Name: Dump Cake With Pineapple and Cherry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained; 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling; 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix; 1 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pieces; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional); Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

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This pineapple and cherry dump cake is a simple dessert that delivers a warm, fruity flavor with a buttery cake topping. Made with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or when you need a quick dessert without complicated steps. The combination of sweet cherries, juicy pineapple, and golden cake mix creates a comforting treat that tastes homemade with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dump cake recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. There is no need for mixers or complicated techniques. Everything is layered directly into the baking dish, which means fewer dishes to clean afterward.

The pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness while the cherry filling gives the dessert a rich fruity flavor. The buttery cake topping becomes golden and crisp during baking, creating a delicious contrast to the soft fruit underneath.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, chilled from the refrigerator, or even customize it with different fruit fillings and toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained

1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix

1 cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pieces

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a glass baking dish, reduce the temperature slightly to 325°F.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Pour the crushed pineapple with its juice into the bottom of the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spoon.
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the fruit layers. Do not stir the mixture.
Arrange the sliced butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for an even golden topping.
Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top if desired.
Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top becomes golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Allow the dump cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 70 minutes

Servings: 10 to 12 servings

Variations

You can easily customize this dump cake recipe with different flavors and ingredients.

For a tropical version, add shredded coconut along with the pineapple. Chopped pecans or almonds also work beautifully as a crunchy topping.

Instead of cherry pie filling, try peach, blueberry, apple, or strawberry filling for a completely different flavor profile. Chocolate cake mix can also replace yellow cake mix for a richer dessert.

If you enjoy warm spices, sprinkle cinnamon over the fruit before adding the cake mix. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top after baking can also make this dessert extra special.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors become even more delicious after chilling overnight.

To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, microwave individual servings for 20 to 30 seconds until warm. You can also reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

What is a dump cake?

A dump cake is a simple dessert where ingredients are layered directly into a baking dish without mixing.

Do I need to mix the cake mix?

No, the dry cake mix is sprinkled directly over the fruit layers.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, but canned fruit provides extra moisture that helps create the proper texture.

Why is my dump cake dry?

Dry spots usually happen when butter does not fully cover the cake mix. Make sure the butter slices are evenly distributed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake it a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

What type of nuts work best?

Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and almonds all work well in this recipe.

Can I serve dump cake cold?

Yes, many people enjoy dump cake chilled straight from the refrigerator.

What can I serve with dump cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce pair wonderfully with this dessert.

Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?

Yes, white cake mix works perfectly and gives a lighter flavor.

How do I know when the dump cake is done?

The top should be golden brown with bubbling fruit around the edges.

Conclusion

This pineapple and cherry dump cake is a wonderfully easy dessert that combines fruity sweetness with a buttery golden topping. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, it is the perfect recipe for busy weekdays, family dinners, or casual celebrations. Whether served warm with ice cream or chilled from the refrigerator, this comforting dessert is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.