Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake: Easy Creamy Cherry Dessert

Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake combines juicy cherry pie filling, sweet cream cheese, buttery yellow cake, and fluffy whipped topping in one incredibly easy baked dessert. It gives you the fruity flavor of cherry cobbler and the creamy richness of cheesecake without requiring a complicated crust or traditional cheesecake batter.

The preparation stays wonderfully simple. Cherry pie filling goes into the baking dish first. Next comes a sweet vanilla cream cheese mixture, followed by dry yellow cake mix and melted butter. As everything bakes, the top becomes golden and buttery while the cherry and cream cheese layers stay soft underneath.

Because Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake uses convenient ingredients and a 9×13-inch baking dish, it works beautifully for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and last-minute gatherings. Serve it slightly warm on its own, or add vanilla ice cream for an especially indulgent dessert.

I first became interested in dump cakes because they seemed almost too simple to work. There was no traditional cake batter to mix, and the dry cake mix went straight over the filling. However, that simplicity quickly became the reason I liked them. This cherry cheesecake version feels a little more special because of the creamy layer hiding underneath the golden topping. I especially enjoy serving it while it’s still slightly warm, when the cherries are soft and the cream cheese layer feels almost custardy. Add cold vanilla ice cream, and the contrast between warm fruit, buttery cake, and melting ice cream makes every spoonful better.

Building the Cherry Cheesecake Layers

Start With the Cherry Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so serving and cleanup become easier.

Next, open the can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Make sure the cherries and thick sauce reach all four corners. This fruit layer forms the foundation of Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake and provides both sweetness and moisture as the dessert bakes.

Cherry pie filling works particularly well because it already has the thick consistency needed for this style of dessert.

Therefore, you don’t need to cook or thicken the cherries separately.

Simply spread the filling into an even layer and set the baking dish aside while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.

Make the Sweet Cream Cheese Layer

Place one package of softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.

Beat it until completely smooth.

Next, add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Continue beating until the mixture looks creamy and evenly blended.

Softened cream cheese makes this process much easier. Cold cream cheese can remain lumpy even after prolonged mixing.

Spoon the sweetened cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling.

You don’t need to create a perfectly smooth layer. Small spoonfuls distributed evenly across the cherries work well because they create pockets of creamy cheesecake flavor throughout the finished dessert.

However, try to distribute the mixture across the entire Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake rather than concentrating it in the center.

Creating the Buttery Golden Cake Topping

Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix Evenly

Open one box of yellow cake mix.

Sprinkle the dry mix directly over the cherry and cream cheese layers.

Don’t prepare the cake mix according to the package directions. For this recipe, you use the dry powder straight from the box.

Spread it gently so the cake mix covers the surface as evenly as possible.

An even layer helps prevent large dry patches after baking.

However, don’t stir the cake mix into the cherries or cream cheese.

The separate layers give Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake its distinctive texture. Moisture and butter work their way into the dry mix while the dessert bakes, creating a topping that falls somewhere between cake, cobbler, and buttery crumble.

Pour Melted Butter Over the Surface

Melt ½ cup butter.

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix.

Try to distribute it across as much of the surface as possible rather than pouring everything into one area.

The butter helps the cake mix brown and creates the rich topping.

Some areas may absorb more butter than others, so don’t expect the top to look completely uniform before baking.

As the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake cooks, the cherry filling bubbles underneath while the buttery cake layer turns golden.

Avoid stirring after you’ve added the butter.

Once you’ve assembled the layers, the dessert can go directly into the preheated oven.

Baking and Finishing the Dump Cake

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place the assembled dessert in the 350°F oven.

Bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

Look for a golden surface and bubbling fruit around the edges.

Because ovens and baking dishes vary, begin checking the cake near the 45-minute mark.

If the top still has large areas of pale, dry cake mix, give it a little additional baking time.

Once the top looks golden and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges, remove the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake from the oven.

Place the baking dish on a heat-safe surface and allow the dessert to cool slightly.

The filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking, so a short cooling period also makes it easier to serve.

Add the Whipped Topping

The recipe uses 1 cup whipped topping as the final creamy layer.

However, timing matters.

If you spread whipped topping over a very hot dump cake, it will quickly soften and melt.

Instead, allow the dessert to cool first.

For a warm serving, spoon individual portions into bowls and add whipped topping to each serving.

Alternatively, cool the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake completely before spreading the whipped topping across the entire surface.

For an especially rich dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead.

The cold ice cream begins melting into the warm cherries and buttery topping, creating a simple dessert that’s especially satisfying straight from the oven.

Serving and Storing Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Serve It Warm or Chilled

One of the advantages of Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is that you can serve it at different temperatures.

Serve it slightly warm when you want the softest, most cobbler-like texture. The cherry filling stays juicy, while the cream cheese layer becomes rich and soft.

For a firmer dessert, refrigerate the cake before serving.

Chilling helps the cream cheese layer set and creates portions that hold their shape more easily.

Add whipped topping just before serving, or spread it over the cooled cake before refrigeration.

You can also garnish individual servings with a few extra cherries if desired.

For an extra-special dessert, pair warm Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake with vanilla ice cream.

Refrigerate the Leftovers

Because this dessert contains cream cheese and whipped topping, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

You can keep the cake directly in the baking dish and cover it tightly, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers.

The texture changes slightly after refrigeration. The topping softens as it absorbs moisture from the cherry and cream cheese layers, while the filling becomes firmer.

If you prefer the dessert warm, reheat individual portions gently and add fresh whipped topping afterward.

However, chilled Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake also makes a delicious creamy dessert straight from the refrigerator.

For the best experience, keep the dessert properly covered so it doesn’t dry out or absorb refrigerator odors.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and evenly combined.
5. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cherry filling.
6. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cream cheese and cherries. Do not stir.
7. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the dry cake mix.
8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping looks golden and the cherry filling bubbles around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool slightly. Add whipped topping to individual warm servings, or cool completely before spreading it over the entire dessert.
10. Serve as is or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-creamy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I prepare the yellow cake mix before making Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

No. Sprinkle the dry cake mix directly from the box over the cherry and cream cheese layers. Don’t add the eggs, oil, or water listed on the cake-mix package.

Can I spread whipped topping over the cake while it’s hot?

It’s better to let the cake cool first because whipped topping will soften quickly on a hot dessert. For warm cake, simply add a spoonful of whipped topping to each serving.

Why does my dump cake have a few dry spots?

Dry patches can appear when the melted butter doesn’t reach enough of the cake mix. Drizzle the butter slowly and evenly over as much of the surface as possible before baking.

Can I serve Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake cold?

Yes. Refrigerating the dessert firms the cream cheese and cherry layers and creates a different but equally delicious texture. It also makes portions easier to serve neatly.

What goes well with Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake?

Whipped topping works beautifully, while vanilla ice cream creates an especially rich warm-and-cold combination. You can also serve the cake with additional cherries or a small chocolate drizzle.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns a handful of convenient ingredients into a warm, creamy dessert with very little preparation.

Cherry pie filling provides a sweet, fruity base, while cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla create pockets of cheesecake-style filling. Meanwhile, dry yellow cake mix and melted butter bake into a rich golden topping.

The layering technique keeps the recipe particularly easy because there’s no traditional cake batter to prepare.

Serve Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake slightly warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream for a soft cobbler-style dessert. Alternatively, chill it for a firmer cheesecake-inspired treat that’s easy to prepare ahead for family dinners and gatherings.