Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate no-fuss dessert that wows every time, Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic American bake brings together sunny pineapple, tart-sweet cherries, tender cake, and a crunchy, golden topping with absolute minimal effort. The result? A comfort-filled treat that tastes like you spent hours baking, yet comes together in under an hour. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous dessert that’s both vibrant and addictive—perfect for potlucks, weeknight cravings, or just because!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes this Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake so magical is how each simple ingredient works in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Every item in this short list brings its own special touch to the final dessert, making it irresistible and impossible to mess up!

• Crushed Pineapple with Juice: Adds sweet-tart juiciness and creates the moist base that keeps every bite luscious.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Infuses each slice with bright cherry flavor and a beautiful pop of red color.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The secret to the fluffy, golden “crust” that forms as it bakes right over the fruit.
• Unsalted Butter: Sliced and layered on top, it melts into the cake mix to create rich, crisp edges and buttery flavor.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Lends a satisfying crunch and complementary nutty note to every bite.

How to Make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or butter. This helps prevent sticking and ensures that gorgeous fruity bottom lifts out easily later. A little prep here makes serving a breeze!

Step 2: Layer the Pineapple

Open your can of crushed pineapple and pour it—juice and all—right into the bottom of the greased dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so every slice gets a sunny taste of pineapple in every bite.

Step 3: Spoon Over the Cherries

Gently spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple layer, doing your best not to mix the two together. It’s totally fine if they swirl a bit, but those distinct layers keep your cake beautiful once baked.

Step 4: Add the Cake Mix

Next, sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly across the top of the fruit. No need to stir—just cover everything in an even cloud of cake mix, right up to the edges. This magical layer becomes your buttery, golden topping.

Step 5: Dot with Butter and Nuts

Liberally dot the surface with thin slices of unsalted butter. The goal is to cover as much area as possible, since the butter melts and soaks into the cake, creating that decadent taste. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the buttered top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden, the edges are bubbly, and the kitchen smells incredible. Let your Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake cool slightly before diving in—it helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake

Garnishes

For the ultimate finishing touch, scoop your warm cake into bowls and top with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy contrast against the tangy fruit and tender cake is simply heavenly, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut or extra nuts is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a star on its own, but it also pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet for a cooling contrast. If you’re serving a crowd, offer it at the center of a dessert bar next to lemon bars or brownies for an irresistible display.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the pan? Try scooping warm dump cake into parfait glasses with layers of ice cream for a stunning trifle effect, or portion it into individual ramekins for a special dinner party vibe. For picnics or potlucks, slice and serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that bakery-fresh finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t always the case), cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake keeps beautifully for up to four days—just enough time to sneak an extra slice!

Freezing

This dessert freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then portion out into freezer-safe containers. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again. It’s a lifesaver for desserts-on-demand or prepping ahead for holidays.

Reheating

When you’re ready for that next bite, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through. For larger portions, pop the whole pan (covered in foil) into a 325°F oven until heated. Topping with fresh whipped cream after reheating is always a good decision.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple or homemade cherry filling?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to use about 2-2.5 cups of chopped fresh pineapple with some extra juice to mimic the canned variety, and around 2 cups of homemade cherry filling. Keep the ratio of fruit and liquid similar for best results.

Do I need to mix the cake mix into the fruit?

Nope, that’s the beauty of this dessert! You simply sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. The moisture from the fruit and the butter on top take care of the rest, creating a tender, cake-like topping with absolutely no stirring needed.

Can I make Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix in place of the standard version. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same for an equally scrumptious result.

Will the nuts burn on top?

Usually, they toast up perfectly golden, adding crunch and flavor. If you’re baking on the longer side or your oven runs hot, keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes, and loosely tent with foil if the nuts start to get too dark.

Is this good served cold, or just warm?

Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is delightful both ways! Warm is classic (especially with ice cream), but chilled leftovers firm up a bit and the flavors become richer—a fantastic anytime treat.

Final Thoughts

However you choose to enjoy it, Easy Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that blends simplicity and old-fashioned comfort in every spoonful. If you haven’t tried it yet, let this be the recipe that brings sunshine to your dessert table—one deliciously easy bake at a time.

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