Elaine GordonWhen it comes to desserts that are both simple to prepare and delicious, Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake takes the cake—pun intended! I stumbled upon this delightful dessert during one of my many shopping trips at Trader Joe’s, and I knew I had to share it with you.
It’s the perfect combination of sweet and satisfying, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. With minimal effort, you get a scrumptious dessert that feels like it came from a five-star bakery.
What is Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake?
You may be wondering, what exactly is a dump cake? Simply put, it’s a dessert that allows you to “dump” various ingredients into a pan, bake it, and voilà! You have a delicious treat that is both warm and inviting.
Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake specifically features rich cherry filling topped with a buttery cake crust. It is a dessert that harkens back to simpler times, bringing a sense of nostalgia combined with excellent flavor.
Why You’ll Love this Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake?
This cherry dump cake is a dreamy concoction that feels indulgent without demanding a ton of effort in the kitchen. You can whip it up in no time flat, which is a welcomed relief for anyone juggling a busy lifestyle.
Besides, the tartness of the cherry pie filling beautifully complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a balance that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me; this dessert is as satisfying as it is charming. It is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
The Ingredients
Now that I’ve whetted your appetite, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this divine dessert:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) package of white cake mix: This serves as the base of your cake. Feel free to use a gluten-free cake mix if that suits your dietary needs.
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This extra splash of flavor elevates your dessert.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a slight caramel undertone.
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of sweet cherry pie filling: You can’t have cherry dump cake without cherries! This will be the star of the show.
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans: These add crunch and nutty flavor to the mix.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you even preheat that oven, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. Gather them on your countertop like a culinary artist preparing for a masterpiece. Trust me; this little bit of preparation saves a lot of scrambling later!
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven is essential for a properly baked dessert, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. You can use cooking spray or a bit of butter to help prevent sticking. A solid layer of non-stick protection goes a long way!
Step 4: Add Cherry Filling
Take your two cans of sweet cherry pie filling and pour them into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cherry filling evenly across the bottom. This is the foundation of your dump cake—a tasty one at that!
Step 5: Mix the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Don’t stir too vigorously; mix just until combined. You want it smooth but don’t worry about lumps—this is a dump cake, after all!
Step 6: Layer the Cake Batter
Now, dollop the cake batter over the cherry filling. Use a silicone spatula to gently spread the batter out, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s all going to meld together beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Sprinkle Pecans
Once your cake batter is spread out, sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly across the top. This adds texture and crunch that complements the soft cake and juicy cherries.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cherry dump cake to cool slightly before serving. It smells divine and is a sight to behold—don’t burn your tongue by diving in too quickly!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to ensure your cherry dump cake turns out just right:
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Opt for high-quality cherry pie filling and cake mix if possible.
- Experiment with Fruit: While cherry is delicious, feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like peach, blueberry, or even mixed berries.
- Keep It Balanced: If you love sweeter desserts, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the batter.
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm cherry dump cake is heavenly!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble the cake and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
Nutrition Information
While desserts are meant for indulgence, it’s good to be aware of what you’re consuming. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition for a standard serving:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements.
Can I Store Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake?
Absolutely! This cake stores well. You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days.
Just a tip: reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
What Can I Serve with Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake?
Pair your cherry dump cake with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy toppings complement the dense cake.
- Fresh Cherries: Garnishing with fresh cherries adds a decorative touch.
- Chocolate Sauce: For those who enjoy a richer dessert.
- Sweetened Yogurt: For a healthier twist, try serving it with sweetened Greek yogurt.
Variations
Explore these variations to put a twist on the classic cherry dump cake:
- Peach Dump Cake: Replace the cherry filling with peach filling for a sunny alternative. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form!
- Mixed Berry Dump Cake: Combine cherry with a mixed berry filling. The burst of flavors will surprise your taste buds.
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake: Use chocolate cake mix instead of vanilla for an indulgent chocolate-cherry experience.
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the pecans for a nut-free dessert. It will still taste amazing!
- Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a warm, comforting spice flavor.
Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce package of white cake mix
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for added depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
- 2 21 ounce cans of sweet cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Before you even preheat that oven, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. Gather them on your countertop like a culinary artist preparing for a masterpiece. Trust me; this little bit of preparation saves a lot of scrambling later!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven is essential for a properly baked dessert, so don’t skip this step!
- Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. You can use cooking spray or a bit of butter to help prevent sticking. A solid layer of non-stick protection goes a long way!
- Take your two cans of sweet cherry pie filling and pour them into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cherry filling evenly across the bottom. This is the foundation of your dump cake—a tasty one at that!
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry cake mix, melted butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Don’t stir too vigorously; mix just until combined. You want it smooth but don’t worry about lumps—this is a dump cake, after all!
- Now, dollop the cake batter over the cherry filling. Use a silicone spatula to gently spread the batter out, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s all going to meld together beautifully in the oven.
- Once your cake batter is spread out, sprinkle the coarsely chopped pecans evenly across the top. This adds texture and crunch that complements the soft cake and juicy cherries.
- Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cherry dump cake to cool slightly before serving. It smells divine and is a sight to behold—don’t burn your tongue by diving in too quickly!
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Opt for high-quality cherry pie filling and cake mix if possible.
- Experiment with Fruit: While cherry is delicious, feel free to substitute with other fruit fillings like peach, blueberry, or even mixed berries.
- Keep It Balanced: If you love sweeter desserts, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the batter.
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm cherry dump cake is heavenly!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble the cake and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Cherry Dump Cake is truly a dessert for everyone. It’s simple, satisfying, and can be modified to fit any palate. With its sweet-tart cherry filling nestled beneath a crunchy cake layer, each bite is a delightful treat.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a cozy night in, or just need a slice of comfort after a long day, this dessert brings joy in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress with this delectable creation. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll confidently hold a special place in your dessert repertoire!
