If you’re craving a dessert that’s practically sunshine in a baking dish, look no further than this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake. With layers of juicy pineapple, luscious cherry pie filling, and a buttery, golden crust, every bite is an irresistible mix of sweet, tart, and melt-in-your-mouth comfort. Even better, this recipe comes together with hardly any prep work, making it a go-to treat for hectic weeknights, last-minute potlucks, or just because you want something wonderful with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this delightful dessert, and each one plays a starring role in the magic that happens in your oven. These essentials combine for the perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture—so don’t be tempted to skip or swap too many!
- Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Adds an ultra-juicy, tropical layer that keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- Cherry Pie Filling: Brings a pop of color and sweet-tart cherry flavor that pairs beautifully with pineapple.
- Yellow Cake Mix: Delivers that classic, golden, buttery crumble on top—feel free to use white or butter cake mix for a twist!
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates a rich, crisp topping and helps marry all the flavors together.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Sprinkle these over the top for a nutty crunch and a bit of extra decadence.
How to Make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray—this simple step ensures nothing sticks and lets you scoop out perfect portions.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, juice and all, into your prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer with a spatula so every bite gets its share of tangy sweetness and moisture.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, spoon the cherry pie filling directly over the pineapple. Don’t stress about spreading it perfectly—swirls and mingling of the fruits are part of this dessert’s charm. It’s okay if some areas have a touch more cherry than others!
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Scatter the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the entire fruit layer. Try to cover all the fruit, but don’t worry if a little peeks through here and there. This is where the Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake gets its signature crumbly topping.
Step 5: Drizzle on the Butter and Add Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the cake mix. If you like, scatter your chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delicious crunch. The butter will soak into the mix as it bakes, forming that golden, crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles up at the edges. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so everyone gets a cohesive, spoonable slice.
How to Serve Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
Garnishes
Take this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake over the top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous swirl of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or extra chopped nuts adds a lovely finishing touch and a hint of texture.
Side Dishes
While this dessert is a showstopper on its own, it pairs well with a simple plate of fresh berries or a cool fruit salad. If you’re serving after a meal, a cup of good coffee or iced tea on the side makes for a perfect end note.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the dump cake in mason jars or little ramekins for a fun, personalized twist! You can layer the ingredients just like in the main recipe and bake these mini versions until bubbly and golden—great for parties or picnics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake with foil or transfer it to an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together as it sits, making it just as delicious (if not more) the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dump cake, too! Simply let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, scoop individual servings into microwave-safe bowls and warm for about 30 seconds, or cover the whole dish with foil and heat in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Add your chosen toppings and enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling all over again!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple or cherries instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use roughly the same amount and include some juice or syrup with the pineapple to maintain that wonderful moisture Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is known for.
Do I need to mix the cake mix with eggs or milk?
Nope! For this recipe, you’ll sprinkle the dry cake mix right on top of the fruit layers; the butter and fruit juices will do all the work in transforming it into a perfect, golden topping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow or white cake mix—the rest of the recipe stays exactly the same and turns out just as tasty.
Can I prepare Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake in advance?
You sure can. If you want to prep it ahead, assemble all the layers without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, just drizzle with butter and bake as usual.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
I love to reheat leftovers and serve them with a fresh scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. The reheated cake is cozy, comforting, and just as decadent as the first day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a big payoff with very little effort, this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake might just become your new dessert secret weapon. Give it a try and get ready to wow everyone (including yourself) with this sweet, fruity delight—it’s a classic for good reason!
Print
Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that comes together with just a few pantry staples. With layers of crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter, this dessert bakes up into a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the ingredients: Spread the crushed pineapple with juice in the prepared dish. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer.
- Top with butter and nuts: Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering it as much as possible. Add chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This dump cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can use white or butter cake mix as alternatives for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
