This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you can make. It is warm, sweet, and comforting, with a buttery golden topping and a juicy cherry-pineapple filling.
There is no mixing and no complicated steps. You simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, pour melted butter over the top, and bake until golden and bubbly.
It is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, holidays, and any time you want a simple homemade dessert that feels cozy and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dump Cake
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need a few pantry ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep time.
The flavor is bright and sweet. Cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple create a juicy, fruity filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery, cake-like topping.
It is also very forgiving. As long as you layer the ingredients and let the butter soak into the cake mix, the dessert turns out golden and delicious almost every time.
What Is a Dump Cake?
A dump cake is a no-mix dessert made by layering ingredients in a baking dish and baking. The name comes from the idea of “dumping” the ingredients into the pan.
This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake uses cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. As it bakes, the butter melts into the cake mix and creates a crisp, golden topping.
The fruit underneath becomes warm, bubbly, and syrupy. The result is a cross between a fruit cobbler and a simple cake.
Ingredients You Need
This recipe uses only a few simple ingredients to create a warm, comforting dessert.
Dump Cake
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Optional Topping
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
The cherry pie filling provides sweet, rich cherry flavor. The crushed pineapple adds juicy, tropical sweetness and extra moisture. The yellow cake mix and melted butter create the buttery, golden topping.
How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
This recipe is extremely easy to prepare. The key is to layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.
Prep the Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Fruit
Spread the crushed pineapple with its juice evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top and spread it gently.
Do not stir the layers together. The fruit should stay in separate layers so the filling becomes bubbly and syrupy as it bakes.
Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
Use a spoon or your hands to spread it into an even layer. Do not press it down too firmly.
Add Butter and Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
Try to spread the butter evenly so the cake mix browns nicely.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top if using. The nuts add a pleasant crunch and a toasty flavor.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
The topping should look crisp and slightly crumbly, while the fruit underneath is hot and syrupy.
Cool and Serve
Let the dump cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly so it is easier to scoop.
Spoon the warm cake into bowls.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Texture and Flavor
This dump cake has a soft, juicy fruit layer underneath and a buttery, golden, slightly crisp topping. The cake mix does not turn into a traditional cake. Instead, it becomes a crumbly, cobbler-like crust.
The cherry and pineapple filling is sweet and tangy, with a warm, syrupy texture. The optional nuts add a toasty crunch that balances the soft fruit.
Served warm with whipped cream or ice cream, it feels like a rich, comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Best Results
A few small details can help your dump cake turn out perfectly every time.
Do Not Stir the Layers
Keep the fruit, cake mix, and butter in separate layers. Stirring can make the topping soggy instead of golden.
Use Melted Butter
Melted butter soaks into the cake mix more evenly than cold butter. This helps create a golden, crisp topping.
Cover the Cake Mix With Butter
Try to drizzle the butter over as much of the cake mix as possible. Dry spots can stay powdery instead of browning.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Use a 9×13 Dish
A 9×13-inch baking dish gives the right depth for the layers. A smaller dish may cause overflow, while a larger one can make the topping too thin.
Easy Variations
This recipe is easy to customize with different fruits, toppings, and flavors.
Use Different Pie Fillings
Try blueberry, apple, peach, or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
Add Coconut
Sprinkle unsweetened or sweetened shredded coconut over the top with the nuts for a tropical twist.
Add Cinnamon
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cake mix for a warmer, spiced flavor.
Make It Nut-Free
Skip the nuts if you prefer a softer topping or need a nut-free dessert.
Add Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold contrast.
Serving Ideas
This dump cake is best served warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the hot fruit and makes it feel extra special.
Whipped cream is another great topping for a lighter option. Fresh berries can also be added for extra color and freshness.
It is perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, backyard barbecues, and simple family desserts. Because it is easy to make in a large pan, it is ideal for feeding a crowd.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
The topping will soften as it sits, but the flavor remains delicious. For a crisper texture, reheat it in the oven instead of the microwave.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:
- Calories: 280
- Net Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Total Carbs: 37g
Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of cake mix, pie filling, pineapple, butter, and optional toppings you use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can affect the texture of a dump cake.
Stirring the Layers
Stirring the fruit, cake mix, and butter together can make the topping soggy. Keep the layers separate.
Using Too Little Butter
If the butter does not cover most of the cake mix, some areas may stay dry and powdery.
Underbaking the Cake
Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Underbaking can leave the cake mix tasting raw.
Serving It Too Soon
Let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the filling to set so it is easier to scoop and serve.
Using a Small Pan
A pan smaller than 9×13 inches can cause the dessert to overflow in the oven.
FAQ
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes. This recipe uses unsalted butter, but you can also use margarine if you prefer.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes. Vanilla, white, or even pineapple-flavored cake mix can work. Yellow cake mix gives a classic buttery flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dump cake ahead and bake it when needed. It is also great for reheating leftovers.
Can I freeze dump cake?
Yes. Cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.
Why is my topping not browning?
Make sure the butter covers most of the cake mix and that the oven is fully preheated. You can also bake a few minutes longer if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake works because the fruit layers create a sweet, juicy filling while the cake mix and melted butter form a golden, crumbly topping.
It is simple, comforting, and perfect for anyone who wants an easy dessert with minimal effort. For a warm, bubbly, crowd-pleasing treat, this dump cake is a delicious choice.
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Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) baking dish 1x
Description
This Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is an incredibly easy, warm, and comforting dessert made with cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, yellow cake mix, and melted butter. With no mixing required, simply layer the ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake until the topping is golden and crisp and the fruit is bubbly and syrupy. It is perfect for potlucks, holidays, family dinners, and whenever you need a simple homemade dessert that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the undrained crushed pineapple evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple and gently spread it into an even layer. Do not stir the fruit together.
- Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit. Spread it gently into an even layer without pressing it down.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over as much of the cake mix as possible. Try to minimize dry spots.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the dump cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Do not stir the layers. Keeping the fruit, cake mix, and butter separate helps create the signature crumbly, golden topping.
- Use melted butter and drizzle it over as much of the cake mix as possible to prevent dry, powdery spots.
- Let the cake rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking so the fruit filling can thicken slightly.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for the proper layer thickness and to prevent overflow.
- For variations, substitute blueberry, apple, peach, or strawberry pie filling.
- Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Omit the nuts to make the dessert nut-free.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Oven reheating will help restore some crispness to the topping.
- To freeze, cool completely, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
- Nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the brands of cake mix, pie filling, pineapple, butter, and optional toppings used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
Keywords: Magical Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake