Directions:
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
Add Cherry Filling: Pour the canned cherry pie filling into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cherry pie filling. Do not stir.
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra texture.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4 hours. The cake is done when the top is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Serve: Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Variations & Tips:
To vary this slow cooker cherry dump cake recipe, you can try mixing in different canned fruits. For example, substitute one can of cherry pie filling with a can of crushed pineapple for a tropical twist, or use blueberry or apple pie filling for a different flavor profile. Experiment with different cake mixes like chocolate or spice cake to complement the fruit filling.
You can also add a creamy or indulgent element by layering cream cheese or drizzling caramel sauce before cooking. For added crunch, sprinkle granola, crushed graham crackers, or oats along with the cake mix and butter. These variations allow you to customize the dessert to your taste preferences or based on what you have on hand.