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Oh, friends—have I got a treat for you today. You know those evenings when the day has absolutely taken you for a ride? The laundry is half folded (or still in the dryer… again), your phone battery is hanging on for dear life, and the idea of baking anything from scratch feels wildly optimistic. That’s usually the moment my sweet tooth taps me on the shoulder and says, “Hey… we still exist.”

That’s when Slow Cooker Minister’s Delight comes to the rescue.

I stumbled into this recipe years ago while hunting for something comforting that didn’t require brainpower. Traditionally, Minister’s Delight—sometimes lovingly called “dump cake”—was a simple dessert served to visiting ministers. No fancy techniques. No drama. Just pantry ingredients, warmth, and a whole lot of heart. These days, it feels like the perfect dessert for busy families, tired professionals, or anyone who wants something homemade without the marathon.

You toss a few things into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a kitchen that smells like you’ve been doing something productive all afternoon. Even if you were secretly scrolling TikTok or helping with homework. No judgment here.

Why You’ll Love This (Trust Me on This One)

This recipe doesn’t shout for attention. It quietly wins you over.

Ridiculously easy — three ingredients and zero mixing
Comfort in a bowl — warm fruit, soft cake, buttery edges
Hands-off cooking — the slow cooker does the heavy lifting
Budget-friendly — nothing exotic or pricey
Customizable — change the fruit, add a little flair, make it yours

It’s the kind of dessert you can pull off even when your brain is operating on coffee and hope.

Ingredients (Short List, Big Payoff)

Here’s all you need. Seriously.

1 box yellow cake mix
The classic choice. It’s neutral, dependable, and plays nicely with fruit. White or butter cake mix works too if that’s what’s hanging out in your pantry.
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Sweet with a little tart kick. Cherry feels nostalgic to me—like church potlucks and handwritten recipe cards. But don’t feel boxed in. We’ll talk swaps soon.
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), sliced thin
Thin slices matter more than you’d think. They melt evenly and help create that golden, slightly crisp topping everyone fights over.

Tiny tip: If slicing cold butter feels like wrestling a brick, let it sit out for a few minutes or warm your knife under hot water.

Let’s Make It (You’ve Got This)

Here’s the thing — don’t overthink this recipe. It thrives on simplicity.

Prep your slow cooker.
Give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray. It saves scrubbing later, which honestly feels like a gift to your future self.
Pour in the cherry filling.
Spread it out evenly along the bottom. This fruity layer becomes warm, jammy goodness as it cooks.
Sprinkle the cake mix on top.
Dry. No mixing. Just gently scatter it so it covers the cherries. Layers are the whole point here.
Add the butter slices.
Lay them across the top like little puzzle pieces. Try to cover as much surface as you can, but don’t stress about perfection.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
You’ll know it’s ready when the edges bubble and the top looks set and lightly golden. Try not to lift the lid too often—heat likes to escape.

At some point, your kitchen will start smelling like a bakery had a cozy nap. That’s your cue that good things are happening.

Want to Switch It Up? (Absolutely You Do)

Once you make this once, your brain will start spinning with ideas. That’s part of the fun.

Fruit swaps: Blueberry, peach, apple, blackberry — all solid choices. Apple plus cinnamon feels especially comforting in cooler months.
Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter.
Warm spice moment: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the fruit layer adds cozy vibes without overpowering anything.
Brighten it up: A little lemon zest wakes up sweet fillings beautifully.

Honestly, this recipe doesn’t mind improvisation. It’s forgiving like that.

How to Serve It (Casual Is Perfect)

You can absolutely scoop this straight into bowls and call it a day. Warm dessert doesn’t need ceremony.

If you’re feeling extra:

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it melt into the edges
Top with whipped cream for a soft finish
Lightly dust with powdered sugar if company’s coming over

It’s cozy food. It doesn’t need a spotlight.

Storing & Reheating (If There’s Any Left)

If you somehow have leftovers, cover them and refrigerate for up to three days.

To reheat:

Microwave individual servings in short bursts
Or warm gently in the oven at low heat

The texture firms up slightly when chilled, which some people actually love. I go back and forth.

Before You Go…

This slow cooker Minister’s Delight isn’t trying to impress anyone. It’s here to make life a little sweeter when you’re tired, busy, or just craving something warm and familiar.

It’s simple. It’s comforting. It feels like a recipe that’s been passed around kitchens for decades — even if you just met it today.

If you make it, tell me how it went. Did you swap the fruit? Add nuts? Eat it straight from the crock with a spoon while standing at the counter? (Been there.) Drop a comment or question anytime. I love hearing how these little kitchen wins show up in real life.