You won’t believe how easy it is to make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake. It’s the kind of recipe that always gets rave reviews, but it takes almost no effort at all. I remember the first time I tried it – I was hosting a last-minute get-together and needed a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. I found this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe and figured, “why not?” Little did I know, it would become my new go-to party trick.
As soon as that first bite hit my lips, I was in love. The velvety cream cheese, the sweet cherry pie filling, and the buttery graham cracker crust all come together in the most heavenly way. My guests couldn’t believe I’d made it myself. They kept asking for the recipe, and from that day on, Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake has been my secret weapon.
Why This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is truly special because of its unique method. Instead of the usual layered cheesecake, this recipe takes all the same flavors and textures and transforms them into an easy, one-pan dessert. The key is in the “dump” part – you literally just dump all the ingredients into a baking dish and let the oven work its magic. No fussy water baths or elaborate techniques required.
The result is a rich, creamy cheesecake-like base with pockets of sweet cherry pie filling throughout. And the graham cracker crust? It gets perfectly golden and crisp on top, almost like a cherry cobbler. It’s the best of both worlds – all the flavor of a decadent cheesecake with the effortless appeal of a simple dump cake.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is in the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making it:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – The cream cheese is the foundation of this dessert, giving it that luxurious cheesecake texture. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using for the smoothest consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The sugar balances the richness of the cream cheese and enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds depth.
- 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling – Juicy, ruby-red cherries are the star of the show. The pre-made pie filling makes this recipe a breeze.
- 1 (14.4 oz) package graham crackers, crushed – The graham cracker crust provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – The butter binds the graham cracker crust and adds a delightful richness.
Step-by-Step Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Instructions
Preparing Your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 35 minutes, this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake couldn’t be easier. All you need is a 9×13-inch baking dish, a hand mixer or stand mixer, and a few simple pantry staples.
1- First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, go ahead and grease your baking dish with a bit of non-stick cooking spray or butter. This will ensure the cake releases cleanly when it’s time to serve.
2- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3- Next, spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
4- Finally, sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the top, followed by drizzling the melted butter all over. You’ll want the graham crackers to be fully coated in the butter for that perfect crispy, golden-brown topping.
5- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
6- Allow the Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving. This rich, decadent dessert is best enjoyed at room temperature, so let it sit for at least 30 minutes before digging in.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use high-quality cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture. Philadelphia is a great go-to brand.
- Don’t forget to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This will prevent any lumps or uneven baking.
- For the crunchiest graham cracker topping, crush the crackers until they’re almost a fine powder.
- Be sure to spread the cherry pie filling all the way to the edges of the baking dish. This will ensure you get a delicious cherry flavor in every bite.
Serving and Storing Your Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Perfect Pairings for Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is the perfect dessert to serve at all your gatherings, from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties. It makes 12 generous servings, so it’s great for feeding a crowd.
For the best experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy contrast is heavenly. You could also offer a selection of hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, or a fruity iced tea.
This dessert really shines as the grand finale to a special meal. It would be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, or the perfect indulgence after a Easter or Mother’s Day brunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is that it stores beautifully. Once the cake has cooled completely, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to get a head start, you can even make the entire dish in advance. Simply assemble the cake as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge.
For longer-term storage, the unbaked cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
To reheat individual slices, simply microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. You can also place a slice on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will help re-crisp the graham cracker topping.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake
Creative Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Variations
While the classic cherry flavor is hard to beat, there are plenty of fun ways to mix up this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake recipe:
- Swap the cherry pie filling for another fruit, like blueberry, raspberry, or apple.
- Add a swirl of your favorite jam or preserves to the cream cheese layer.
- Top the cake with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for some extra crunch.
- For a chocolate twist, mix in a handful of chocolate chips or drizzle the top with melted chocolate.
- Get seasonal by using pumpkin or apple pie filling in the fall, or fresh berries in the summer.
Making Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Diet-Friendly
This decadent Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake can be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumb crust instead.
To make it vegan, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter substitute. You can also experiment with coconut whipped cream or cashew-based “cheesecake” filling.
For a low-carb spin, replace the graham crackers with almond flour or crushed nuts, and use a sugar-free cherry pie filling. You can even use a monk fruit or erythritol-based sweetener in place of the granulated sugar.
No matter which variations you try, this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while catering to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
A: Absolutely! You can use 4 cups of fresh, pitted cherries instead of the canned pie filling. You may want to toss the cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the filling.
Q: How long does it take to make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake?
A: As mentioned, the total time for this recipe is just 45 minutes – 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking time. It’s a super quick and easy dessert to throw together.
Q: Can I make this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the entire cake in advance. Simply assemble it as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.
Q: How many servings does this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake make?
A: This recipe yields 12 generous servings. It’s a great size for feeding a crowd, but you can easily halve the ingredients to make a smaller 8×8-inch pan.
Q: What if my Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is too runny?
A: If the filling seems a bit too loose, try sprinkling an extra 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers over the top before baking. This will help absorb some of the moisture. You can also bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes until the center is set.
Conclusion
This Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake is truly a game-changer. It takes all the rich, decadent flavors of a classic cheesecake and transforms them into an easy, one-pan dessert that’s sure to wow your guests. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 45 minutes of your time, you can enjoy a slice of heaven.
What are you waiting for? Give this Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake a try and let me know how it turns out! I promise it will become your new go-to dessert for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag me on social media – I love seeing your creations.
