Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

I’ll never forget the first time I made Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It was a last-minute decision to bring a dessert to my sister’s birthday party, and I only had a few ingredients on hand. But when I stumbled upon this magical recipe, I knew it was exactly what I needed. I whipped it up in no time flat, and let me tell you, it was an absolute showstopper. The rich, creamy cheesecake filling paired with the sweet cherry topping and buttery cake base – it was pure dessert heaven. From the very first bite, my family was hooked. Ever since then, Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake has become a staple in our household, a go-to dessert that never fails to impress.

Why This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

What makes this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake so special is the way the flavors and textures come together in perfect harmony. The key is in the technique – it’s called a “dump cake” for a reason, as the entire process couldn’t be simpler. By layering the ingredients in the right order and then baking, you end up with a decadent dessert that tastes like it came straight from a fancy bakery. The cherry pie filling provides a vibrant, fruity base, while the cream cheese filling creates an incredibly rich, creamy contrast. Top it all off with a buttery, golden cake topping, and you’ve got a dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake:

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: The foundation of the dish, providing a sweet, tart cherry flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake.
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: This is what gives the filling its decadent, velvety texture. Make sure to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before using for the smoothest results.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the tart cherries and rich cream cheese.
• 2 eggs: Binds the filling together for a luscious, custard-like consistency.
• 1 box yellow cake mix: The simple cake mix topping turns this into an easy, one-pan dessert that bakes up golden and fluffy.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives the cake topping a tender, buttery richness.

With these key ingredients, you’re well on your way to Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake perfection.

Step-by-Step Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Instructions

Preparing Your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate in easy, hassle-free baking. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a 40-minute bake, you’ll have a decadent dessert ready to serve in under an hour. All you need is a 9×13 baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

2- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, mix in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next.

3- Spread the creamy cheesecake filling evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4- Next, pour the can of cherry pie filling directly over the cheesecake layer, making sure to spread it out in an even layer.

5- Finally, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the cherries, then drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.

6- Pop the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

1- For the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before mixing.

2- Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter – just mix until the ingredients are fully combined to avoid air bubbles.

3- If you want an extra pop of cherry flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cheesecake filling.

4- For a prettier presentation, reserve a few spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling to spoon over the top of the baked cake.

5- Let the cake cool completely before slicing – this will help the layers hold their shape and prevent a messy, runny texture.

Serving and Storing Your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Perfect Pairings for Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, serving up to 12 lucky people. It’s the perfect finale to any special occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in. For the best experience, I recommend serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. The cool, creamy contrast is a heavenly match for the warm, fruity cake. And don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or tea – the bold flavors pair beautifully with the rich, indulgent dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is that it keeps incredibly well. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will actually continue to develop and meld together, making it even more delicious.

For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the baked and cooled cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy. You can even warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake

Creative Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Variations

While the classic Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is truly a showstopper, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this versatile dessert. For a seasonal twist, try substituting the cherry pie filling with another fruit, like apple or pumpkin, for a fall-inspired version. You could also switch up the cake mix flavor, using chocolate, spice, or even red velvet for a different look and taste. And if you’re a fan of nuts, try sprinkling some toasted pecans or almonds over the top for a crunchy contrast.

Making Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Diet-Friendly

For those following a special diet, you can easily adapt this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake to be gluten-free, low-carb, or even vegan. Simply swap out the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free variety, or use a keto-friendly cake mix and sugar-free cherry pie filling for a low-carb version. And to make it vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the eggs with a flax or chia “egg.” No matter your dietary needs, this decadent dessert can be made to suit your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different flavor of pie filling instead of cherry?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so you can easily swap in any flavor of pie filling that you prefer. Blueberry, apple, or even pumpkin would all work beautifully.

Q: How long does it take to make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
A: With just 10 minutes of prep time and a 40-minute bake, the total time to make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is 50 minutes. It’s the perfect easy, last-minute dessert!

Q: Can I make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake keeps incredibly well. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or even freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating or freezing.

Q: How many people does this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake serve?
A: This recipe makes 12 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with a crowd. The rich, decadent flavors mean that a little goes a long way.

Q: What should I do if the top of the cake doesn’t get golden brown?
A: If the top of your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake isn’t as golden as you’d like, simply pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and enjoy the perfectly crisp, caramelized top.

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Conclusion

Trust me, once you try this incredibly easy, insanely delicious Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake, it’s going to become a new family favorite. With its rich, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherry topping, and buttery cake base, this dessert is an absolute showstopper. Plus, the simple dump-and-bake method makes it a breeze to whip up – perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something truly special. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a taste of heaven. And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see how your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake turns out!