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Are you ready for a dessert that’s as easy as pie? Meet Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake—a simple and tasty treat that will impress anyone. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm, gooey delight that’s perfect for any occasion. I’ll guide you step by step, ensuring that this delicious dessert becomes your new go-to recipe. Let’s dive into making this sweet sensation!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This dump cake requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cherries and tangy pineapple create a delightful balance that pleases the palate.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite nuts or serve with ice cream for a personalized touch that elevates the dessert.
- Family-Friendly Dessert: This treat is a hit with all ages, making it a go-to dessert for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
To make a Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
– 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this tasty dessert. The crushed pineapple adds moisture and sweetness. The cherry pie filling brings a burst of fruity flavor. The yellow cake mix forms the perfect crumbly top. Melted butter creates a golden crust that holds it all together. If you choose to add nuts, they give a nice crunch. Finally, whipped cream or ice cream makes the dish extra special.
This dessert is simple but packs a lot of flavor. You can easily find these ingredients at any grocery store. The best part? You can keep it fun and creative by adding your favorite toppings!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial. It ensures your cake bakes evenly. A hot oven helps create a nice texture.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the undrained crushed pineapple into the dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. This juicy layer will be the cake’s base.
Layer the Ingredients
Next, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple. Spread it out so each bite has sweet cherry flavor. Open the box of yellow cake mix. Sprinkle the dry mix evenly on top. Do not mix; just layer it. This will form the cake’s topping.
Drizzle with Butter
Now, take your melted butter. Drizzle it over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as you can. This step helps achieve that golden, crispy topping.
Bake and Cool
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the edges bubbling. Once done, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the layers set. It makes serving easier and keeps the cake from falling apart.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips for Perfection
To get a golden crust, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking. Once you pour in the crushed pineapple, spread it evenly. This helps keep the cake moist. When you add the cherry pie filling, make sure it covers the pineapple well. The cake mix should go on top in an even layer. Do not mix! This will create a nice texture. Drizzling melted butter over the mix is key. It helps achieve that crispy top we all love. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges bubble. You want a golden brown color that says, “I am ready to eat!”
Serving Suggestions
Serving Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake warm makes it even better. Top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds creaminess and balances the sweetness. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh cherries or pineapple slices. This makes your dessert look fancy and appetizing. Your friends and family will love it!
Substitutions and Additions
If you want to switch things up, try different fruits. Peaches or blueberries work well as alternatives. You can even mix fruits for a fun twist. Instead of yellow cake mix, use a gluten-free option. If you want a nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts. Don’t worry if you don’t like nuts; you can leave them out. This dessert is flexible and can fit your taste!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Cherries: For an even more vibrant flavor, consider using fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling. Just pit and slice them, and toss them with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness.
- Experiment with Cake Mix: While yellow cake mix is classic, try using different flavors like chocolate or spice cake for a unique twist on this dump cake.
- Layering Technique: Make sure to layer the ingredients carefully as directed; this helps to create distinct layers that add to the overall texture and flavor profile of the cake.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve the dump cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top for added richness.
Variations
Different Flavor Combinations
You can have fun with flavors. Try using peach, blueberry, or mixed berry. Each fruit brings its own taste. For a peach dump cake, use canned peaches instead of cherry filling. Blueberries add a sweet and tart kick. Mixed berries give you a burst of fruity goodness. Experimenting keeps your dessert fresh and exciting.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Options
If you need gluten-free options, there are cake mixes available. Look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix in stores. For vegan choices, use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This way, you can still enjoy the cake without the dairy. Both options make the cake just as tasty and fun for everyone.
Slow Cooker Version
Using a slow cooker is an easy way to prepare this dessert. First, spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Layer the crushed pineapple and cherry filling just like usual. Next, sprinkle the cake mix on top. Finally, drizzle melted butter over everything. Cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours. This method gives you a warm, gooey treat with less fuss.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it too. Cut the cake into pieces and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your dessert anytime!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the texture soft and the flavors intact. You can also use the microwave, but it may make the cake a bit soggy.
Shelf Life
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date, so you know how long they have been stored. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?
It takes about 55 minutes to make this cake. You need 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes for baking. The cake cooks quickly and is easy to make.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit! Just chop fresh pineapples and cherries. However, you may need to adjust the sugar. Canned fruit is sweeter and juicier, while fresh fruit may need extra sweetness.
Is it possible to make this dump cake ahead of time?
You can make this dump cake ahead of time. Mix all the layers and store them in the fridge. Bake it just before serving. This saves time and keeps it fresh.
What can I substitute for the yellow cake mix?
You can use any cake mix you like. Chocolate cake mix or vanilla cake mix works well. Just follow the same steps for layering and baking. You can also make a homemade cake mix if you prefer.
How do I know when the dump cake is done?
Check for a golden brown color on top. The edges should bubble a bit. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s not ready, bake it a few more minutes.
This blog post covered a simple and tasty cherry pineapple dump cake recipe. You learned about the key ingredients and how to layer them for perfect results. We discussed tips for getting a golden crust and variations to try. Remember, you can store this cake and enjoy it later. Don’t be afraid to mix flavors or make substitutions that suit your taste. I hope this encourages you to create your own delicious dessert soo
Cherry Pineapple Delight Dump Cake
A delicious and easy dessert combining cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple topped with a golden cake mix.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained (20 oz)
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- to taste whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, pour the undrained crushed pineapple and gently spread it evenly across the bottom to create a base of juicy goodness.
Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the layer of crushed pineapple, ensuring an even distribution for a deliciously sweet and tart flavor in every bite.
Open the box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the cherry filling. Avoid mixing; just aim for an even layer to create a delightful topping as it bakes.
Take your melted butter and briskly drizzle it over the entire surface of the cake mix. Ensure it covers as much as possible to promote a golden, crispy top.
If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.
After baking, remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period allows the layers to settle and the cake to firm up slightly for easier serving.
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh cherries or pineapple slices.
Keyword cherry, dump cake, easy dessert, pineapple
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