Some desserts are perfect for those nights when you need something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast. This kind of bake leans on pantry staples and a couple of fridge basics, and it comes together with almost no fuss, which is exactly why I love it for potlucks, holidays, and busy weeknights when I still want to put something homemade on the table.
Serve it warm in generous scoops on its own, or pair it with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cup of coffee if you're serving it after dinner. Since it is rich and fruity, I like to keep the sides simple and let the sweet-tart filling and creamy pockets do all the work.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Cherry Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Servings: 10
Ingredients
2 blocks (8 oz each) cream cheese
2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a glass 9x13 baking dish.
2. Place the two whole blocks of cream cheese side by side in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spoon the cherry pie filling all around and over the cream cheese blocks, spreading it out into an even layer as best you can.
4. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top, covering the cherry layer from edge to edge.
5. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix, making sure to moisten most of the surface.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling around the edges.
7. Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before scooping and serving so the creamy layers can settle slightly.
Variations & Tips
Try a different pie filling: Blueberry, strawberry, or apple all work well here if you want the same easy method with a different flavor profile.
Cut the cream cheese for more even bites: If you prefer the cream cheese more spread throughout the dessert, cut each block into cubes before adding the pie filling so the creamy pockets distribute more evenly.
Watch for dry spots: Dump cakes bake best when most of the cake mix gets some butter on top. If you notice a few dry patches before baking, drizzle a little extra melted butter over those areas.
Make it for a gathering: This is a great dessert to carry to potlucks since it bakes in one dish and serves a crowd. I like to bring along a tub of whipped topping or ice cream so everyone can choose their favorite finish.