Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake – Easy, Sweet & Irresistible!

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate fuss-free dessert—just layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy! This effortless cake combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with the tropical brightness of pineapple, all topped with a buttery, golden crumble. No mixing, no special equipment, just pure, sweet indulgence. Perfect for last-minute gatherings, family dinners, or when you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Fruit – Pour the crushed pineapple with its juices into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, add the cherry pie filling, gently spreading it out.
3. Add the Cake Mix – Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit. Do not stir!
4. Drizzle the Butter – Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, ensuring it covers as much as possible.
5. Add Nuts (If Using) – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
6. Bake – Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool & Serve – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes

• Do not mix the layers—the magic happens as they bake!
• If you prefer a crispier topping, use sliced butter instead of melted butter and place the slices evenly across the cake mix.
• Want a little extra sweetness? Sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar on top before baking.
• This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: dump cake, cherry pineapple cake, easy dessert, quick cake recipe

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups
• Spatula or spoon for spreading
• Oven mitts

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

1. Keep It Simple – No Mixing Needed

The magic of a dump cake is in the layering—resist the urge to stir! Just layer the ingredients as directed, and the oven will take care of the rest.

2. Ensure an Even Butter Distribution

For a perfectly golden and crisp topping, make sure the butter is evenly distributed. If using melted butter, drizzle it slowly over the cake mix. If using sliced butter, arrange the slices evenly across the top.

3. Add Extra Crunch for Texture

For a little extra bite, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut on top before baking. This adds a delicious contrast to the soft, gooey filling.

4. Want a Caramelized Top?

Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the cake mix before baking. This helps create a richer, slightly crisp caramelized crust.

5. Use a Different Cake Mix for a New Flavor Twist

Switch up the flavor by using a vanilla, white, spice, or even chocolate cake mix instead of yellow. Each variation brings a different personality to the dessert!

6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and you see the fruit filling bubbling around the edges. If it still looks powdery in some areas, bake for another 5-10 minutes.

7. Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving

Dump cakes are best served warm but not piping hot. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before scooping to allow the layers to set slightly.

8. Serving Suggestions for Extra Indulgence

Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch!

Conservation and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake stores well and stays delicious for days!

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Room Temperature: If serving within 24 hours, cover and keep at room temperature.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings for 30-40 seconds.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is its flexibility. You can easily swap ingredients or add new flavors to make it your own. Here are some fun ways to customize this dessert!

Substitutions

• Cake Mix Options – While yellow cake mix is the classic choice, you can swap it out for:
  • White cake mix for a lighter flavor
  • Vanilla cake mix for extra sweetness
  • Spice cake mix for a warm, cozy twist
  • Chocolate cake mix for a rich, Black Forest-inspired dessert
• Butter Alternatives – If you’re out of butter or need a dairy-free option, try:
  • Coconut oil (use the same amount as butter for a slight tropical twist)
  • Margarine (for a dairy-free alternative)
  • Sliced butter instead of melted butter for a crisper topping
• Fruit Filling Swaps – Not a fan of cherries or pineapple? Try these instead:
  • Apple pie filling + caramel drizzle for a fall-inspired treat
  • Blueberry pie filling + lemon zest for a fresh and bright flavor
  • Peach pie filling + cinnamon for a southern-style cobbler twist
  • Strawberry pie filling + chocolate cake mix for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe
• Nut-Free Option – Skip the pecans or walnuts if you have allergies, or replace them with:
  • Oats for a slightly chewy texture
  • Crushed graham crackers for a pie crust-like crunch

Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake – Swap yellow cake mix for chocolate and add chocolate chips on top for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Tropical Paradise Dump Cake – Use a coconut or pineapple cake mix, add shredded coconut, and top with macadamia nuts.
• Caramel Apple Dump Cake – Use apple pie filling, add cinnamon, and drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cake.
• Berry Medley Dump Cake – Use a mix of blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry pie filling for a mixed-berry version.
• Gooey S’mores Dump Cake – Use chocolate cake mix, add mini marshmallows on top before baking, and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.

Storage Instructions

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert or leftover treat. Whether you want to keep it at room temperature, refrigerate it, or freeze it for later, here’s how to store it properly.

Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)

• If you plan to eat the cake within 24 hours, you can leave it at room temperature.
• Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out.

Refrigeration (Best for 4 Days)

• For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it (see reheating instructions below).

Freezing (Best for 3 Months)

• If you want to save leftovers for later, freeze the cake:
  1. Let the cake cool completely before freezing.
  2. Transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
  3. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  4. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven (Best Method) – Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave (Quick Method) – Heat individual portions for 30-40 seconds until warmed through.
• Air Fryer (For a Crispy Top) – Reheat at 325°F (163°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crunchy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes! You can substitute fresh pineapple and cherries for the canned versions. However, since canned fruit contains syrup, you may need to add ½ cup of sugar to balance the sweetness and some extra liquid (such as fruit juice) to prevent dryness.

2. Can I make this dump cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for the best texture.

3. Why is my dump cake dry?

If your dump cake turned out dry, here are a few possible reasons:

• The butter wasn’t evenly distributed—try using sliced butter instead of melted butter to cover more surface area.
• The cake may have been overbaked—check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
• The fruit filling might not have had enough moisture—if using fresh fruit, add a bit of extra juice.

4. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with:

• White cake mix for a lighter flavor
• Spice cake mix for a warm, cozy twist
• Chocolate cake mix for a Black Forest-style dessert

5. Do I have to use nuts?

No, nuts are optional! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave them out or replace them with crushed graham crackers or oats for added texture.

6. How do I make this cake crispier on top?

For a crunchier topping, try:

• Slicing cold butter and placing it evenly over the cake mix instead of using melted butter.
• Sprinkling a tablespoon of brown sugar on top before baking.
• Baking for an extra 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

7. Can I freeze Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?

Yes! This cake freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

8. How should I serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?

This cake is delicious warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, try serving it with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce

9. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, like the pie filling, are gluten-free as well.

10. How long will this cake stay fresh?

In the freezer: Up to 3 months.

At room temperature: 1 day (covered).

In the refrigerator: Up to 4 days.

Conclusion

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s ridiculously easy, requires minimal effort, and delivers big flavor. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it straight from the dish, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you love quick, no-fuss desserts, try my other favorite dump cakes! Let me know how your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake turned out—leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest!

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