Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is one of the easiest and most delicious desserts you can make with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients, this cake delivers a sweet, fruity, and buttery delight that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a last-minute dessert for a gathering or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this dump cake is a foolproof option.
Unlike traditional cakes that require mixing, measuring, and careful preparation, a dump cake is exactly what it sounds like—ingredients are simply layered in a baking dish and baked to perfection. The combination of sweet cherries, tangy pineapple, and buttery cake mix creates a dessert that is irresistibly good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just dump and bake!
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Minimal Ingredients: Only five ingredients are needed.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or casual snacking.
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Customizable: You can easily switch up the fruit or cake mix flavors to make it your own.
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Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of cherries, pineapple, and buttery cake is always a hit.
Ingredients List
To make this delicious Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, you’ll need:
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
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1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
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1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
Timing
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
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Total time: 50-55 minutes
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Pour the undrained can of crushed pineapple evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out to cover the entire base. Then, add the cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple layer, distributing it evenly across the dish.
Step 3: Add the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. Do not stir—just make sure it’s spread out in an even layer.
Step 4: Add Butter and Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible to ensure an even golden-brown topping. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and texture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
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Use High-Quality Pie Filling: A good-quality cherry pie filling will enhance the overall flavor.
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Don’t Mix the Layers: The magic of dump cake happens when the layers bake together without mixing.
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For Extra Crispiness: Use cold butter and cut it into small cubes instead of melting it.
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Add Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavors.
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Make it Extra Decadent: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations of Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
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Chocolate Twist: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of yellow for a black forest-inspired flavor.
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Different Fruits: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, apple, or peach for a new taste.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a celiac-friendly dessert.
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Coconut Lovers: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top before baking for extra sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: If you have leftovers, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm up a portion in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy it as if it were freshly baked. You can also reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic: Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven.
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With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream pairs beautifully.
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Topped with Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the fruity flavors.
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Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For an extra indulgent dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using Too Much Butter: This can make the cake too greasy.
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Skipping the Grease: Always grease the baking dish to avoid sticking.
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Overbaking: Check at 45 minutes to prevent drying out.
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Not Spreading Layers Evenly: Uneven layers can lead to inconsistent texture.
Health Benefits of Pineapple and Cherries
Both pineapple and cherries provide important nutrients. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function, while cherries contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. While this is still a dessert, it offers some nutritional benefits from its fruit components.
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Sugar: 32g
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Fiber: 2g
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Calcium: 6% of Daily Value
Conclusion
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect dessert for those who want something sweet, easy, and delicious. With minimal effort, you get a cake that’s bursting with fruity flavor and buttery goodness. Whether for a family gathering, holiday dinner, or just because, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade dump cake