Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious. With only a few ingredients and no mixing required, this fruity, buttery cake is perfect for last-minute gatherings or easy weeknight treats. Sweet cherry pie filling and tangy crushed pineapple form the base, topped with cake mix and butter to create a golden, crisp topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dump cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make—just dump, bake, and enjoy. It requires no special equipment, no beating or whisking, and only pantry-staple ingredients. The combination of cherries and pineapple gives it a tropical, tart-sweet flavor, while the cake topping adds rich, buttery crunch. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a fuss-free dessert that still tastes amazing.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Canned cherry pie filling
• Canned crushed pineapple (undrained)
• Yellow or white cake mix
• Unsalted butter (sliced)
• Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for topping

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the crushed pineapple (with juice) into the dish and spread evenly.
3. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple layer.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
5. Place slices of butter evenly across the top of the cake mix.
6. (Optional) Sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Variations

• Different fruits: Try using apple pie filling, blueberry, or peach for new flavor combos.
• Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix before sprinkling.
• Chocolate version: Use chocolate cake mix for a cherry-chocolate twist.
• Make it nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the top for crunch.
• Coconut flair: Sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes. This dessert is also delicious cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering ingredients—typically fruit, dry cake mix, and butter—without mixing. It bakes into a cobbler-like cake.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Canned fruit works best for moisture and consistency, but you can use fresh if you cook it down slightly and add a bit of sugar and juice.

Do I need to stir the layers?

No, do not stir. The layering is key to the dump cake’s texture—just dump and bake.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but butter adds a richer flavor and better browning.

Should I drain the pineapple?

No, use the crushed pineapple with its juice. The liquid helps moisten the cake mix during baking.

Can I use different cake mix flavors?

Absolutely. Yellow and white are traditional, but spice cake or vanilla work well too.

Why is my cake mix still powdery?

Ensure the butter slices cover as much of the cake mix as possible. You can also melt the butter and drizzle it evenly if preferred.

Can I freeze dump cake?

Yes, you can freeze baked dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Is this dessert served hot or cold?

It’s delicious both warm and cold, depending on your preference. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm dessert.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, layer the ingredients the same way and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4 hours in a slow cooker.

Conclusion

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a no-fuss dessert with big flavor. With its irresistible layers of sweet-tart fruit and buttery cake topping, it’s a go-to treat for every occasion. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it chilled from the fridge, this dump cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

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