With decadent layers of fruit & a golden cake topping, Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect end to any meal – and it only takes 5 minutes to prepare!!
My mom made dump cakes for Sunday Supper or when we had company for a casual dinner. Dump cakes come together in minutes, and everyone loves them! Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake was always my favorite. I’m so excited to share it with you!
Dump cakes herald from the WWII era when ingredients were scarce. Besides being the easiest cake in the world to make, dump cakes use only a handful of ingredients and have infinite flavor possibilities. Chocolate Dump Cake recipes and Peach Dump Cake recipes are amazing alternatives to the cherry and pineapple combo. For another twist, consider making Chocolate Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake by adding chocolate chips or using a chocolate cake mix! If you’re feeling a bit more tropical, try a straight Pineapple Dump Cake recipes or add coconut to this recipe to create a Cherry Pineapple Coconut Dump Cake.
Don’t let the inelegant name fool you! Moist and delicious, Cherry and Pineapple Dump Cake is the epitome of simplicity with decadent results. You literally mix and bake and serve in the same pan, making clean up basically non-existent!
You can make dump cake from scratch. Just assemble the dry ingredients of a basic cake recipe instead of a cake mix. However, one of the perks of this recipe is the easy prep! Grab a box of cake mix and whip up a Duncan Hines Cherry Dump Cake! No one will know it’s not from scratch!
What I love most about this recipe:
- It is so, so simple
- The little crunch the topping has from the butter
- Cherries and pineapples – a perfect pair
- Getting creative with the endless flavor possibilities
What is Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a delicious, moist cake topping over chunks of fruit. “Dump” refers to the assembly method. Dump everything into one pan and you’re done!
SAVE THIS CHERRY PINEAPPLE DUMP CAKE
TO YOUR CAKE OR DESSERT BOARD FOR LATER
WE’D LOVE TO BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES!
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake:
Just these 4 ingredients!
- Crushed Pineapple
- Cherry Pie Filling
- Yellow Cake Mix
- Butter
How do you make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake comes together in a matter of minutes. Just layer the fruit and cake mix in the pan. Top with butter and bake!
Step By Step Overview: How To Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake:
1. Preheat the oven. Spray the baking pan with non-stick baking spray, then spread the crushed pineapple with the juice.
2. Spread the cherry pie filling on top of the crushed pineapple.
3. Spread the cake mix evenly over the cherry and pineapple layer.
4. Press it down firmly.
5. Arrange butter slices evenly over the top of cake mix. Bake in the preheated oven.
Recipe Notes Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe:
Butter– First of all, use real butter! It’s always best for baking. I slice the butter into thin, even slices and lay them on top of the cake mix. This leads to a nice golden, crisp top without any soggy pools that you sometimes get with the drizzle method. It takes an extra minute or two but is definitely worth it! Chill the butter to make slicing easier!
Layers– Pay close attention as you add the cake mix layer. You want an even layer to avoid dry spots. If you push the mix down into the fruit a bit, you’ll create scrumptious pockets of moist cake in the fruit!
Make It Ahead: Dump cake is best served fresh and warm. It will keep a day or so, but the texture of the top can get soggy if it hangs around longer than that. It takes about five minutes to assemble, so even if you’re tight on time, you can still whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in a hurry!
Freeze It: This cake isn’t going to freeze like a regular cake. It will freeze more like a cobbler or pie. That being said, you can freeze it, but depending on the fruit, the texture might be affected. The topping might get soggy as well. If you still want to freeze it, I would recommend individual portions and a quick reheat in the microwave for best results!
More Yummy Dump Cakes:
Cherry Dump Cake:
One of the best things about dump cakes is the endless flavor variations. Get creative! Skip the pineapple to create Cherry Dump Cake without pineapple and dive into a perfect cross of cherry pie and cake!
For Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake with Coconut, add a cup of coconut to the fruit and enjoy the added sweetness!
Apple Dump Cake:
You can also make a twist on a classic fall flavor and use apple pie filling for Apple Dump Cake– which will hit the spot no matter what time of year it is!
You can also change up the texture for Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake with Nuts. Choose your favorite- pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachio, or macadamia will all work! Sprinkle a cup of your favorite chopped nuts on top of the cake mix to add an extra crunch.
Strawberry Dump Cake:
Say “hello” to your new spring-time fav, Strawberry Dump Cake. You’ll have everyone hootin’ and hollerin’ when you bring this beauty out.
Peach Dump Cake:
Peach Dump Cake is always a summertime hit. Bring it to Picnics, BBQ’s, Potlucks and watch it be the first dessert to go!
Chocolate Dump Cake:
And for all the chocolate lovers (like ME!), Chocolate Dump Cake will get you that chocolate fix in an easy to make, 9X13 inch dish, perfect for sharing!
More Cherry Recipes…
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
- 1 (21-ounce) Can cherry pie filling
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 12 tablespoons butter, cut into 24 slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 X13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- Spread the crushed pineapple with the juice into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread cherry pie filling on top of the crushed pineapple.
- Evenly spread cake mix over top of the layers of pineapple and cherry and press down firmly. Arrange butter slices evenly over top of cake mix.
- Bake in the preheated oven, 50-60 minutes, or until top is deep golden brown and bubbly. Serve warm
Nutrition
I make this but I mix a stick of butter and the cake mix, then crumble it over the top
I only have white cake mix, will that work instead of yellow??
Yes you can! 🙂
Has anyone tried putting coconut on top for more flavor
Hi Pamela! I haven’t done this before but if you give it a try, let me know how it turns out!
Do you need to drain the can of pineapples in the dump cake?
Hi Antoinette! No need to drain 😀 Just put the pineapples straight to the baking pan.
I was wondering if you use salted or unsalted butter
Hey Karla! I use unsalted butter. Either will work though. <3
I have used both. It has turned out just right
I love dump cakes. I’ve eaten them for 30 years. Great dessert and easy to make.
Me too! <3
I am just now making this and just saw I added to much butter! I cut 1 stick and then added another cause it didnt cover the top so I cut another one to finish covering and after I put it thr oven I read the recipe again and it says make 12 tablespoon into 24!..lol. I hope it comes out okay!
I made these years ago. Recently made one for Thanksgiving and loved it! My 43 yr old nephew lives here now and as he says, ” “Mom”, ” that’s the bomb!”
Hi Vivian. I must say I have to agree with him! This is my all-time favorite dump cake. The one my mama made most often <3
Thank you for this cake , Is it ok to make it a day ahead. I was thinking of taking it
to Thanksgiving. Will it keep in the fridge over night.
Yes it will!
Can you make this recipe with just blueberry pie filling? And if so how much should I use?
Yes you can! Use 2-20 Ounce Cans of Blueberry Pie Filling
Thanks so much! I’m going to try it tonight.
Hi all, I was wondering if anyone has tried to double this recipe? Thanks!
Sometimes cherry pie filling is a little skimpy on the cherries. If I use two cans of cherry pie filling with the crushed pineapple will it still turn out good?
I totally agree with you!! I’m not exactly sure! I would think it should work out great. If you give it a try, please write to us and let us know!
I have tried 2 cans of cherry and 2 cans when I do apple turns out perfect , Apple is in oven now
Thanks for sharing Paula!
I have a loquat tree and made a Marmelade with the fruit. I decided to substitute the cherry pie filling with the loquat marmalade. It is in the oven. Hopping for the best.
Wow! That sounds delish! I haven’t had loquats since I was a kid!
I would like to try to double this recipe using the same size pan. Have you tried that? How long did it have to bake?
No, I’m sorry Ranae, I haven’t!
Easy peasy ! Can add topping of ice cream. Everyone raved about it !
Hi, Irene! Yum, that sounds even more delish! Thank you and I’m so happy you liked it! 🙂
HELP, WHAT SIZE BAKING PAN DO I USE. IVE waited until the last minute.
Hi, Dianne. Thanks for asking, you’ll have to use 9×13 baking dish. <3
This is so quick and easy..and so yummy..thank u
So Happy you enjoyed, Bonnie <3. My favorite dump cake combo!
So good, we loved it, easy to maketoo
So very happy to hear that, Rose!! <3
Kathleen: There is no way the sodium can be 80 mg for one-eighth of this cake. I wish it was. The mix, alone, would be more than that, I believe. Can you recalculate the sodium and potassium?
Hi Kate. Thanks, I will recalculate the nutritional data. 🙂
ohhh I can’t wait to try this one!
I hope you try it soon, Lindsey!
It’s been many years since I made one of these cakes. I had forgotten all about this recipe. I am going to make it again.
I hope you enjoy! Thanks Marsha <3
I made this years ago, very delisciious!
Thanks, Loretta <3