Cherry 'N Apple Dump Cake
Cherry 'N Apple Dump Cake combines sweet cherry pie filling with diced apples, topped with a buttery cake crumble and pecans for added crunch. This warm, comforting dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, offering a delightful mix of fruity flavors and a crispy topping that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cherry pie filling, diced apples, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 1/2 x 11 1/2-inch glass baking dish or larger.
- In a medium bowl, cut margarine or butter into the cake mix until crumbly.
- Add chopped pecans and sprinkle evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with ice cream or plain.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using fresh cherries instead of pie filling for a more authentic flavor. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes. Ensure your apples are tart varieties like Granny Smith for balance. Cutting the butter into the cake mix should be done quickly to maintain a crumbly texture, which is key for a perfect topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast to the warm fruit. This dessert pairs beautifully with Special Occasion Punch for a festive touch. It also complements a scoop of yogurt for a lighter option, perfect for brunch gatherings. Consider pairing it with a side of 5-Bean Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, adding a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry 'N Apple Dump Cake contains roughly 697 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries; however, you'll need to adjust the sugar content since frozen fruit may have added sugar. Thaw and drain the cherries before mixing them with the apples and lemon juice to avoid excess liquid in the cake.
What can I use instead of yellow cake mix?
You can create a homemade cake mix using flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free cake mix available at most grocery stores. This will still provide a delicious topping for your dump cake.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this dump cake vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure your cake mix does not contain dairy. Also, check that the cherry pie filling is vegan-friendly. This makes a delightful dessert option for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).