Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake is an incredibly easy slow cooker dessert that combines the simplicity of cake mix with the vibrant flavor of cherry pie filling. This fuss-free recipe delivers a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious cake, perfect for serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Effortless Indulgence: The Ultimate Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake

Imagine a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Our Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake is exactly that. With only a handful of staple ingredients, just a few minutes of prep time, and a couple of hours in your slow cooker, you can create a dessert masterpiece that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for busy individuals who crave homemade goodness without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for weeknight treats, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Last month, we unveiled a delightful Peaches and Cream version of this slow cooker cake, which quickly became a fan favorite. Building on that success, we had a strong feeling that a cherry rendition would be equally, if not more, enchanting. And indeed, we believe this cherry dump cake elevates the experience, offering a sweet and tart profile that is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Cherry Dump Cake

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves easy, comforting sweets. Here’s why this Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Unbelievably Simple: True to its “dump cake” name, the preparation involves minimal mixing and layering of ingredients directly into the slow cooker.
• Rich & Creamy Texture: The combination of cherry pie filling, a luscious cream cheese layer, and a moist cake mix creates a wonderfully tender and gooey consistency.
• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on other tasks while your dessert slowly bakes to perfection.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The classic pairing of cherries and cream is a timeless favorite that appeals to everyone, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Versatile Serving Options: Delicious on its own, but truly shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate.
• Minimal Cleanup: With most of the cooking happening in one pot, cleanup is a breeze.

Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake

Creating this magnificent dessert requires just a few basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:

• Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the show! A single 21-ounce can of quality cherry pie filling forms the flavorful base of this dump cake. You can opt for regular cherry pie filling or even dark sweet cherry varieties for a richer flavor. No need to doctor it up; it’s perfect as is.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the “cream” in “cherries and cream.” Make sure to use an 8-ounce block of full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free mixture when beaten with sugar and almond extract. Lower-fat cream cheese can be used, but full-fat offers the best richness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer a slightly different flavor profile or a hint of caramel, brown sugar can be substituted, though it might alter the color slightly.
• Almond Extract: This extract is a secret weapon that beautifully complements the cherry flavor, enhancing its natural sweetness and tartness. We recommend ½ teaspoon for a noticeable, yet not overpowering, almond note. If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla extract, but use double the amount (1 teaspoon) for comparable flavor intensity.
• Cake Mix: A boxed cake mix makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Yellow or white cake mix both work wonderfully, providing a tender crumb that absorbs the fruit and cream cheese flavors. Popular brands like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker are reliable choices. You can even experiment with a butter pecan or spice cake mix for an interesting twist!
• Butter: Melted butter is drizzled over the dry cake mix, creating a rich, golden, and slightly crispy topping as the cake bakes. We typically use salted butter for an extra depth of flavor that balances the sweetness, but unsalted butter works just as well. Ensure it’s fully melted before drizzling for even distribution.

How To Make Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these easy steps to create your delicious slow cooker dessert:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your cake. Pour the entire can of cherry pie filling into the bottom and spread it evenly to form a base.
2. Create the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and almond extract. Using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This step ensures a wonderfully uniform and luscious cream cheese layer.
3. Layer the Cream Cheese: Gently drop spoonfuls (dollops) of the cream cheese mixture over the cherry pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; it will melt and spread as it cooks.
4. Add Dry Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the entire surface for a consistent topping.
5. Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. This butter will soak into the cake mix, creating a crumbly, golden-brown crust as it bakes.
6. Cook to Perfection: Place a double layer of paper towels directly under the slow cooker lid before securing it. This crucial step helps absorb condensation, preventing excess moisture from dripping back onto your cake and making it soggy. Cook on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Dump Cake

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few simple tips can help you achieve the best results every time:

• Know Your Slow Cooker: Cooking times can vary significantly between different slow cooker brands and models. Newer slow cookers might cook slower, while older ones can run hotter. Use the suggested cooking time as an estimate and get to know your appliance’s quirks.
• The Paper Towel Trick is Key: Don’t skip placing paper towels under the lid. Slow cookers generate a lot of condensation, which can make your dump cake watery and prevent the top from becoming golden and slightly crispy. The paper towels absorb this moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Monitor Doneness: Start checking your cake around the 1 hour 45 minute mark. If the edges appear to be cooking too quickly or risk burning while the center is still visibly wet or raw, gently stir the cake to redistribute the ingredients. Then, replace the lid with fresh paper towels and continue cooking until the cake is mostly set and the batter no longer looks raw.
• Embrace the Gooeyness: Remember, dump cakes are inherently gooey and moist. Don’t expect the center to be completely firm like a traditional baked cake. The slightly unset, luscious middle is part of its charm and deliciousness.
• Softened Cream Cheese is a Must: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This will allow it to blend smoothly with the sugar and extract, preventing any unwelcome lumps in your creamy layer.
• Even Butter Distribution: Drizzling the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix is important. This ensures a consistent golden, slightly crispy topping rather than patchy areas.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of dump cakes is their versatility! Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations:

• Fruit Fillings: Instead of cherry, try peach, apple, blueberry, or mixed berry pie filling. Each will give a unique and delightful twist.
• Cake Mixes: While yellow or white cake mix is classic, a chocolate fudge cake mix would create a Black Forest-inspired dessert with cherry filling. Spice cake mix pairs wonderfully with apple or peach fillings.
• Nutty Additions: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dry cake mix for warmth, especially with apple or peach fillings.
• Extracts: Beyond almond and vanilla, a few drops of cherry liqueur (if cooking for adults) or even a hint of coconut extract could add intriguing depth.
• Cream Cheese Mixture: For an even richer cream cheese layer, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or a touch more vanilla extract.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Dump Cake

This Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake is spectacular on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate pairing! A scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cake is pure bliss.
• Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds an airy, light contrast to the rich cake.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A swirl of melted chocolate or chocolate syrup can add a sophisticated touch and an extra layer of sweetness.
• Fresh Cherries: Garnish with a few fresh cherries (pitted) for a beautiful presentation and a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
• A Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar makes for an elegant finish.

This dump cake with cherries makes a particularly festive and easy dessert for holidays like the 4th of July!

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have any leftovers of this delectable dump cake (a rare occurrence!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover the slow cooker insert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and gooey. You can also reheat larger portions in the slow cooker on a low setting for about an hour, or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making this Crock Pot Cherries and Cream Dump Cake:

Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
A: While you can, it will require adjusting the sugar and thickening agents. For this specific “dump cake” recipe, cherry pie filling is recommended for its convenience and consistent thickness. If using fresh, you would need to cook them down with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch first.

Q: Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes, dump cakes are traditionally made in the oven. To adapt, pour the cherry filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dot with the cream cheese mixture, sprinkle with cake mix, and drizzle with butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Q: Is it supposed to be gooey in the middle?
A: Absolutely! The gooey, moist center is a hallmark of a good dump cake, especially when cooked in a slow cooker. Don’t expect it to be a firm, sliceable cake. The texture is more like a cobbler or pudding cake.

Q: My slow cooker runs hot/cold, how do I adjust?
A: If your slow cooker runs hot, check the cake earlier, around 1 hour 30 minutes, and stir if needed. If it runs cold, you might need an extra 30-60 minutes of cooking time. Always refer to the visual cues (golden edges, no raw batter) rather than strict timing.

Try These Other Amazing Slow Cooker Desserts

If you love the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker desserts, you’re in for a treat! Explore some of our other favorite recipes:

• Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler
• Crock Pot Elvis Pudding Cake
• Slow Cooker Lemon Cake
• Slow Cooker Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
• Crock Pot Pecan Pie
• Crock Pot Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.