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Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a tasty dessert? This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is simple to make and packs a delicious punch. With just three base ingredients, you can create a warm, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Join me as we dive into an easy recipe that combines the tang of cherries with the tropical flair of pineapple. Let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dump cake comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of sweet cherries and juicy pineapple creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone loves.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite fruits or nuts to make this dessert your own.
- Serves a Crowd: This recipe makes enough to serve 9-12 people, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
To make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, you need a few simple ingredients. Here is the full list:
– 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained: This gives moisture and sweetness. The juice from the pineapple helps the cake stay soft.
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: This adds a rich cherry flavor. It creates a nice layer on top of the pineapple.
– 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: This is the main base of the cake. It helps create a fluffy texture.
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps the cake bake evenly. It also creates a nice golden top.
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): These nuts give a nice crunch. They add extra flavor if you like.
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving: This makes the dessert even better. A scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream adds creaminess.
These ingredients come together to make a delicious and easy dessert. Each part plays a role in creating a delightful treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation process overview
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a good bake. While the oven heats up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Next, pour the can of undrained crushed pineapple into the dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. This fruity layer adds moisture and flavor to your cake.
Now, take the cherry pie filling and carefully spoon it over the pineapple. Make sure it covers the pineapple completely. This creates a sweet and tangy layer that will shine through after baking.
Assembling the cake
After layering the fruits, it’s time to add the cake mix. Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cherry filling. Do not mix; just let it sit there. This will form the cake top.
Next, melt the butter in a microwave or on the stove. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Try to cover as much as you can. This helps the top get golden and crispy when it bakes.
Baking and cooling
Place your assembled cake in the preheated oven. Bake it for about 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden brown top that is bubbly.
Once your cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the flavors set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing flavor options
To bring out the best in your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, focus on the butter. Melted butter adds rich flavor. You want to drizzle it evenly over the cake mix. This way, each bite gets that buttery goodness.
For added crunch, consider nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts work great. They add a nice texture and flavor contrast. If you like, you can mix in some nuts with the cake mix. This gives a more even nut flavor throughout the cake.
Presentation ideas
Serving your cake well makes it even more special. A dollop of whipped cream on top can really elevate it. You might also try a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both options taste great and look nice.
Garnishing can add a fun touch. Fresh cherries or pineapple slices on top make for a pretty presentation. You can also sprinkle a little extra chopped nuts around the edges. This adds color and a bit of extra flair.
Pro Tips
- Layer Wisely: Make sure to spread the crushed pineapple evenly to create a moist base for the cake, which will help keep it from becoming too dry.
- Butter Coverage: Drizzle the melted butter slowly and evenly over the cake mix to ensure all areas are moistened for a perfect bake.
- Nutty Crunch: If you choose to add nuts, lightly toast them beforehand to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch to your dump cake.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the dump cake warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the fruity flavors.
Variations
Alternative fruit combinations
You can switch up the fruit in this dump cake. Try using a different pie filling. Blueberry or peach fillings add a nice twist. You can also mix fruits. Combine cherry filling with fresh blueberries for a fun flavor.
Incorporating seasonal fruits works well, too. In the summer, use fresh cherries and peaches. In the fall, diced apples or pears can create a cozy taste. The key is to keep the fruit juicy. This helps the cake stay moist.
Gluten-free or dairy-free options
You can make this dump cake fit your diet. For gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cake mix. Many brands offer great options. Just check the label to be sure.
If you need a dairy-free cake, use vegan butter. Coconut oil is another great alternative. Both keep the cake tasty and moist. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice without worry.
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
To keep your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You should aim to eat the leftovers within three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well in foil or freezer-safe bags to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating tips
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dump cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it from getting too brown. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. Just heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating. Enjoy your warm dessert with whipped cream or ice cream for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake ahead of time. Prepare it and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. This lets the flavors blend well. Just remember to bake it right before you serve it. It tastes best warm and fresh from the oven.
What can I substitute for yellow cake mix?
If you don’t have yellow cake mix, you can use a white cake mix. You can also try a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free option. If you want something different, a chocolate cake mix gives a fun twist. Just keep the same amount, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
Is it okay to use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit instead of canned. For pineapple, chop fresh pieces and use them in place of crushed pineapple. For cherries, use fresh ones or even frozen cherries. Just be sure to adjust the juice if needed. Fresh fruit can add a bright taste and texture to your cake.
In this article, we covered how to make a delicious Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake. We discussed the key ingredients, like crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling. I shared easy steps for baking and cooling the cake. We explored tips for flavor and presentation, plus fun variations.
Remember, you can customize it to fit your needs. You can store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Baking can be fun and rewarding. Dive into this tasty treat and impress your friends and famil
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
A quick and easy dessert made with crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, and a buttery cake topping.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, undrained
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 serving whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour the undrained crushed pineapple and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the crushed pineapple, ensuring an even layer.
Evenly sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the cherry filling. Do not mix it, just spread it out as evenly as possible.
Drizzle the melted butter over the entire top of the cake mix. Make sure to cover as much of it as possible.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once baked, allow the dump cake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can garnish with fresh cherries or pineapple slices for an extra touch.
Keyword cherry, dump cake, easy dessert, pineapple
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