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Super Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

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Picture this: a luscious blend of sweet pineapple, tart cherry, and buttery cake, all baked together into a gooey, golden masterpiece. But here's the kicker - you don't even need to mix anything! Yep, it's called a dump cake, and it's the ultimate dessert hack for busy bees who still want to indulge in something utterly delicious. So, if you're ready to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, get ready to dive into the magic of our pineapple cherry dump cake recipe
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If you have hung around the South much, you may have seen this recipe show up. It is a summertime favorite at cookouts, socials at church, and potlucks. It is the perfect dessert for holiday feasts as well as casual dinner parties. I believe its mass appeal is how easy it is to make, just dump and bake, no mixing. It also only requires just a handful of ingredients (only four).

I've had this recipe so many times, that I cannot even tell you who all I know has made it. I just remember it showing up! This recipe can be served hot or at room temperature and is best topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Talk about yummy. It will soon be a favorite recipe. 

Dump Cake Recipes

Dump cakes get their name from how they are prepared. The ingredients are "dumped together" to make an easy dessert. The history of where it originated is a bit unclear, but according to an article published on Yahoo Finance, It showed up in a church cookbook called Carolina Cookery: From Quaker Kitchens.

To make a dump cake, all you need is a dry cake mix, crushed pineapple, pie filling, and butter. The fashion or order in which you dump all the ingredients in a casserole dish matters but other than that, it is one of the easiest desserts to make. After that, all that is left is to bake it, and then you are done. 

​If this is your first time making this easy dessert, don't fret. This will be the easiest dessert you have ever made. 

If you enjoy this dessert, you'll love these Maple Pancake Cupcakes. I've written an entire post on how to make them.

Why You'll Love This Easy Dump Cake Recipe

This pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe is going to be a hit at your next gathering.

  1. Easy Prep: Just dump and bake – no fuss!
  2. Delicious Combo: Sweet pineapple meets tart cherry and a buttery crust for flavor perfection.
  3. Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to cozy nights in.
  4. Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples yield a gourmet dessert.
  5. Warm and Cozy: A scoop straight from the oven is pure comfort food bliss.

What Does this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Taste Like?

If you have ever tasted Cherry Cobbler, this dump cake recipe is similar, but in its own way. The pineapple cherry dump cake offers a delightful blend of flavors. The sweet pineapple provides a tropical tanginess, while the tart cherry filling adds a sharp contrast. Combined with the buttery richness of the cake mix, each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tart notes. Overall, it tastes like a comforting, indulgent treat that's both satisfying and delicious. Top the warm dessert with the cool sensation and creaminess of vanilla ice cream and it is a gooey flavor explosion. 

This is a image of pineapple cherry dump cake in a white bowl. Behind it is the casserole dish full of pineapple cherry dump cake and a spoon sitting in it. The casserole dish is sitting on a wooden cutting board.

What You Need To Make This Recipe 

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full instructions

  • Crushed pineapple
  • Cherry pie filling
  • Yellow cake mix
  • Butter (melted) 

Optional ingredients

  • Chopped pecans

Equipment You'll Need

  • 9 x 13 Casserole Dish or cake pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Can Opener​

Note: For information on the product brands that I recommend and use, see our Best Kitchen Essentials Page. [Best Kitchen Essentials]

How To Make Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Follow these easy steps to make this dump cake.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish.

Step 3

Drain the juice from the can of crushed pineapple.

Step 4

Spread an even layer of pineapple over the bottom of the casserole dish then top with the cherry pie filling. Spread the can of pie filling evenly over the crushed pineapple.

This is a image of a Pyrex casserole dish that has a even layer of crushed pineapple in the bottom.
This is a image of a clear Pyrex dish that has a layer of crushed pineapple on the bottom with Cherry Pie Filling on top of the Pineapple.

Step 5

With the box of cake mix, sprinkle over the surface of the fruit filling as evenly as possible. (it doesn't have to be perfect).

This is a image of cake batter being spread over evenly to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.

Step 6

Pour the melted butter over the top of the cake mix. 

Step 7

Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. 

Substitutions

While this recipe calls for dry yellow cake mix, you can substitute White Cake mix if that is all you have. Just note, that this will have a little different taste. 

If you do not like pineapple, omit the crushed pineapple and add 1 extra can of cherry pie filling.

Variations

If you do not have time to make this in the oven, a simple variation for an easy recipe is to cook it in the slow cooker or crock pot. 

Instructions

Add the ingredients in the same manner as listed in the Step-by-step instructions. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours. 

How To Serve Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. Top it with a scoop of ice cream or a dab of whipped cream. My favorite is Vanilla bean ice cream.

This image shows Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake that has been spooned out into a white bowl. The bowl is sitting in front of the baking dish with the rest of the recipe in it.

FAQ's

What can I do with the leftover Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container or use plastic wrap on the top of the casserole dish. Place the leftover dump cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. 

Do I need to stir the ingredients?

No. Layer the ingredients just as the recipe suggests. There is no need to stir them.

Let me know how these Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake turns out for you in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you! In my opinion, it is one of the simplest desserts to make and I think you will love it. 

Yield: 12

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

This image is a closeup of Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake in a white bowl.

Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake: A mouthwatering fusion of sweet pineapple, tangy cherry, and buttery cake mix, baked to golden perfection. Effortlessly prepared by layering ingredients in a baking dish, this comforting dessert is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve warm for a delightful treat that's as easy to make as it is delicious

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple
  • 1-21 ounce can of cherry pie filling
  • 1 box of yellow cake mix
  • 1 stick of butter (melted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
  3. Drain the juice from the can of pineapple tidbits.
  4. Spread an even layer of crushed pineapple don't the bottom of the casserole dish then top with the cherry pie filling. Spread the can of fruit filling evenly over the crushed pineapple.
  5. Sprinkle the box of cake mix over the fruit as evenly as possible. (It doesn't have to be perfect).
  6. Pour the melted butter over the top of the dry cake mix.
  7. Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes until bubble and golden brown.

Notes

Optional ingredients:

½ cups of chopped pecans

Did you make this recipe?

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