If you’ve been searching for a truly delightful and effortlessly delicious dessert, look no further than the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe. This dish combines juicy cherry pie filling and tangy crushed pineapple with a buttery cake topping that bakes into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a casual get-together, or just because, this dump cake brings luscious fruit flavors and a soft, crumbly texture in one easy-to-execute treat that always wows.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines through. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll create layers of vibrant flavor and comforting textures that come together perfectly.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: Provides sweet, syrupy cherries with a beautiful red hue and subtle tartness that anchors the cake.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds tropical brightness and moisture, keeping the cake rich and juicy throughout.
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: The dry cake mix creates a tender, crumbly topping with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced: Melts over the cake mix, creating golden, buttery pockets that are simply irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and rustic texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling.
How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your dump cake bakes evenly and comes out without sticking, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Evenly spread the entire can of cherry pie filling into the bottom of your dish. This luscious layer forms the sweet and tart foundation of the cake, bursting with fruity flavor.
Step 3: Add the Crushed Pineapple
Next, pour the crushed pineapple—with all its juice—over the cherry filling. The pineapple’s natural juices mingle with the cherries, creating a juicy, tropical punch that elevates the entire dessert.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly right over the fruit layers. The cake mix will soak up the fruit juices during baking, creating moist pockets and a lightly crisp top.
Step 5: Top with Butter and Nuts
Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix. This step is key for achieving that signature golden crust. If you love a bit of added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before popping the dish into the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is a lovely golden brown and you see the cherry and pineapple fillings bubbling around the edges. This bubbling is a delicious sign that your dump cake is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps the filling set just enough to make scooping easier, while still warm enough to melt a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
How to Serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of this dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over it, or a cloud of freshly whipped cream to balance the fruity sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra fresh cherries on top can also add a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is perfect as a standalone indulgence, but you can pair it with simple sides like a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even some coconut-flavored whipped cream for an extra island vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dump cake in individual ramekins or mason jars, layered with whipped cream between servings. You could also transform it into a trifle by layering cake pieces with extra fruit and cream in a clear bowl to show off its gorgeous colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil or placing it in an airtight container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your dump cake slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. Adding a little extra butter or a splash of pineapple juice before reheating helps maintain moistness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
While fresh fruit can work, canned cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple are key to the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe’s perfect texture and syrupy sweetness. Fresh fruit may create a different consistency and require adjustments to the baking time.
What can I substitute for yellow cake mix?
If you prefer, white cake mix can be used, though yellow cake mix offers a richer, buttery flavor that complements the fruit perfectly. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Are the nuts necessary?
Nuts add wonderful crunch and a slight toasty flavor, but they’re completely optional. You can omit them if you have allergies or prefer a softer top layer.
Can I make the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a few hours before baking and refrigerate until ready to pop it in the oven. Just be sure to bake it right after removing it from the fridge to ensure even cooking.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover dump cake is fantastic warmed up with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream. You can also enjoy it cold as a quick, fruity snack or dessert the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and joyous about this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe—it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles and requests for seconds at every table. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a staple to keep handy whenever you want a quick, crowd-pleasing sweet treat. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will become one of your favorites too!
Print
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring layers of sweet cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple topped with a buttery yellow cake mix crust. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and produces a warm, gooey, and golden-brown cake perfect served on its own or with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Layers
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
Cake Topping
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the dump cake evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
- Spread cherry pie filling: Evenly distribute the entire can of cherry pie filling in the bottom of the baking dish forming the first layer.
- Add crushed pineapple: Pour the drained crushed pineapple with its juice over the cherry layer, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Generously sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers to create the crumbly top base.
- Add butter slices: Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the dry cake mix to ensure richness and golden browning during baking.
- Add nuts (optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if using, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
- Bake the cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving warm. It’s delicious served with ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content in the dessert.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice texture; pecans or walnuts are great choices.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings for variation.
- This dessert is best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For gluten-free version, use gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
