This 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Burgundy Bake is the kind of easy summer dessert that feels festive without asking much from the cook. It leans on the classic dump-dessert idea many families love, where fruit and cake mix bake together into a warm, spoonable treat with jammy burgundy fruit underneath and a craggy golden top. It is especially handy for holiday gatherings because you can set it up well before dinnertime and let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on the rest of the meal.
Serve this warm in bowls with vanilla ice cream or a big spoonful of whipped topping so the creamy coolness melts into the fruity base. For a Fourth of July table, it pairs nicely with grilled burgers, hot dogs, barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, and a fresh berry platter. If you want to dress it up a little, add a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Burgundy Bake
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
2 cans cherry pie filling, 21 ounces each
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Spread both cans of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the cherry layer, covering the fruit as completely as you can without stirring.
3. Drizzle the melted butter all over the top, aiming to moisten as much of the cake mix as possible. It is fine if a few dry spots remain.
4. Cover and cook on High for 2 to 3 hours or on Low for 4 to 5 hours, until the edges are bubbling and the top looks craggy and set. Let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Blueberry-Cherry Version: Swap one can of cherry pie filling for blueberry pie filling if you want a red-and-blue holiday look with a deeper berry flavor. It is a nice option for families who like a little more tartness in dessert.
White Cake Mix Option: If that is what you have in the pantry, white cake mix works just fine and gives the topping a lighter color. The flavor stays simple and sweet, which makes it easy for picky eaters to enjoy.
Butter Coverage Tip: For the most even topping, drizzle the butter slowly over the whole surface instead of pouring it in one spot. A few dry patches are normal, but broad butter coverage helps create that lovely cobbler-like crust.
Keep It Warm for Serving: Once the dessert is done, switch the slow cooker to Warm if your meal is not quite finished yet. This makes it a great make-ahead choice for backyard cookouts and fireworks nights.
Topping Ideas: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a spoonful of sweetened mascarpone all pair beautifully with the warm fruit. If you want a little crunch, add a small handful of toasted sliced almonds right before serving.