Name: Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 20-ounce cans cherry pie filling; 1 8-ounce cream cheese, softened; 1 egg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 15.25-ounce vanilla cake mix; ½ cup butter (1 stick, sliced); Cooking spray

A bowl of strawberry cobbler sits on a woven placemat, surrounded by fresh strawberries, a strawberry-patterned napkin, and ceramic dishes decorated with strawberry motifs on a picnic table.

There’s something so comforting about an old-fashioned dessert that comes together with just a few simple ingredients. This Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is one of those treasured recipes that reminds me of church potlucks, family gatherings, and summer evenings spent around the table with the people you love.

For my recent Strawberry & Cherry collaboration with Antique Farmhouse, I wanted a dessert that felt nostalgic, beautiful, and effortless. This cherry cheesecake dump cake checked every box. The sweet cherry filling bubbles beneath a rich cheesecake layer while the buttery vanilla cake topping bakes into a golden, crisp crust. It’s one of those desserts that looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make.

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating the holidays, or simply craving an easy dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

If you’ve never made a dump cake before, you’re in for a treat! Unlike traditional cakes, there’s no complicated mixing or layering involved.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

Ready for the oven in just 10 minutes
Made with only 8 simple ingredients
Rich, creamy, and bursting with cherry flavor
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners
Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream
Beginner-friendly with almost no prep work

Ingredients

2 (20-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (15.25-ounce) box vanilla cake mix
½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced into thin pats
Nonstick cooking spray

Five bowls hold cubed butter, cubed shortening, sugar, flour, and cherry pie filling on a marble countertop. A small measuring spoon lies beside the bowls.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This easy cherry cheesecake dump cake comes together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the dish.

A hand spooning cherry pie filling from a bowl into a white scalloped baking dish on a marble counter.

A hand holds a spoon scooping cherry pie filling from a white, wavy-edged baking dish on a marble surface.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

softened cream cheese
egg
sugar
vanilla extract

Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling.

Don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly spread—the cheesecake will melt beautifully into the cherries while baking.

A stand mixer bowl contains softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract, being mixed with a paddle attachment.

A hand scoops creamy batter from a metal bowl over a white dish filled with cherry pie filling on a marble countertop.

Step 3: Add the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the dry vanilla cake mix over the entire dessert.

Avoid stirring. The layers should remain separate.

A hand holds a spoon over a white baking dish with cherries, creamy layer, and powdered mix, preparing to combine ingredients on a marble counter.

Hands spoon dry cake mix from a bowl into a white baking dish over cherry pie filling and dollops of butter, preparing a dessert on a light countertop.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Slice one stick of butter into thin pats and place them evenly over the cake mix.

Try to cover as much of the surface as possible so the topping bakes evenly.

A hand places a slice of butter onto a white baking dish filled with flour. Other butter slices are already evenly spaced on top of the flour.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:

the top is golden brown
the butter has melted into the cake mix
the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges

Allow the dump cake to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

A rectangular white baking dish filled with a golden-brown baked cobbler with hints of red fruit showing along the edges, sitting on a light marble surface.

Tips for the Best Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Use softened cream cheese.

This helps create a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.

Slice the butter thinly.

Even coverage ensures every bite has a buttery, crisp topping.

Don’t stir the layers.

The beauty of a dump cake is allowing each layer to bake into its own delicious texture.

Serve warm.

While it’s delicious at room temperature, this dessert is absolutely incredible served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

A table set with pink dishware, strawberries, cherries, a cobbler dessert, and a vase of red and white roses. Woven placemats, embroidered napkins, and a bright, summery atmosphere complete the scene.

Easy Variations

One of my favorite things about dump cakes is how easy they are to customize.

Try using:

Strawberry pie filling
Blueberry pie filling
Peach pie filling
Mixed berry pie filling

You can also substitute:

Yellow cake mix
Butter pecan cake mix
White cake mix

What to Serve with Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This dessert pairs wonderfully with:

Vanilla ice cream
Homemade whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Fresh cherries
A dusting of powdered sugar

For a beautiful presentation, garnish each serving with fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

Perfect For

This easy dessert is perfect for:

Summer cookouts
Fourth of July celebrations
Baby showers
Bridal showers
Potlucks
Church gatherings
Holiday dinners
Family reunions
Valentine’s Day
Weekend baking

A pink ceramic dish with a green handle holds a golden, baked strawberry dessert. The dish sits on a woven mat, next to a strawberry-patterned napkin and decorative tableware at a picnic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cherry cheesecake dump cake ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dessert up to one day in advance and refrigerate after baking. Reheat individual servings in the microwave before serving.

Do I have to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes. Because of the cream cheese layer, leftovers should be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze cherry cheesecake dump cake?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! Homemade cherry pie filling works beautifully in this recipe if you have fresh cherries in season.

Why is my cake mix still dry?

Sometimes a few small dry spots remain after baking. If needed, place a few additional pats of butter over those areas and continue baking for another 5–10 minutes.

Returning Grace Tip

I love serving this cherry cheesecake dump cake in a vintage milk glass bowl or an old ironstone baking dish. Add a few fresh cherries and strawberries around the serving platter for a simple, charming presentation that feels right at home for summer entertaining.

A Little Note from Stephanie

One of my favorite things about creating recipes is finding those simple desserts that bring people together without requiring hours in the kitchen. This cherry cheesecake dump cake is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for everything from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

I hope it becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again whenever you need something delicious that’s sure to make everyone smile.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Be sure to tag @returninggrace on Instagram so I can share your beautiful creations.

Happy baking!