If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a slice of sunshine in every bite, you’re going to adore this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe. It’s wonderfully simple to whip up, combining juicy pineapple and luscious cherry pie filling with a golden, buttery cake topping that bakes into pure comfort food magic. This dessert is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures that just melt in your mouth, making it an irresistible choice for potlucks, family dinners, or whenever you crave something delightfully nostalgic and fuss-free.

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role in its flavor and texture, creating a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert without complicated prep.

Crushed pineapple (20 oz, undrained): Adds tropical juiciness and natural sweetness that keeps the cake moist and refreshing.
Cherry pie filling (21 oz): Brings a rich, fruity depth and a beautiful red swirl of color throughout the dish.
Yellow cake mix: Acts as the simple dry base creating that flaky, golden crust on top without any mixing required.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Provides a luscious richness and helps the cake mix brown perfectly.
Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a nice crunch and a toasty contrast to the sweet fruit layers.

How to Make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to bake your dump cake evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and help with easy serving later.

Step 2: Layer the Pineapple

Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including all its juice, evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The juicy pineapple forms a deliciously moist fruit layer that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Pie Filling

Next, gently spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer. This luscious filling brings a vibrant sweetness and gorgeous red color, creating that classic dump cake look.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Dry Cake Mix

Now sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit. Don’t mix or stir – just cover the fruit completely, allowing the dry mix to sit proudly on top, promising that golden crust when baked.

Step 5: Pour Melted Butter and Add Walnuts

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the cake mix, making sure to saturate the surface. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top now. This step is where the magic starts as the butter melts and crisps the dry mix into a marvelous topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and bubbling, and the aroma fills your kitchen with sweet anticipation.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe cool slightly to set before scooping. Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates this dessert to a whole new level of indulgent happiness.

How to Serve Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh cherries, or even a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely finishing touch. These simple garnishes enhance the visual appeal and provide extra layers of flavor and texture without overpowering the cake’s natural charm.

Side Dishes

This dump cake shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with something light and fresh—like a crisp green salad or a citrusy sorbet—can balance its sweetness perfectly. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this cake in individual ramekins for personal portions or present it in a trifle dish layering with whipped cream for a more elegant dessert display. You can even add toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a unique flair that sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep delicious and moist in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy your homemade dessert across several days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled dump cake securely in foil and plastic wrap, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for stocking your freezer for last-minute desserts.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Reheated, it’s just as tasty and comforting as when freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

While fresh fruit is lovely, this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe relies on the juices from canned pineapple and pie filling to keep the cake moist. Using fresh fruit might result in a drier dessert unless you add extra liquid or syrup.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, and make sure your pie filling and other ingredients are gluten-free labeled. You’ll enjoy the same great taste without the gluten.

Can I substitute walnuts with another nut or omit them?

Yes, you can use pecans or almonds instead, or skip the nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free dessert. They are optional and mainly add texture and a nutty flavor contrast.

What’s the best way to serve this cake for a crowd?

Bake it in a large 9×13-inch dish as directed, then serve in generous squares. It’s ideal for potlucks or family gatherings where you want a straightforward, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal fuss.

Can I prepare this dump cake ahead of time and bake later?

You can assemble the dump cake a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the butter right before baking to ensure the cake topping crisps up properly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more wonderful to share. Its nostalgic flavors and effortless assembly make it a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will quickly become one of your favorites to keep coming back to again and again.

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 52 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a simple, no-fuss dessert that layers crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, and yellow cake mix topped with melted butter and optional walnuts. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a deliciously moist and fruity cake perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Layers

1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Cake Layer

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Layer Pineapple: Spread the undrained crushed pineapple evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring a smooth layer.
Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer to create the second fruit layer.
Sprinkle Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the combined fruit layers, covering them completely.
Add Butter and Walnuts: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix. If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can omit the walnuts for a nut-free version or substitute with pecans or almonds for variation.
Make sure not to mix the layers; the dry cake mix should remain on top before baking to achieve the right texture.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American