Christmas Dump Cake

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The holidays are my favorite excuse to bake something comforting, colorful, and outrageously easy. This Christmas Dump Cake is exactly that—no fussy steps, just layers of festive flavor and cozy sweetness that come together with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dessert I rely on when I want to impress guests but don’t have the energy to whip up something complicated. Every time I serve it, someone always asks for the recipe.

The beauty of a dump cake is in its simplicity: dump the ingredients in, bake, and enjoy. But don’t let that fool you—this version is extra special. With layers of cherry and peach pie filling, rich vanilla cake, and a buttery streusel topping sprinkled with holiday sprinkles, it’s like a cobbler, cake, and cheesecake had a cheerful Christmas baby. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a treat with your coffee on a chilly morning, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Dump Cake

This cake is pure holiday magic in every bite. It’s impossibly easy to make—no mixer, no bowls, and no complicated steps. The fruit filling stays luscious and juicy, while the cake layer turns golden and tender. The crumbly topping gives a bakery-quality crunch, and the red and green sprinkles add just the right amount of Christmas cheer. You get big flavor payoff with very little effort, and that’s exactly what I want during a busy festive season.

What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

I always go with a classic vanilla or yellow cake mix for this recipe. It blends beautifully with the tart cherries and sweet peaches, giving that warm, buttery contrast. You can also try white cake mix for a lighter flavor, or spice cake mix if you want a deeper, cozier taste. Avoid chocolate or other intense flavors that might overpower the fruit.

Options for Substitutions

There’s a lot of room to play with this recipe depending on what you have in your pantry. If you don’t have cherry pie filling, use strawberry or raspberry instead. Not a fan of peaches? Swap them out for pineapple or apple pie filling. Gluten-free cake mix works perfectly well here, and you can use dairy-free butter alternatives for the topping. For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble before baking.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Dump Cake

• Cherry Pie Filling – Adds a tart, vibrant layer that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cake.
• Peach Pie Filling – Offers mellow sweetness and a juicy texture, pairing perfectly with the cherries.
• Cream Cheese (softened) – Provides a rich, creamy layer that makes the cake feel decadent, almost like a cheesecake.
• Vanilla Cake Mix – The backbone of the cake layer, adding structure, fluffiness, and that classic vanilla flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (melted) – Poured over the cake mix, it creates that golden, buttery topping and helps form the crust.
• Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like depth to the streusel topping and enhances overall richness.
• Cinnamon – Brings warmth and subtle spice, perfect for the holiday mood.
• Holiday Sprinkles – Optional, but they make the cake look extra festive and fun!

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Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures nothing sticks and gives you cleaner slices.

Step 2: Layer the Fruit Fillings

Spoon the cherry pie filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly. Then add the peach pie filling on top and lightly swirl them together using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Don’t mix too much; you want to see both layers.

Step 3: Dot with Cream Cheese

Drop small dollops of softened cream cheese over the fruit. Try to distribute it evenly so every bite gets that creamy texture.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Sprinkle the entire box of vanilla cake mix evenly over the fruit and cream cheese layer. Do not stir—this is key to creating the classic dump cake texture.

Step 5: Drizzle with Butter

Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible to avoid dry spots.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered cake layer. It adds a lovely crunch and spiced sweetness.

Step 7: Add Festive Sprinkles

If you’re using holiday sprinkles, scatter them over the top now. It’s a fun, colorful touch that makes this cake unmistakably Christmas-ready.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.

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How Long to Prepare the Christmas Dump Cake

Prep Time: Preparing this cake takes about 10-15 minutes. Since it’s a dump cake, there’s no need for mixing bowls or beaters—just layering the ingredients right into the baking dish. The only step that takes a bit of attention is softening the cream cheese and making sure the melted butter is evenly distributed.

Baking Time: The cake bakes in 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling with fruit. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Dump Cake

• Use high-quality pie fillings for the best flavor.
• Don’t mix the cake mix into the fruit—simply layer it and drizzle butter for the ideal texture.
• Make sure the butter covers the cake mix thoroughly to avoid any dry patches.
• Let it rest before serving so the cream cheese sets slightly.
• Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra texture and a nutty note.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Pouring butter unevenly: This leads to dry clumps of cake mix.
• Over-mixing layers: Resist the urge to stir; the magic of this cake is in its layered result.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t dollop properly. Soften it to room temp.
• Using too much fruit: Stick to one can of each filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting too early can make it messy and runny.

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What to Serve With Christmas Dump Cake?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla melts perfectly over the warm cake and balances the fruit flavors.

2. Whipped Cream

Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy contrast without overpowering the sweetness.

3. Hot Chocolate

A cup of rich cocoa complements the cinnamon and fruit layers deliciously.

4. Eggnog

Classic holiday eggnog adds a creamy, spiced drink to match the dessert.

5. Coffee or Espresso

A bold coffee is the perfect finish to a sweet and fruity dessert.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat it within a day, you can loosely cover and leave it out at room temperature. Make sure it’s completely cooled before covering to avoid condensation.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, transfer the cooled cake to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The texture stays lovely, and the flavors meld even more.

Freezing: You can freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 32g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?

You can, but you’ll need to add sugar and a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the consistency of canned pie filling.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the layers (except for butter and sprinkles) and refrigerate it a few hours ahead. Add butter and sprinkles just before baking.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can skip it or replace it with mascarpone or sweetened ricotta for a similar creamy effect.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Is it supposed to be a bit gooey?

Yes! That gooey fruit layer is what makes dump cake so comforting and delicious. The top should be crisp, while the base stays soft.

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Conclusion

This Christmas Dump Cake is my holiday go-to: easy, festive, and packed with warm fruit, creamy bites, and a spiced crumble that brings everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re baking it for a party, gifting it to a neighbor, or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here), it’s the kind of dessert that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Serve it warm, add a scoop of ice cream, and let the Christmas cheer begin.

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