If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines effortless preparation with a burst of sweet, fruity delight, this 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine luscious cherry pie filling, a golden, fluffy cake topping, and a surprising hint of citrusy fizz from 7Up coming together to create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This dump cake is a foolproof way to impress your family and guests without spending hours in the kitchen, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a yellow cake mix box with a slice of yellow cake with two layers separated by a brown chocolate-like layer, leaning to the left on a white marbled surface. To the right, there are two green soda cans with

This 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a testament to how a few simple pantry staples can transform into something spectacular. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cherry pie filling provides juicy sweetness and texture, the yellow cake mix adds a buttery, cakey crust, and the 7Up soda introduces a light, bubbly lift that keeps the cake tender and moist.

Cherry pie filling: Use good-quality canned cherry pie filling for a sweet and slightly tart burst of fruit in every bite.
Yellow cake mix: This adds a golden, fluffy layer that perfectly complements the juicy cherries beneath.
7Up lemon lime soda: The secret ingredient that brings moisture and a subtle zest, giving the cake a delightful lift without any extra work.

How to Make 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures that your dump cake comes out clean and intact, ready for you to enjoy without any fuss.

Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling

Spoon 1 1/2 cans of cherry pie filling into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Save the remaining half can for topping. This juicy base is what gives the cake its signature bright cherry flavor and moist texture.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cake Mix

Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cherries. Don’t worry about mixing; this dry layer will bake into a perfectly crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft cherries below.

Step 4: Add the 7Up Soda

Gently pour 2 cups of 7Up over the cake mix. The soda’s bubbles keep the cake light while the citrus notes add a pleasant brightness to each bite. Then, use the back of a spoon to swirl the soda and cake mix just until the bubbles calm down—no full mixing required.

Step 5: Top with Remaining Cherry Filling

Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling on top of your batter. These bursts of cherry on the surface ensure that every slice looks as vibrant as it tastes once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake on the middle rack for about 60 minutes or until the top turns golden brown. If the top browns too quickly after around 45 minutes, cover it with aluminum foil to protect that perfect crust while the inside finishes baking.

Step 7: Let It Cool and Set

Patience is key here. Allow the cake to cool completely, letting it set for at least two hours so the filling thickens up. Cutting into it too soon means a runny experience, which you’ll want to avoid to fully appreciate the perfect balance of textures.

How to Serve 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

The image shows two white oval baking dishes side by side on a white marbled surface. The dish on the left has a yellow cake-like batter base with uneven dollops of bright red cherry topping scattered on top. The dish on the right displays the baked version with a golden brown crust and the red cherry topping slightly sunken in spots, creating uneven pools of glossy red over the surface. Around the dishes are two green cans of 7Up and two red bowls with wooden spoons resting inside, adding a rustic touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates this cherry dump cake to dessert stardom. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or a few fresh cherries on top add a lovely crunch and a splash of color that make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This versatile dessert pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp green salad or even a simple cup of tea or coffee. The cake’s sweet tartness complements savory dishes like grilled chicken or pork, making it an excellent finale to a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, serve the 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layer with whipped cream or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a captivating look that’s sure to impress at potlucks or family dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cherry dump cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it an easy treat to enjoy on the go or as a quick sweet snack after dinner.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you want to make it ahead for a special occasion. Wrap individual servings or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 325° F covered with foil until heated through. The cake maintains its soft texture and juicy filling after reheating, making it just as delightful as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use other soda instead of 7Up in this dump cake?

Absolutely! While 7Up complements the cherry flavor perfectly with its lemon-lime zest, you can experiment with other clear sodas like Sprite or even ginger ale to add a slightly different note.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. The results will be just as tasty and perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?

You can, but fresh cherries may release more juice and alter the moisture balance. Consider cooking them down with sugar and a little lemon juice to mimic the pie filling’s consistency.

How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust on top and bubbly cherry filling around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the cake topping should come out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert warm?

Serve it right out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream for a classic, comforting treat, but remember to let it cool somewhat for easier slicing.

Final Thoughts

This 7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a true kitchen gem—simple to make, wonderfully delicious, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving a sweet bite, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire too!

7Up Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 65 reviews

Author: Amina
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This 7Up Cherry Dump Cake is a delightful and simple dessert that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Combining sweet cherry pie filling, zesty lemon-lime soda, and a yellow cake mix, it bakes into a moist, bubbly cake with a golden crust. Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a classic fruity cobbler-style dessert.

Ingredients

Filling

2 (21 ounce) cans cherry pie filling

Cake Layer

15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix

Liquid

2 cups 7-Up lemon lime soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch (2.5 quart) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Add Cherry Filling: Pour 1 and 1/2 cans of cherry pie filling evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, reserving the leftover half can for topping later.
Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the entire 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix over the cherry filling layer without stirring.
Pour 7-Up Soda: Gently pour 2 cups of 7-Up lemon-lime soda evenly over the cake mix layer, ensuring good coverage.
Incorporate Cake Mix and Soda: Using the back of a spoon, lightly swirl the cake mix and soda together just enough so the dry cake mix is moistened but not fully mixed; the batter should no longer be bubbly.
Add Remaining Cherry Filling: Dollop the remaining cherry pie filling on top of the partially combined cake mixture.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for about 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil after 45 minutes. Oven times may vary, so check for doneness rather than strictly adhering to time.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool for at least 2 hours so the cobbler sets completely. Cutting it while hot will result in a very liquidy consistency, but cooling solidifies it nicely for serving.

Notes

Do not fully mix the cake batter; just swirl to combine cake mix with 7-Up soda for best texture.
Cover with foil if the top browns too fast during baking to prevent burning.
Allow the cake to cool thoroughly to ensure the dessert sets and is easy to slice.
This recipe yields a moist, bubbly cobbler-style cake, so expect a slightly gooey texture under the crust.
Use lemon-lime soda like 7-Up or Sprite for the right level of sweetness and moisture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American