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7 Reasons This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Is Ultimate


  • Author: chef Jennifer
  • Total Time: 50–55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9x13-inch) dump cake 1x

Description

This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. With layers of sweet cherry pie filling, juicy crushed pineapple, buttery yellow cake mix, and melted butter, it bakes into a warm, golden dessert that’s reminiscent of a fruit cobbler with a crisp, buttery topping. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holidays, or last-minute dessert cravings, this crowd-pleasing recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Layer:

  • 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained

Cake Topping:

  • 1 box (15.25-ounce) yellow cake mix, dry
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
    (or thinly sliced cold butter)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds

Optional Toppings:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Create the Fruit Layer
    • Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
    • Spoon the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the cherries.
  • Add the Cake Mix
    • Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layer.
    • Do not stir.
  • Add the Butter
    • Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix.
    • Alternatively, arrange thin slices of cold butter across the entire surface.
  • Bake
    • Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Cool Slightly
    • Allow the dump cake to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  • Serve
    • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or maraschino cherries if desired.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent a soggy dessert.
  • Do not stir the layers—keeping them separate creates the classic dump cake texture.
  • Cover as much of the cake mix as possible with butter to avoid dry spots.
  • Bake until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is deeply golden for the best flavor and texture.

Easy Variations:

  • Cherry Almond Dump Cake: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and sliced almonds.
  • Tropical Version: Add shredded coconut to the topping.
  • Berry Blend: Replace one can of cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling.
  • Spiced Cherry Pineapple: Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg over the fruit before adding the cake mix.
  • Peach Pineapple Dump Cake: Substitute peach pie filling for cherries.
  • Crunchy Nut Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair with coffee, tea, or after a holiday meal for an effortless dessert everyone will love.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12 servings
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g

Keywords: Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake