Fill wine or water goblets with Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert recipe, and serve topped with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream!

Years ago in my 20’s, my sis gave me this easy recipe: Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert. But guess what? This “cherry dump cake” is not just for a holiday–it’s the best “anytime” dessert. Which means it’s perfect for all seasons, and any occasion. You can also try my 4-ingredient Best Blueberry Crunch recipe!

The crumble base and top are made using a white or yellow cake mix. Easy!

Valentine's Day Cherry Crunch Dessert - ingredients

Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert

Grab these easy ingredients, and let’s get started!

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  • Cans of cherry pie filling (we use “light” which tastes great!)
  • Cake mix
  • Butter
  • Walnuts
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Cherry Crunch Dessert Recipe

Indulge in sweet and tart cherry dessert nestled in a delicious crust (almost a crumble on top). Pop it in the oven for an easy bake and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream!

Oh, and if you’re hosting a Galentine’s Day party, the watch my little video on Instagram for some “sweet” inspiration! You may also love my Lemon Cream Cherry Phyllo Tartlets or easy 4-ingredient Chocolate Cherry Cake.

What is a dump cake?

This Cherry Crunch Dessert is sort of like a dump cake. A dump cake is a really simple dessert — usually made with a cake mix + fruit filling — where you actually dump (or pour) the ingredients into a pan, stir, and bake.

Does cherry dump cake need to be refrigerated?

The leftover cherry crunch cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Warm the leftovers and serve with whipped cream or Vanilla ice cream.

You can even freeze leftovers (if you have any) of this dessert. Defrost and either heat up in the oven or microwave.

Valentine's Day Cherry Crunch Dessert

How to make Cherry Crunch Dessert

  1. Preheat oven and lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
  2. Spread the cherry filling in the pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the dry cake mix, softened butter, and toasted chopped nuts.
  4. Sprinkle mixture over the cherries.
  5. Bake until brown on top.
  6. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips and substitutions:

I rarely make a dessert that I can’t stay out of, but this one tempts me severely! Also adding in other flavors of fruit is delish!

You could make this with Blueberry, Peach or use any pie filling you choose.

Substitute apple pie filling and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon over the top if you like.

To toast the nuts, lay them on a paper towel; cook in the microwave for 1 minute. Rearrange the nuts and cook 1 more minute. Cool and chop!

It’s also so darn easy.

Let everyone serve themselves, or serve in wine glasses for Valentine’s Day! FUN!

This recipe is an easy one, where you can always keep the ingredients on hand, and it’s good enough for company!

More dump cake ideas:

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Dump Cake [Crazy for Crust], and Black Forest Dump Cake Recipe [Rachel Cooks].

Try my Making Peach Upside Down Cake for Dinner Guests recipe or Best Strawberry Cobbler recipe.

This post originally posted February 2013 on RE.

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Valentine’s Day Cherry Crunch Dessert

Fill wine or water goblets with dessert, top with ice cream or whipped cream. Serve for a special occasion. (You can make without nuts if you need to:) Also use a variety of different pie fillings: Blueberry, Apple, Peach, etc.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 21 oz cans of cherry pie filling, we use "light"
  • 1 box white cake mix, dry
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • Whipped cream or ice cream, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
  • Spread the cherry filling in the pan.
  • Mix together the dry cake mix, softened butter, and toasted chopped nuts. Sprinkle over the cherries.
  • Bake for 40-50 minutes or until brown on top.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Originally posted FEB 2013 on RE
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer
Did you make this recipe?Tag @reluctantentertainer on Instagram and hashtag it #reluctantentertainer!