Cherry Almond Dump Cake: A Lazy Baker’s Dream!

Are you craving a delicious dessert but dreading the thought of spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Cherry Almond Dump Cake is the answer to your prayers. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes absolutely divine. Perfect for potlucks, last-minute gatherings, or simply when you need a sweet treat without the fuss.

This recipe epitomizes simple baking. It’s a ‘dump and bake’ dessert, meaning you literally dump all the ingredients into a baking dish, bake it, and voila – a delectable cake appears! The combination of sweet cherries, almond extract, and buttery cake mix creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this effortless masterpiece!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless Preparation:** It’s as easy as dumping ingredients and baking. Minimal effort, maximum reward!
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of cherry and almond is a classic for a reason. It’s sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From casual weeknight desserts to potlucks and parties, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different fruits, extracts, or toppings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients:

* **2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling:** This is the star of the show! Make sure to use a good quality pie filling for the best flavor.
* **1 (15.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix:** You can also use white cake mix or butter pecan cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pats:** Cold butter is key for creating a crumbly topping. Don’t substitute with melted butter.
* **½ teaspoon almond extract:** This enhances the almond flavor and complements the cherries beautifully. Don’t skip it!
* **Optional Toppings:** Sliced almonds, powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

## Equipment

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This is the standard size for this cake, but you can use a slightly smaller dish if needed.
* **Mixing bowl (optional):** Useful for combining the dry cake mix.
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
* **Knife or pastry cutter:** For cutting the butter into pats.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this incredibly easy Cherry Almond Dump Cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

**Step 2: Add the Cherry Pie Filling**

* Pour both cans of cherry pie filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out so it covers the entire bottom of the dish.

**Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix**

* Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the cherry pie filling. Make sure to distribute it as uniformly as possible. You can use a whisk to break up any clumps in the cake mix before sprinkling.

**Step 4: Add the Almond Extract**

* Drizzle the almond extract evenly over the cake mix. This will infuse the cake with a delicious almond flavor.

**Step 5: Add the Butter**

* Cut the cold butter into pats and arrange them evenly over the cake mix. The butter should cover as much of the surface as possible. This will create a buttery, crumbly topping.

**Step 6: Bake the Cake**

* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on it.

**Step 7: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the cake to set slightly.
* Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with sliced almonds, powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, if desired.

## Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake

* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping. If the butter is too soft, it will melt into the cake and won’t create the desired texture.
* **Distribute the Cake Mix Evenly:** Make sure to sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the cake can make it dry. Check it after 45 minutes and remove it from the oven when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly.
* **Let it Cool:** Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow it to set slightly and prevent it from being too soggy.
* **Add Nuts:** Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Try using different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or spice cake mix. You can also use different types of pie filling, such as apple or blueberry.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Instead of almond extract, try using vanilla extract or lemon extract.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this Cherry Almond Dump Cake lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique version.

* **Other Fruits:** Replace the cherry pie filling with apple, blueberry, peach, or any other fruit pie filling you like. Fresh or frozen fruit can also be used, but you may need to add a little sugar to compensate for the lack of sweetness in the filling.
* **Different Cake Mix Flavors:** Use white cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, chocolate cake mix, or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.
* **Add-Ins:** Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or other add-ins to the cake mix for extra texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Sprinkle a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice over the cake mix for a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the cake mix for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake:** Use chocolate cake mix and add chocolate chips to the topping. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over the cake after it’s baked.
* **Coconut Almond Dump Cake:** Use white cake mix and add shredded coconut to the topping. You can also use coconut extract instead of almond extract.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cherry Almond Dump Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple toppings:

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, sweet cake perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the cake.
* **Sliced Almonds:** Sprinkle sliced almonds over the cake for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance to the cake.
* **Cherry Sauce:** Drizzle cherry sauce over the cake for an extra burst of cherry flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer, more decadent dessert.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Cherry Almond Dump Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply bake the cake according to the instructions and let it cool completely. Then, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can reheat the cake in the oven or microwave.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cherry Almond Dump Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake may become slightly softer when stored in the refrigerator, but it will still taste delicious.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Please note that nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 2-3g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use a different size baking dish?**
A: Yes, you can use a slightly smaller or larger baking dish. However, keep in mind that the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly. If you use a smaller dish, the cake will be thicker and may need to bake for a longer time. If you use a larger dish, the cake will be thinner and may bake faster.

**Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling?**
A: Yes, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. However, you will need to add sugar to the cherries to sweeten them. You can also add a little cornstarch to thicken the cherry mixture.

**Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free cake mix.

**Q: Can I make this cake vegan?**
A: Yes, you can make this cake vegan by using a vegan cake mix, vegan butter, and a vegan cherry pie filling.

**Q: The top of my cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: If the top of your cake is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. This will help to prevent the top from burning while the rest of the cake continues to bake.

**Q: My cake is too dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: If your cake is too dry, you may have overbaked it. Be sure to check the cake after 45 minutes and remove it from the oven when the topping is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly. You can also try adding a little more butter to the topping.

**Q: Can I add nuts to the cake?**
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor. Pecans or walnuts are a great choice.

## Conclusion

This Cherry Almond Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone who wants a delicious and easy treat. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes absolutely amazing. So, next time you’re craving something sweet, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your delicious and effortless Cherry Almond Dump Cake! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. Happy Baking!