Easy Cake Mix Cherry Pies

If you want the flavor of a cherry pie but the ease of a quick doctored cake mix, then this is the recipe for you!

These Easy Cake Mix Cherry Pies are perfect for patriotic celebrations, holiday gatherings, desserts, parties, or even as a mid-afternoon snack! They're simple to make but filled with flavor and texture. Best of all, they start with a white cake mix!

Can I Make Pie from Cake Mix?

That was the question I asked myself as I stared at the box of vanilla cake mix.

I've been on a quest for weeks now, trying to figure out new dishes to make from a simple box of white cake mix. My latest goal is to make anything other than cake! Not an easy task, I know.

Oh, I've managed to come up with some doozies. Like my Cake Mix Scones, for instance. Or my Cake Mix Cinnamon Roll Pastries. I even came up with a yummy Cinnamon Sugar Muffins using a boxed cake mix.

But, I couldn't imagine that I could use the same white cake mix idea for a pie. Could I really turn the mix into pie dough? Was that even possible?

If at First You Don't Succeed. . .

Keep trying, right? I've never been very good at pies, honestly. It's the dough that gets me every time. My mama was an amazing pie-maker and I've tried her pie dough recipe. Mine usually shrinks.

So, the idea of making pie of any sort has always eluded me.

Until now. I think I've finally found a pie recipe I can't mess up! (Seriously.)

Okay, so this doesn't exactly have the texture of a usual pie crust, but in some ways it's even better because the cake mix adds a sweetness and flaky texture that is more pastry-like. The end result is just delicious, y'all!

Cake Mix Cherry Pie Ingredients

There's a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. There you will find more details. In the meantime, here's what you'll need to make these yummy (and easy) cherry pies.

These are simple ingredients you've probably got in your kitchen right now!

• white cake mix
• all purpose flour
• stick of butter (cold)
• large egg
• whipping cream
• can of cherry pie filling

Usually I recommend a room temperature egg and butter but for this recipe you'll want to leave them cold.

How to Make These Easy Cherry Pies

Most cake mixes end up as a "batter," but this recipe converts to a dough, very much like a traditional pie dough. The best part is, it's basically fail-proof!

Here's how you make it:

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees.

Place flour in a large bowl. Grate cold butter and work into flour.

Add box of cake mix and work together.

Add wet ingredients (egg and cream) and work until pliable. (I worked mine with my hands until it came together as a dough.)

Prepare a muffin tin (cupcake tin) by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.

Roll out dough to about ¼ inch thickness and cut into circles.

Place dough into the muffin cups

Drop a couple tablespoons of cherry filling into each cup. (If you're like I am you keep several cans of cherry pie filling in your pantry for moments like this!)

Fold over but don't worry about closing them completely. You want the cherries to show.

Place in a preheated 375 degree oven and bake for 22 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly in the center.

Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool.

When they are cool enough to handle, remove from the pan and continue to cool on the wire rack.

This recipe should make 15 - 18 depending on how far you can make your pie filling stretch. I made a dozen and then used the leftover dough and filling to make a couple of popovers. Check them out!

Here's how I made the popovers. I cut larger circles (using a plastic bowl as a guide) and then put about ¼ cup of pie filling in each one before folding over and crimping with a fork.

I brushed with whipping cream.

I baked them at 375 for 18 minutes.

What to Expect from these Cherry Pies

These aren't your grandma's cherry pies, y'all. They are a marvelous mix of cake and pie, just the right amount of filling with a tender cookie-like crust. In some ways they're almost like a cherry cobbler, but easier to eat!

I was tickled to see that they held their shape when it came time to lift them from the pan. And I was even more delighted that I didn't have to use a fork to eat one. I broke it open with my fingers and took a nibble, and y'all. . .

I was hooked.

So hooked.

I wondered where these little pies had been all of my life, and why no one ever suggested I make a pie out of cake mix before. (When I think of all the years I've missed it makes me terribly sad!) Talk about an easy dessert recipe! This one's going to be a family favorite!

I've decided these pies would be great with a scoop of ice cream on the side. I sure wish I had some in my house! Then again, I'm supposed to be dieting right now, so maybe it's best that I didn't!

I knew I couldn't be trusted so I got into my car while these were still warm and drove them to my friend's house. They made the perfect sweet treats for her husband's birthday. Okay, so it was 11:00 at night, but they didn't care! They dove right in.

Run, don't walk to the store to get a white cake mix. You're going to what to whip up a batch of these for your next party or family gathering.

Variations on this Easy Pie Recipe

Not a fan of cherries?

No problem! The pie filling flavor is up to you! Here are some to try:

• Blueberry
• Blackberry
• Strawberry
• Peach
• Apple

Don't try to use any other type of fruit (like fresh berries or preserves). Only pie filling will work for these luscious pies.

Turn this recipe into bars!

Spread the dough into a prepared rectangular baking dish and spread pie filling on top, then bake until golden brown. When cooled, cut into bars. (Talk about a delicious dessert! You'll love that cherry pie flavor!)

Not in the mood for fruit?

Bake up the pie crusts and then fill them with:

• chocolate pudding
• vanilla custard/pudding
• coconut pudding
• banana pudding

Want to use a different cake flavor?

No problem. Consider these options:

• Add almond extract to the dough before you roll it out.
• Try a chocolate cake mix with strawberry (or custard) filling. You could even fill them with my yummy Cheesecake Mousse!
• Use a box of yellow cake mix and fill with chocolate custard. Yum!
• Use a strawberry cake mix and fill with strawberry pie filling.
• Use a lemon cake mix and fill with blueberry pie filling.
• Use a spice cake mix and fill with Cookie Butter Mousse!

Turn this into an Easy Cherry Dump Cake!

Talk about a delicious cake! This one's so easy, too! Here's how you do it:

• Place two cans of cherry pie filling in the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish.
• Sprinkle a box of white cake mix over the pie filling.
• Slice up a stick of cold butter and spread around on top of the cake mix.
• Bake at 350 degrees for half an hour or until golden brown and bubbling.

(This is a little bit like my Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake recipe!)

Want to dress these up?

Add a dollop of whipped topping to the top of each little pie if you like. You can sprinkle anything you like on top, from shaved chocolate to nuts to diced dried fruit. Sprinkles would be a good option, too!

The possibilities are endless! With the right decorations, these would be perfect for a special occasion like a baby shower or bridal shower.

How to Store These Cherry Pies

For best results, place in an airtight container (or cover with plastic wrap) and keep in a cool place. You can rewarm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn yourself with the pie filling.

You Will Love This Easy Recipe!

I can honestly say that I'm blown away by the use of cake mix as pie dough. It's so light and fluffy, yet crisp and full of sweetness at the same time! I can hardly wait to make these again and again. This is truly the perfect dessert!

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Learn more about doctored cake mixes, the theme of this blog. 

For the master list of all doctored cake mix recipes on this site, visit Doctored Cake Mix Recipes, Master List. 

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Check out this Tailgate Trifle from South Your Mouth. If you love cherries, this one should hit the spot!

See this recipe at

Full Plate Thursday 

Weekend Potluck

Sunday LinkUp

That's it for now, y'all! Let me leave you with a "sweet" verse, one that I love:

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 150 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.