Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a festive dessert that combines rich, velvety cream cheese with bright, tangy cherries and a buttery, crisp topping, this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s incredibly easy to put together, requires minimal ingredients, and instantly transforms simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing holiday treat. Whether you’re short on time or want a dessert that fills the room with holiday cheer, this dump cake gives you all those cozy flavors with zero fuss.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the juicy cherry pie filling that adds color and sweetness, to the creamy richness of the cream cheese, and finally, the buttery cake mix topping that gives you that perfect golden crust.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a luscious, fruity base packed with festive red cherries and syrupy sweetness.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz): Adds richness and a tangy cheesecake flavor when cubed and layered in.
• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box): Creates a crispy, golden topping that balances the soft filling underneath.
• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, cold and sliced): Melts into the dry cake mix to form a tender, buttery crust that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Having the oven preheated means your cake will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling

Pour the two cans of cherry pie filling evenly into your baking dish. The vibrant cherries create a beautiful, festive base that infuses every bite with juicy flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese Cubes

Next, scatter the cubed cream cheese over the cherry filling. This is the magic that gives the dump cake its creamy texture and classic cheesecake tang — no mixing required.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix on top of the cream cheese and cherries. This will become the crumbly, buttery crust that contrasts so nicely with the soft filling.

Step 5: Top with Butter Slices

Slice the cold unsalted butter and lay these pieces across the cake mix. As it melts during baking, the butter transforms the dry mix into a rich, crisp topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes. The edges should bubble and the top should turn a gorgeous golden brown. When it’s done, your Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is ready to wow.

How to Serve Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, dust your warm dump cake with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra fresh cherries on top can also brighten the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs incredibly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The creamy coldness of ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, fruity cake, making every bite divine.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe in rustic ramekins or individual glass jars for charming, personalized servings. You can even layer it with extra cream cheese dollops or cherry sauce for a trifle-inspired twist that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight, giving you a richer, more melded dessert the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, this dump cake freezes beautifully. Just place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm up individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to restore that fresh-baked feeling, or heat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream on top is always a perfect finishing touch after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix pairs wonderfully with the cherry and cream cheese flavors, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for a unique twist on this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe.

Is it necessary to use cold butter?

Yes, cold butter helps create that flaky, crisp topping as it melts slowly during baking. Using softened butter may result in a denser crust, so keep it chilled if you want the best texture.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

Cream cheese adds key tang and creaminess, but if you need a dairy-free alternative, try a vegan cream cheese or even mascarpone. The flavor will shift slightly, but the dessert will still be delightful.

How do I know when the dump cake is done?

Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown top crust. The butter should have melted completely, and the cake mix on top should resemble a crisp, crumbly surface rather than raw dry mix.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensuring your pie filling and butter are gluten-free, you can easily adapt this Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe is everything you want for a hassle-free holiday dessert — full of festive flavor, creamy texture, and buttery crunch. It’s an effortless way to wow your family and guests, making every holiday gathering that much sweeter. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to Christmas treat year after year!

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