December 28, 2023
Review RecipeCherry Pineapple Dump Cake
A juicy mixture of tangy pineapple and sweet cherries combined with a buttery cake mix make this easy cherry pineapple dump cake the perfect dessert for any occasion!
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This cherry pineapple dump cake is as simple as it is delicious; you literally dump all the ingredients in a pan, bake, and voilà! Layers of crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, cake mix, and melted butter create the best dessert you’ve ever tasted.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Ingredients
This dump cake is a delightful dessert that offers a symphony of flavors and textures.
The pineapple brings a juicy, tropical sweetness, complementing the vibrant cherry pie filling.
The yellow cake mix adds a comforting richness, while sliced butter creates a golden, crispy crown.
You’ll need:
- 1 (20-ounce) can of crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box of yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons of butter, sliced
PRO TIP:
When buying the cake mix, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.
Substitutions And Additions
CHERRY PIE FILLING: You could substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, apple, or peach pie filling.
Each of these alternative fillings will offer a different yet delicious flavor twist to the cake.
CRUSHED PINEAPPLE: You might opt to use canned mandarin oranges or canned pears in place of the crushed pineapple.
These fruits will still provide that delightful, juicy burst but with a slightly different taste.
COCONUT: Sprinkle shredded coconut to make this an extra tropical dessert.
NUTS: For some added crunch and depth of flavor, feel free to sprinkle some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top of the cake before baking.
These nuts will toast beautifully in the oven and provide a pleasing contrast to the soft, juicy fruit and fluffy cake.
CAKE MIX: You can easily substitute white boxed cake mix for the yellow cake mix for this yummy dessert.
How To Make This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Dump cakes are so easy to make, and this one is no different. All you need to do is pour the pie filling into the pan before adding the cake mix topping and baking.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11×7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
STEP TWO: Pour the crushed pineapple into the bottom of the pan. Then pour the cherry pie filling on top of the pineapple.
STEP THREE: Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the cherry filling.
STEP FOUR: Finally, put slices of butter evenly across the whole pan.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cake at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
STEP FIVE: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. It will be bubbling and hot when you remove it from the oven.
PRO TIP:
Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.
How To Serve
You can serve this delicious dessert hot or cold. It’s amazing fresh from the oven, but I also love the flavor and texture of cold dump cake.
It’s perfect served warm on its own or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
Add a cold glass of iced tea or a warm mug of hot chocolate to drink with it.
During the holidays, this dessert can be the centerpiece of your dessert table. Pair it with a selection of other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and pumpkin pie.
Want more easy desserts? You’ll fall in love with our chocolate dump cake and peach dump cake.
MORE PINEAPPLE RECIPES
Storing This Easy Cherry Dump Cake
Let’s talk about how to store any leftovers or prepare in advance for a future sweet indulgence.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re planning ahead for a busy day or a special occasion, you can certainly prepare this dessert in advance.
Assemble the dump cake as per the recipe instructions, cover it securely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
This allows you to enjoy the convenience of having it ready to pop in the oven when you’re ready for dessert.
IN THE FRIDGE: You should store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap for three or four days.
IN THE FREEZER: If you have leftover dump cake, you can store it in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. I would suggest thawing in the refrigerator before serving.
REHEATING: You can microwave individual servings or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm through.
Why We Love This Recipe
These are just two of many reasons why we adore this dump cake:
EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: This recipe lives up to its name; it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal effort and no fancy techniques required, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
BURST OF FRUITY FLAVORS: The combination of crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling creates a symphony of fruity goodness.
It’s amazing how quick and simple it is to bake this easy cherry pineapple dump cake recipe (try our no-bake cherry cheesecake recipe, too!). This decadent dessert is as easy as it is delicious. You’ll think the golden cake topping is spectacular — just the right amount of crunchy to balance the sweet, juicy filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dump cake?
A dump cake is an easy and super moist cake in which the ingredients are simply dumped into the pan and baked. Usually, they use a box of cake mix and a handful of additional simple ingredients to make a quick dessert.
Can you make a dump cake ahead of time?
This is an easy dessert recipe to make ahead. You can make a dump cake up to two days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Can I make this dump cake in a different pan size?
While a 9×13-inch pan is commonly used, you can adapt the recipe to different pan sizes. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary.
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Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
A juicy mixture of tangy pineapple and sweet cherries combined with a buttery cake mix make this easy cherry pineapple dump cake the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling
- 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the crushed pineapples into the bottom of the pan. Top the crushed pineapples with cherry pie filling.
- Sprinkle yellow cake mix evenly over the cherries.
- Evenly place slices of butter across the whole pan.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Video
Notes
- When buying the cake mix, it is best to pick one that doesn’t have pudding mix in it; check the label to make sure.
- You’ll want to use a 9×13-inch cake pan so that the texture and consistency are right. I’ve used an 11x 7-inch pan before, and it turned out a little too thick, which changed the delicious texture of the dump cake.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cake at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
- Because dump cakes are so gooey and moist, it can be hard to determine if they’re done. It’s normal to see some wet spots and some spots that are more crisp and done.
Nutrition
Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 475IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg
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Comments
Toni Thomason says
This dessert is so delicious and so easy to make. I cannot get enough.
Andrea says
Enjoying it very much
Renita says
Instead of cake mix could you use 1 min oatmeal instead. Watching calories and carbs.
Layne Kangas says
Ohhhh I’m not sure, I have never tried it that way!
Debb Derksen says
I make it often, but like to sprinkle coconut and chopped nuts on top………and serve w/a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream! Yum
Teresa says
I use white cake and put chopped pecans on top. Also make one with pumpkin, you can always use different pie fillings.
Peggy says
Can you use a pudding in the cake mix
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried that with this recipe, but it might be yummy!
Susan says
Could I use a gluten free cake mix?
Layne Kangas says
I haven’t tried that but I bet it would work!
Lillie Glenn says
I bet lemon/blueberry would be delish… I will have to try!
Willetta Hobbs says
Do you drain the pineapples?
Layne Kangas says
I pour everything in! 🙂 Enjoy!
Crystal says
Do you drain the pineapple?
Layne Kangas says
No, I pour everything in. Enjoy! 🙂
Elizabeth Aguiar Da Silva says
Can I replace Cherry pie filling for something raspberry instead?
Layne Kangas says
Sure!
Susan says
Can I use pineapples tidbits instead or could I crush those since I don’t have crushed on hand?
Layne Kangas says
That should be ok! Enjoy 🙂
Tammy says
My family has been making this for years, usually with apple pie filling and spice cake mix, yummy! But like to use chunk pineapple in its own juice, I like big bites of hot pineapple, so good! 💕
Gloria says
This is so yummy and easy! I’ve made it with yellow and chocolate cake mix and both are great! Serve with a scoop of ice cream and it’s perfect.
Dena says
My favorite cake served with cool whip!Yum 😋
Heather says
I was taught to use white cake mix and then put walnuts on top. Love this dump cake.
Gail Austin says
I used pineapple in its own juice and low sugar cherry pie filling plus a sugar free yellow cake mix. Yum. A dessert diabetics can enjoy in small portions.
Martine says
I tried a dump cake for the first time with your recipe today. We are not used to this kind of flavors here in France. It was a little difficult to find the cake mix as we are not used to it and we can’t find the cherry pie filling and the crushed pinapple in French grocery stores so I had to make both from scratch. It was delicious so it was quite worth the effort (somewhat ironic for a dump cake) but it was very sugary. I’ve found recipes to make your own cake mix at home so I think I’ll do the cake mix from scratch too to cut down sugar.
Lynn says
I have been making dump cakes for years. This cherry/pineapple is one of my favorites.
I do something a little different. I mix the cold butter and cake mix with my fingers to make a crumble topping. Do not mix so long that the butter melts, it just needs to crumble. And for sure sprinkle with some pecans or almonds. Always turns out perfect.
Madison says
DO I DRAIN THE CRUSHED PINEAPPLE????
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Madison – no, you do not drain the crushed pineapple. Enjoy!
Michelle Casselberry says
Love this Dump cake! I only change one thing, I put my cake mix in my kitchenaide mixing bowl and i melt the butter and pour over and mix well, it will have nice moist crumbly consistency and you just sprinkle evenly over (DON’T press down) and bake and the top will come out evenly baked no “wet or dry” spots and it will be a beautiful golden crumble crust…
Carlene says
Made this this past Friday for our fish fry dinner and it was a big hit! Super easy, I liked being able to bake in the oven rather than other recipes that have you using a slow cooker. Only think I did different was to drain the pineapple juice and used that on the top of the dry cake mix and the butter. I also used less of the dry mix because in the past I have made dump cakes and there ends up being a bit of the powder not cooked.
Would highly recommend this recipe, nice mix of cherries and pineapple.
Michelle W says
I used strawberry pie filling and added in left over chopped up pieces of pineapple. It was delicious!
Tracey Walker says
I love this recipe, it’s always a hit when ever I make it. This time due to a happy accident, I made it with cherry and apple (I picked up apple by mistake and not the pineapple). I added almonds on top which added an extra layer of flavor to it. This is definitely one of my favorites desserts to make.
Fran Watkins says
I made this yesterday for an event at church. It was a hit! Everybody loved it!