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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s unbelievably simple but incredibly delicious, you’ve got to try this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, combining sweet pineapple and luscious cherry pie filling with a golden, buttery cake topping. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a no-fuss dessert that impresses, this recipe delivers every time with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe straightforward is what makes it such a winner. Each ingredient brings a special something to the table: juicy pineapple adds tangy brightness, cherry pie filling offers rich sweetness, the yellow cake mix creates that perfect crumbly top, and butter bakes it all into golden perfection. Walnuts are optional but can add a delightful crunch.
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained: Provides juicy moisture and tropical tang that balances the cherry’s sweetness.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: Adds deep red color and luscious, fruity sweetness to the base layer.
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The magic ingredient that turns fruit layers into a moist, cakey topping.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Drizzled over the cake mix to create a crisp, golden crust.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For a textural contrast and nutty flavor that complements the fruit beautifully.
How to Make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures your dump cake bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and your dessert releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Layer the Pineapple
Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including its juice, evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This juicy layer lays the perfect foundation, keeping the cake moist and adding bright flavor notes.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Next, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly on top of the pineapple. The cherries bring a lovely pop of color and balance the tartness of the pineapple with their sweet richness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cake Mix
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix gently over the fruit layer until it’s fully covered. This dry topping is the secret to getting that classic crumbly texture once baked.
Step 5: Drizzle Butter and Add Walnuts
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix layer, which helps it turn beautifully golden and crisp in the oven. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly on top—they add a wonderful nutty dimension.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dump cake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply irresistible.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing so it sets nicely. This also means you don’t lose that warm, comforting feeling when you take your first forkful.
How to Serve Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This dessert shines on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top brings out every flavor beautifully. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and a refreshing hint, perfect for serving at gatherings or holiday meals.
Side Dishes
Pair your dump cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the sweetness. For a lighter complement, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad provide a fresh contrast without overpowering the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal treat. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fruit for a stunning dessert centerpiece. The rustic appearance of the dump cake makes it ideal for casual gatherings or potlucks, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen after sitting a bit, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dump cake by wrapping them tightly in freezer-safe containers or foil. Frozen dump cake stays good for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm a larger portion in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. A quick warming brings back that fresh-baked goodness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for the Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe?
While canned fruit works best due to the juices that keep the cake moist, you can use fresh pineapple and cherries, but you’ll want to add a bit of juice or syrup to replicate that moisture. Keep in mind the texture and sweetness might change slightly.
Is it necessary to add nuts like walnuts?
Nuts are completely optional. They add nice texture and flavor contrast, but if you have allergies or prefer a smoother texture, it’s perfectly fine to leave them out. The cake is delicious either way.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional and complements the fruit beautifully, you can experiment with white or even spice cake mixes for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the taste and color will vary.
What if I want a gluten-free version?
Substitute the regular yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix variety. Make sure to check that your pie filling and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I know when the dump cake is done baking?
The top will be golden and bubbly, and the fruit filling should be visibly simmering around the edges. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Oven times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t beat the ease and joy of making this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. It’s a dessert that always feels like a celebration, even on the busiest days. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to sweets for family, friends, or when you just want a bit of simple indulgence.
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Print
Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a deliciously simple dessert that combines juicy crushed pineapple, sweet cherry pie filling, and a crunchy golden yellow cake topping. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you can prepare a crowd-pleasing cake that bakes to bubbly perfection, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Cake Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dump cake evenly.
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and to ensure easy serving.
- Add pineapple layer: Evenly spread the undrained crushed pineapple across the bottom of the prepared baking dish for a moist base.
- Add cherry layer: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer, creating a flavorful fruit mix.
- Sprinkle cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering them completely to form a crust once baked.
- Drizzle butter and add walnuts: Pour melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- 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, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Make sure not to stir the layers once assembled; the texture depends on the layering.
- This cake is best served warm but can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Use fresh pineapple if preferred, but adjust juice accordingly to maintain moisture.
