Let me tell you about a nostalgic dessert that’s as cheerful as a summer picnic and as simple as Sunday morning—this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines the bright, tangy flavors of crushed pineapple and sweet cherry pie filling with a buttery, golden cake topping that bakes right over the fruit. This recipe is perfect when you want something fast, fuss-free, and absolutely delicious to serve family or friends without any complicated steps or fancy equipment. Trust me, once you make this cake, it will become your go-to comfort dessert for both everyday moments and celebrations alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item is chosen to build the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and buttery, while also bringing lovely color and crunch to the final dish.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz, undrained): Adds juicy sweetness and a tangy punch, keeping the cake moist and vibrant.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz): Provides rich, luscious cherries in syrup that complement the pineapple with its deep red color and sweet flavor.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box): The magic dry layer that creates a tender, cakey crust over the fruit—no baking from scratch needed.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Makes the topping golden, crispy, and decadently buttery for that irresistible finish.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Brings a toasty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft fruit and crumbly cake batter.
How to Make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you assemble the cake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Spread the entire can of crushed pineapple, juice and all, evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy base is what keeps every bite moist and flavorful, serving as a delicious foundation for the rest of the cake.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer. The cherries add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy pineapple.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Now, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering them completely. Don’t press it down—just let it fall naturally for a crumbly, cakey texture once baked.
Step 5: Drizzle Butter and Add Walnuts
Pour the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. This step is the secret to the golden, crunchy crust that makes the cake so special. If you love a bit of nutty crunch, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the butter before baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you can see bubbling juices around the edges. Let the cake cool slightly before serving so the layers set and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming finish, serve your Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkling of powdered sugar can add a lovely touch of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This cake is fantastic all on its own, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, consider pairing it with light fruit salads, a cup of hot coffee or tea, or even some tangy yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the dump cake straight from the baking dish in pretty bowls for a cozy feel, or plate it with slices topped with ice cream and a few fresh cherries. For a fun twist, try layering pieces of the cake with whipped cream in clear glasses for an easy parfait-style dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your dump cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dump cake freezes very well! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The crust will crisp back up beautifully, making it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned pineapple and cherry pie filling?
While fresh fruit can work, canned pineapple and cherry pie filling provide the perfect balance of moisture and sweetness needed for this dump cake. Fresh fruit may result in a less juicy or overly firm texture, but if you use fresh, make sure to add some extra sugar and a bit of thickener like cornstarch to mimic the canned filling’s consistency.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt content in the dish. However, if you only have salted butter, it’s fine to use it—you might just want to omit adding extra salt elsewhere in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of your choice. Just keep an eye on baking times as they might vary slightly. Many gluten-free mixes work perfectly as a straightforward swap.
What if I don’t like walnuts?
No problem at all! The walnuts are entirely optional and meant to add crunch. You can leave them out or replace them with other nuts like pecans or sliced almonds if you prefer.
How sweet is this dump cake?
This dessert has a delightful sweetness balanced by the pineapple’s tang and cherry’s richness. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the cake mix slightly or try a sugar-free pie filling variant, although the classic recipe’s sweetness is part of its charm!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles with minimal effort, this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is a wonderful choice. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser with layers of texture and vibrant flavors that make everyone feel a little more at home. Give it a try the next time you want a comforting treat made with love and simplicity.
Print
Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Combining the tropical sweetness of crushed pineapple with luscious cherry pie filling and a golden yellow cake topping, this no-fuss recipe delivers a moist, flavorful treat that can be whipped up in under an hour. It’s easily customizable with optional walnuts for added texture and makes a comforting warm dessert served best with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Add Pineapple Layer: Spread the entire can of undrained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish to form the base fruit layer.
- Add Cherry Layer: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer, covering the fruit base completely.
- Top with Dry Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, making sure the pie fillings are fully covered.
- Drizzle Butter and Add Walnuts: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix to add moisture and richness. Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts over the batter for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling along the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an indulgent touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Using undrained pineapple adds moisture which helps make the cake moist and tender.
- Optional walnuts add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Make sure to evenly distribute layers to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
- For a more festive presentation, you can garnish with additional cherries or pineapple chunks before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
