hubby’s request is the cherry but you can make it with any fruit pie filling!

        Reply
    20. Marilyn says

      September 28, 2023 at 2:34 pm

      This sounds delicious. Am going to store now so I can have a great dessert tonight.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        October 02, 2023 at 9:26 pm

        I hope you had the chance to make it. I’m making it tomorrow for some guests. : )

        Reply
    21. Joyce says

      October 29, 2023 at 7:42 am

      In one spot you say 21oz can of cherries and below that you say 30oz can, does it matter?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        October 31, 2023 at 4:43 pm

        Ingredients for 8 x 8 pan: is 30 oz.
        Ingredients for 9 x 13 pan is 21 oz (two cans) so a total of 42 oz

        Reply
    22. Inez says

      November 06, 2023 at 10:17 am

      This cake is also good with one can of cherry pie filling and one can of crushed pineapple. Very good!

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        November 07, 2023 at 9:42 pm

        Oh, I’ve heard that. I will have to try it. Thank you for the tip!

        Reply
    23. Brenda Bromander says

      December 13, 2023 at 9:58 am

      Definitely going to make!

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        January 05, 2024 at 9:48 am

        It’s so yummy and a favorite of many.

        Reply
    24. Sharon says

      December 22, 2023 at 5:09 pm

      This is delicious and very easy to make.

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        January 05, 2024 at 9:47 am

        Yay! Glad you like it.

        Reply
    25. Tim says

      December 25, 2023 at 5:58 pm

      If the recipe is “halved”, would you only cook for 1 hour on high in the crock pot?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        January 05, 2024 at 9:47 am

        I wish I knew but I don’t know. This is a recipe you could sneak a spoonful to try it.

        Reply
    26. Sherry SALAS says

      January 02, 2024 at 9:21 am

      Question of using canned fruits such as peaches or apricots or frozen strawberries in juice is the juice drained or left in pan to make the recipe ?

      Reply
      • Toni - Design Dazzle says

        January 05, 2024 at 9:42 am

        Hi Sherry! I’m not sure. But you would need to drain some and not make it runny. if you use the consistency of the canned pie filling I think it would work.

        Reply
        • Karen Carneal says

          January 29, 2024 at 4:07 pm

          This is so easy and delicious! I kept going back for more. Karen Carneal

          Reply
          • Toni - Design Dazzle says

            January 30, 2024 at 11:02 am

            Yep, me too! It’s addicting. Thank you for your comment!!

            Reply
    27. Felica says

      January 09, 2024 at 8:50 am

      I love this idea. I have used a 13×9 pan and added crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling to mine then added the box of cake mix yellow or white it’s all great! Add the butter to your he top and bake

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        February 13, 2024 at 10:07 pm

        I’ll have to try the pineapple too!

        Reply
    28. Dianne says

      January 14, 2024 at 8:42 pm

      I e made RBI’s with canned peaches (drained). It’s very good.

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        February 13, 2024 at 10:06 pm

        Yes, that’s a good one too!

        Reply
    29. Lester says

      January 26, 2024 at 4:55 am

      Looking forward to trying this one

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        February 02, 2024 at 4:01 pm

        Oh, you’ll love it. My guests say it’s delicious too!

        Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        February 13, 2024 at 8:51 pm

        Oh yay! It’s so yummy!

        Reply
    30. Deb says

      February 09, 2024 at 7:28 am

      I’ve made this but I mix some almond extract in with the cherries

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        February 13, 2024 at 8:47 pm

        Sounds yummy. I’ll try that next time.

        Reply
    31. Bernadine says

      February 21, 2024 at 5:23 am

      Can’t wait to try this asap!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        March 25, 2024 at 9:37 pm

        It’s my favorite!!

        Reply
    32. Nancy says

      July 27, 2024 at 1:59 pm

      I have made the cherry, but tonight I am using blackberry pie filling. I think it will be delicious!

      Reply
      • Toni Roberts says

        July 30, 2024 at 9:18 pm

        Ooohhh, yummy! Let me know how it turns out.

        Reply

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