If you’re looking for a dessert that’s incredibly easy to prepare, bursting with fruity sweetness, and has that wonderfully comforting homemade feel, the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This dump cake combines luscious cherry pie filling and juicy crushed pineapple with a golden, buttery cake topping that bakes into a beautifully crisp crust. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but requires minimal effort, perfect for casual family dinners or last-minute gatherings when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this delightful Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is a breeze because each one plays an essential role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance. The fruit components bring vibrant color and juicy sweetness, the cake mix provides a tender crumb and crumbly top, and the butter adds richness and a golden crust. And if you choose to include nuts, they add an extra crunch that elevates every bite.
- Cherry pie filling (1 can, 21 oz): The star fruit component with rich, slightly tart flavor and juicy texture that forms the base layer.
- Crushed pineapple with juice (1 can, 20 oz): Adds tropical sweetness and moisture, creating a juicy contrast to the cherries.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Provides a sweet, cakey topping that turns golden and crispy in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick, thinly sliced): Melts over the cake mix to create a rich, buttery crust that is simply irresistible.
- Chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfect if you want to bring a little extra texture to the dessert.
How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to keep your dump cake from sticking and to help the edges brown beautifully. This simple step ensures your dessert comes out of the pan effortlessly and perfectly.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Open your can of cherry pie filling and spread it evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This juicy, sweet-tart layer acts as the flavorful foundation of your cake, and getting an even layer helps every bite have that fresh cherry burst.
Step 3: Add the Crushed Pineapple
Next, generously spread the crushed pineapple along with its juice right over the cherry layer. The pineapple’s tropical notes and juice work beautifully with the cherries to create moistness and a wonderfully complex fruity flavor.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. Resist the urge to stir — this dry topping will bake into a light, buttery crust while the fruit bubbles underneath. The dry cake mix also helps absorb some of that juicy goodness without becoming soggy.
Step 5: Add the Butter Slices
Place thin slices of unsalted butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix. As the butter melts during baking, it creates pockets of rich, golden flavor and helps turn the dry cake mix into a delightfully crisp and tender topping.
Step 6: Sprinkle Nuts (Optional)
If you love a bit of crunch and nutty depth, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully here, adding texture contrasts that make the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe even more exciting to eat.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled dump cake into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and the fruit filling bubbles up around the edges. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy bakery in no time!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps everything set just enough for easy slicing and serving while still warm and comforting. It’s especially delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that perfect balance of temperatures and textures.
How to Serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is how simple yet flexible it is when it comes to garnishing. Top your warm slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creamy coolness. A fresh sprig of mint not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing aroma. Dusting a little powdered sugar before serving offers an elegant touch for guests.
Side Dishes
This dump cake (sweet and fruity by nature) pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a simple green salad for balance if you’re serving it after a heavy meal. For brunch, try it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee or tea that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving individual portions in small mason jars, layering with whipped cream or yogurt for a parfait-style presentation. Another fun idea is to spoon warm dump cake over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat. Using colorful plates or rustic wooden boards can make this humble dessert feel special and inviting on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy its rich fruitiness and buttery flavors even a few days after you bake it.
Freezing
If you want to make this dump cake ahead of time or save leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual or whole portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When properly stored, it freezes well for up to 3 months without losing much of its delicious texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftover Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe, pop a portion in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds until warm or heat a large piece in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feel and makes the fruit filling extra bubbly and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for this dump cake?
You can certainly experiment with fresh cherries and pineapple, but canned fruit with juice helps keep the cake moist and juicy while baking. Fresh fruit might require additional sugar and juice for the same effect.
What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?
A yellow cake mix is classic here because it adds a buttery, sweet flavor that complements the fruit perfectly, but you could substitute white or even spice cake mix for a different twist.
Is it necessary to include nuts in the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe?
Nuts are totally optional. They add a lovely crunch and flavor, but the cake is just as delicious without them, especially if you or your guests have nut allergies.
How can I tell when the dump cake is done?
Look for a golden brown crust on top and bubbling fruit filling at the edges of the baking dish. The numbness of the dry cake topping to touch and the delightful aroma are also good indicators.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cake mix and replace butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine or coconut oil. The flavor will still be fantastic and the texture pleasingly moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe because it brings together simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or a big celebration, it’s a recipe that welcomes everyone to the table with warmth and smiles. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Print
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple, comforting dessert that layers cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple under a generous blanket of yellow cake mix and butter. Baked until golden and bubbly, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for quick gatherings or a cozy family dessert, served warm and optionally topped 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 and Toppings
- 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 prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Layer Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add Pineapple: Layer the crushed pineapple with its juice evenly over the cherry pie filling, ensuring good coverage.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the layered fruit to create an even topping.
- Distribute Butter: Arrange the thin slices of unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the cake mix to ensure a moist, golden topping.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly on top if you desire added crunch and texture.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dessert.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic pairing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
- If a gluten-free version is desired, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
