There is nothing quite like a warm, luscious Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe to brighten up your dessert game. This delightful treat effortlessly combines the sweet-tart zing of cherry pie filling with the tropical juiciness of crushed pineapple, all under a buttery, golden cake crust that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dessert you can throw together in moments but will have everyone asking for seconds because of its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or a cozy night in, this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These few but mighty ingredients come together with ease, creating a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role: the cherry pie filling offers a vibrant sweetness, pineapple brings juicy brightness, the cake mix forms the crispy topping, butter lends richness and that golden finish, and nuts add an optional crunch that makes every bite exciting.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides the sweet and tangy base with vibrant color and juicy texture.
- Crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to balance the tart cherries.
- Yellow cake mix: Creates a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
- Unsalted butter: Sliced thin to evenly melt, giving the topping its golden, rich finish.
- Chopped nuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the heat builds, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your dump cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the vibrant, fruity foundation of your dessert.
Step 3: Add a Juicy Pineapple Layer
Next, spoon the crushed pineapple—juice and all—right on top of the cherry layer, making sure to spread it evenly to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the top of your fruit layers. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; once baked, this will transform into a crisp, golden crust.
Step 5: Top with Butter Slices and Nuts
Arrange thin slices of unsalted butter evenly across the cake mix surface to ensure every bite is buttery and golden. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top—it’s that easy!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautifully golden top and bubbling juicy fruit filling—that’s your signal the cake is perfectly done.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe cool for a few minutes after baking; this resting time helps the filling thicken slightly. Serve it warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an utterly irresistible finish.
How to Serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh cherries, or a mint sprig elevate this dessert visually and add a refreshing touch. A drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of whipped cream adds another layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dump cake pairs wonderfully with cold vanilla ice cream to add creamy contrast. You might also enjoy it alongside a mild coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, making your treat feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or mason jars. You can even layer it parfait-style with extra whipped cream or yogurt for a fancy look that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and moist for up to four days, perfect for quick desserts or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe freezes well! Wrap individual portions or the entire cake securely in foil and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months, and you’ll have a ready-made dessert anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm servings in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or bake leftover slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and bubbly. A quick reheat keeps the topping crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
While fresh fruit is delicious, this recipe relies on the moisture and sweetness of canned cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple with juice to create the perfect texture and flavor. Fresh fruit tends to be less juicy, which could affect the moistness of the cake.
Is it necessary to use yellow cake mix?
The yellow cake mix provides the ideal balance of sweetness and crispness for this dump cake. While you could experiment with other mixes, yellow or butter cake mix works best to complement the fruit flavors without overpowering them.
Can I make this dump cake vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil, and make sure to select a vegan cake mix. The rest of the ingredients, especially canned fruits, are naturally dairy-free.
What is the best way to serve this dessert warm?
Serve it straight out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream or a generous spoonful of whipped cream. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes the cake wonderfully comforting.
Are the nuts necessary?
The chopped nuts are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy an added crunch and flavor contrast. Pecans or walnuts work beautifully, but feel free to omit if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe is pure joy in dessert form. It’s quick to make, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor and comfort every time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic for so many. So grab those simple ingredients and get ready to bake a cake that’s sure to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy “wow”s around your table. You really can’t go wrong with this one!
Print
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple, delightful dessert that layers cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple with a yellow cake mix topping, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that results in a sweet, fruity treat perfect for any occasion, best served warm 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 prepare for baking the cake.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
- Layer Cherry Pie Filling: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the bottom of the baking dish to form the first fruit layer.
- Add Pineapple Layer: Evenly layer the crushed pineapple, including its juice, over the cherry filling.
- Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers, creating a uniform topping base.
- Add Butter Slices: Arrange thinly sliced unsalted butter evenly across the cake mix surface to ensure it melts and creates a rich crust.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if desired, for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dump cake cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy it best with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- The nuts are optional and can be omitted or substituted with your favorite type, such as pecans or walnuts.
- For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of sliced butter.
- Make sure not to mix the layers; the ‘dump cake’ relies on these layered textures and the butter melting over the dry cake mix.
- Serving warm enhances the flavors and texture; leftovers can be reheated gently.
