If you’re craving a dessert that comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor, look no further than the Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake!
This incredibly easy recipe requires just four simple ingredients and about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a go-to dessert for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.
Did you know that dump cakes became popular in American home kitchens during the mid-20th century as a time-saving solution for busy families? This style of dessert lets you skip the complicated mixing and measuring, allowing the ingredients to do the work for you while the oven does the baking.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
Ingredients for Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake
To create the perfect dump cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple 20 ounces, with juice included for extra moisture and flavor
- 1 can cherry pie filling 21 ounces, provides the fruit and sweetness
- 1 box dry yellow cake mix do not prepare according to package directions
- 1 1/2 sticks butter melted, about 12 tablespoons or 170 grams
Optional Ingredients
- Toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped pecans
How to Prepare Your Dump Cake
Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Fruit: Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the fruit in an even layer, breaking up any large clumps with your fingers as you go.
- Pour the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring all areas are moistened so the cake bakes uniformly.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out with minimal crumbs.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about the Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is its versatility!
- Different Fruits: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, peach, or strawberry for a completely different flavor profile.
- Cake Mix Flavors: Try white cake mix, butter pecan cake mix, or even spice cake mix to complement your chosen fruits.
- Topping Additions: Sprinkle coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake before baking for extra texture and richness.
- Spice Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake mix layer for warm, aromatic notes.
Serving Suggestions
This dump cake shines when served warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream that melts slightly into the warm fruit and cake.
Pair it with a cold glass of milk, iced tea, or even a light dessert wine to round out your meal.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps and with ingredients you likely already have on hand, you’ve created a vibrant and satisfying dessert that is sure to become a family favorite.
This dump cake is perfect for weeknight dinners, potluck gatherings, or whenever you need a reliable dessert without the fuss of traditional baking.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fruit combinations and toppings. There’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes and preferences!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Fresh fruit can work, but you’ll need to add extra moisture since canned fruits come with juice. Mix fresh fruit with a bit of fruit juice or a simple syrup before layering it in the baking dish.
How should I store leftover dump cake?
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds before serving, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, layer the ingredients exactly as described and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the top doesn’t brown too quickly. You may need to adjust timing depending on your slow cooker’s heat intensity.
Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This dump cake features sweet crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling topped with a golden yellow cake mix and melted butter, creating a simple yet indulgent dessert with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings when you need a reliable, delicious dessert without the fuss of traditional baking.
Ingredients
- 1 can crushed pineapple, 20 ounces, with juice included
- 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
- 1 box dry yellow cake mix, do not prepare according to package directions
- 1.5 sticks butter, melted, about 12 tablespoons
- Optional toppings, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Fruit: Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
- Add the Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the fruit in an even layer, breaking up any large clumps with your fingers as you go.
- Pour the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire cake mix layer, ensuring all areas are moistened so the cake bakes uniformly.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out with minimal crumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
