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.
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)
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:
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.
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!
erika says
oh my gosh….this looks so easy and delicious! i know i have to make this very soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Erika!
You have got to try it! If you like nuts, make sure to add some. They are the finishing touch!
Thanks,
Toni
James S says
Looks delicious! Only 3 ingredients – amazing!! I can’t wait to try it out.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
It is really yummy.
Brenda Ramaley says
Do you use I can or 2 cans of pie filling. Your directions are confusing.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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
Joyce says
Thank you very much. I’m going to do a trial run before the holidays!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
My favorite is to serve with ice cream! Enjoy!
Judy says
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. **
PaulaR says
1 can for 8×8″ pan
2 cans for 9×13′ pan
Gail d says
I’m going to try this with a chocolate cake mix and cherry pie filling, like Black Forest cake. Thanks for sharing, yumm
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I love those flavors together! Enjoy!
Patty Casebolt says
How long do you cook it if you use a sheet pan?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I’ve never used a sheet pan before. Sorry I wouldn’t know.
Flo Jones says
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.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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.
Linda Bonkrud says
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.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Awesome.
Dorothy says
what size crock pot? please send reply to email.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Hi Dorothy!
I have a standard-size crock pot of 6-7 quarts. It seems like a foolproof recipe for that size.
Enjoy.
Judy says
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. **
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Thanks, Judy. For sure one of my FAVORITE easiest desserts!
Bevin L says
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!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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!
Lee Ann Sarver says
Looks so delicious and very simple. That’s my kind of recipe.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
It’s delicious and a favorite of mine for sure! Thank you
John says
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
Toni Roberts says
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.
Karen A. says
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
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Karen,
Thanks for the comment. I’ll have to try that. It sounds yummy!
Kelly Dortono says
I’m curious to know if an angel food cake mix would work.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I have never tried it. But it sounds yummy. Please let me know if it works!
Kelly Dortono says
Am I able to make this recipe with an angel food cake mix?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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.
Rose says
Haven’t made this yet but I am this weekend
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Let me know how you love it!!
Lydia M Rodman says
Love easy dessert because I don’t have air condition and my husband has a sweet tooth. Thanks so much.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Oh so happy to help out! This is the best, yummiest and easiest dessert!
Sue says
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
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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!
Deborah Bray says
I made this and it was delicious
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Deborah, I’m so glad to help with this recipe. It is delicious and so easy! Thank you!
Sue Fisher says
Is this good cold, like hours after baking?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Yes, it is yummy cold or warm!
Jo Ann says
Do you add a little less cake mix or a snack size cake mix with the 8 x 8 version?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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.
Dee Nash says
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.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I’m making some tomorrow for guests. My hubby’s request is the cherry but you can make it with any fruit pie filling!
Marilyn says
This sounds delicious. Am going to store now so I can have a great dessert tonight.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I hope you had the chance to make it. I’m making it tomorrow for some guests. : )
Joyce says
In one spot you say 21oz can of cherries and below that you say 30oz can, does it matter?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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
Inez says
This cake is also good with one can of cherry pie filling and one can of crushed pineapple. Very good!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Oh, I’ve heard that. I will have to try it. Thank you for the tip!
Brenda Bromander says
Definitely going to make!
Toni - Design Dazzle says
It’s so yummy and a favorite of many.
Sharon says
This is delicious and very easy to make.
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Yay! Glad you like it.
Tim says
If the recipe is “halved”, would you only cook for 1 hour on high in the crock pot?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
I wish I knew but I don’t know. This is a recipe you could sneak a spoonful to try it.
Sherry SALAS says
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 ?
Toni - Design Dazzle says
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.
Karen Carneal says
This is so easy and delicious! I kept going back for more. Karen Carneal
Toni - Design Dazzle says
Yep, me too! It’s addicting. Thank you for your comment!!
Felica says
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
Toni Roberts says
I’ll have to try the pineapple too!
Dianne says
I e made RBI’s with canned peaches (drained). It’s very good.
Toni Roberts says
Yes, that’s a good one too!
Lester says
Looking forward to trying this one
Toni Roberts says
Oh, you’ll love it. My guests say it’s delicious too!
Toni Roberts says
Oh yay! It’s so yummy!
Deb says
I’ve made this but I mix some almond extract in with the cherries
Toni Roberts says
Sounds yummy. I’ll try that next time.
Bernadine says
Can’t wait to try this asap!
Toni Roberts says
It’s my favorite!!
Nancy says
I have made the cherry, but tonight I am using blackberry pie filling. I think it will be delicious!
Toni Roberts says
Ooohhh, yummy! Let me know how it turns out.