Dump a can of cherries into a slow cooker for a classic dessert you'll love to dig into

Slow cooker cherry dump cake is the perfect dessert for those who crave something sweet and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy, no-fuss recipe brings together the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of a buttery cake topping, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you need a dessert that’s both delicious and low-effort. The magic of a dump cake lies in its simplicity—just layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.

What makes this slow cooker cherry dump cake truly special is its versatility and comfort-food appeal. The warm, gooey cherries paired with the golden, crumbly cake topping are irresistible, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is virtually foolproof and can be easily customized with different fruits, cake mixes, or add-ins to suit your taste. It's a dessert that feels nostalgic and homey, perfect for making any occasion a little sweeter.

Servings: 8

2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.

Add Cherry Filling: Pour the canned cherry pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.

Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir.

Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra texture.

Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4 hours. The cake is done when the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Serve: Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

To vary the slow cooker cherry dump cake recipe, you can try mixing in different canned fruits, such as substituting one can of cherry pie filling with a can of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist, or using blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different cake mixes, like chocolate or spice cake, to complement the fruit filling. Adding a layer of cream cheese or a drizzle of caramel sauce before cooking can add a creamy, indulgent element. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle granola, crushed graham crackers, or oats along with the cake mix and butter. These variations allow you to customize the dessert to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.