If you love warm fruit desserts with a crisp buttery topping, this Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is an easy recipe to save. It has a juicy pineapple and cherry base, a golden sugar-free cake topping, and a comforting cobbler-like texture that is perfect for sharing.
This no-fuss dessert is ideal for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want something warm and homemade without complicated steps. You simply layer the fruit, sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, add butter, and let the oven do the work.
The flavor combination is especially good. Sweet-tart cherries pair beautifully with bright pineapple, while the buttery topping adds richness and a lightly crisp finish. Serve it warm with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dump Cake
One of the best things about this recipe is that it is incredibly easy. There is no batter to mix, no dough to roll, and no complicated preparation. Everything goes directly into one baking dish.
It is also a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake it earlier in the day, store it covered in the refrigerator, then warm it gently before serving.
Another reason to love this recipe is the texture. The fruit layer stays soft, saucy, and bubbly, while the cake mix and butter bake into a golden topping with crisp edges and tender spots underneath.
What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a simple dessert made by layering fruit filling, dry cake mix, and butter in a baking dish. It is called a dump cake because the ingredients are added directly to the dish without the usual steps of mixing a batter.
As it bakes, the fruit becomes hot and saucy, while the butter moistens the cake mix and transforms it into a golden, cobbler-like topping.
This sugar-free version uses sugar-free cherry pie filling and sugar-free yellow or vanilla cake mix. It keeps the familiar flavor and warm texture of a classic dump cake while using lower-sugar ingredients.
Ingredients You Need
This recipe uses a few easy ingredients for a juicy fruit layer and buttery cake topping.
Sugar-Free Fruit Layer
- 1 can crushed pineapple in 100% juice, undrained
- 1 can sugar-free cherry pie filling
Sugar-Free Cake Topping
- 1 box sugar-free yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup butter, melted or thinly sliced
Optional Crunch
- 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds
Optional Serving Topping
- Sugar-free whipped cream
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream
The pineapple and its juice create a saucy base, while the cherry pie filling adds bright color and sweet-tart flavor. The cake mix and butter create the classic crispy, golden topping.
How to Make Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
This dessert is easy to prepare, but the layers must stay separate. Do not stir once the ingredients are in the baking dish.
Build the Fruit Base
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pour the crushed pineapple with its juice into the bottom of the dish and spread it evenly.
Spoon the sugar-free cherry pie filling over the pineapple. Gently spread it into an even layer without fully mixing the fruit.
Keeping the fruit layers mostly separate helps create a pretty color contrast and gives the dessert a more distinct fruit base.
Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Sprinkle the dry sugar-free cake mix evenly over the fruit. Cover the surface from edge to edge.
If you are using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or sliced almonds evenly over the cake mix.
Pour melted butter over the top, or arrange thin butter slices across the surface. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible to prevent powdery dry spots.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 40 to 60 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
For an extra-crispy topping, place the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully because the topping can brown quickly.
Let the dump cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This gives the fruit layer time to thicken slightly.
Serve
Scoop the warm dump cake into bowls.
Top with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream if desired. The cool topping melts into the warm fruit and buttery cake layer for a delicious contrast.
Texture and Flavor
This Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake has a soft, juicy fruit base with a golden, buttery topping. The pineapple keeps the bottom layer moist and saucy, while the cherries add a sweet-tart flavor and beautiful deep red color.
The cake topping is crisp around the edges, soft in some areas, and lightly buttery throughout. If you add pecans or almonds, they bring extra crunch and a toasted nutty flavor.
The overall taste is warm, fruity, and comforting. It has the flavor of a classic cobbler but with the convenience of a dump cake.
Tips for the Best Results
A few small details can help you create the best possible dump cake.
Do Not Stir the Layers
The layers should remain separate. Stirring changes the texture and prevents the cake mix from forming the signature crispy topping.
Use Pineapple With Its Juice
Do not drain the crushed pineapple. The juice keeps the fruit layer moist and helps the cake bake into a soft, saucy dessert.
Cover Dry Cake Mix Areas
Before baking, check for dry patches of cake mix. Add a small drizzle of melted butter or a few thin slices of butter over any uncovered spots.
Use Thin Butter Slices
Thin, even butter slices melt more evenly than large chunks. This helps cover the dry cake mix and creates a more consistent golden topping.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the dessert to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the fruit layer thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Easy Variations
This dump cake is easy to customize depending on what you like.
Add Chopped Pecans
Pecans add buttery crunch and pair perfectly with cherry and pineapple. Sprinkle them on top before baking.
Add Sliced Almonds
Sliced almonds create a lighter crunch and add a subtle nutty flavor to the golden topping.
Use Different Fruit Filling
Try sugar-free blueberry, strawberry, or peach pie filling instead of cherry for a different fruity variation.
Add Cinnamon
A pinch of cinnamon added to the cake mix gives the dessert a warmer, more spiced flavor.
Make It More Crisp
For extra crispness, broil the topping for one to two minutes after baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
Serving Ideas
This dessert is best served warm in bowls. A spoonful of sugar-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the hot fruit and crisp topping.
For a more decorative presentation, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or sliced almonds over each serving. You can also add a small cherry on top if desired.
This dump cake is a wonderful option for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday dinners, and casual weekend desserts. Since it is rich and comforting, smaller servings are often enough.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the entire dish, place it in a 300°F oven until warmed through. This helps restore some of the crisp texture to the topping.
For individual portions, use the microwave for a quick warm dessert. The topping will be softer, but the fruit layer will still taste delicious.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:
- Calories: 210
- Net Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Total Carbs: 15g
Nutrition may vary depending on the sugar-free pie filling, cake mix, butter, nuts, and toppings you choose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can affect the texture of a dump cake.
Stirring the Ingredients
Do not stir the fruit, cake mix, or butter together. The separate layers are important for creating the right cobbler-like texture.
Draining the Pineapple
Use the crushed pineapple with its juice. Draining it can make the fruit base too dry and reduce the saucy texture.
Using Too Little Butter
Butter is needed to moisten the cake mix. If too much cake mix stays dry, the topping may be powdery after baking.
Serving Immediately
The fruit layer is very hot right after baking. Let the dump cake rest for at least 10 minutes so it can thicken and be easier to scoop.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Fresh pineapple can work, but you may need to add a little juice or water to create the saucy fruit layer. Canned crushed pineapple in juice is easier and gives more consistent results.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it ahead, store it covered in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven before serving for the best topping texture.
Why is my cake topping dry?
The butter may not have covered enough of the cake mix. Use melted butter or thin slices and make sure most of the dry surface is covered.
Can I use another sugar-free fruit filling?
Yes. Sugar-free blueberry, strawberry, peach, or mixed berry filling all work well.
Is this dessert keto-friendly?
It is sugar-free, but it may not be strictly keto depending on the cake mix, cherry filling, pineapple, and serving size. Always check labels if you follow a strict keto plan.
Why This Recipe Works
This Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake works because the ingredients transform into distinct layers while baking. The pineapple and cherry filling become warm and saucy, while the butter turns the dry cake mix into a crisp, golden topping.
It is quick, comforting, and easy to make with minimal preparation. For anyone who loves warm fruit cobblers and simple layered desserts, this sugar-free version is a delicious recipe to serve and share.
Print
Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This easy Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake combines juicy pineapple, sweet-tart cherry filling, and a buttery golden cake topping for a warm, comforting dessert. With no batter to mix and everything layered directly in one baking dish, it is perfect for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, and easy weekend treats. Serve it warm with sugar-free whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 can (approximately 20 oz) crushed pineapple in 100% juice, undrained
- 1 can (approximately 20 oz) sugar-free cherry pie filling
- 1 box sugar-free yellow or vanilla cake mix
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup butter, melted or thinly sliced
- 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds, optional
- Sugar-free whipped cream, for serving, optional
- Sugar-free vanilla ice cream, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the crushed pineapple and its juice into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Spoon the sugar-free cherry pie filling over the pineapple and gently spread it into an even layer. Do not stir the fruit together.
- Sprinkle the dry sugar-free cake mix evenly over the entire fruit layer.
- If using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or sliced almonds evenly over the cake mix.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, or arrange thin slices of butter across the surface. Try to cover as much of the dry cake mix as possible.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- For an extra-crispy topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the fruit layer can thicken slightly.
- Serve warm with sugar-free whipped cream or sugar-free vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers once assembled; keeping them separate creates the classic dump-cake texture.
- Use the crushed pineapple with its juice. Draining it can make the fruit layer too dry.
- Check the cake mix before baking and add a little extra melted butter to any noticeably dry areas.
- Thinly sliced butter helps distribute the moisture more evenly across the topping.
- Let the dessert rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for easier scooping and a thicker fruit layer.
- For variations, substitute sugar-free blueberry, strawberry, peach, or mixed-berry pie filling.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake mix for a warmer flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for the best topping texture, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
- Although this recipe is sugar-free, it is not necessarily keto-friendly. Check the nutrition labels of your specific ingredients if following a strict keto diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 per serving
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Sugar-Free Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake