Name: Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice); 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or shredded coconut for topping

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a dream for anyone short on time but craving a sweet, warm dessert. No mixing bowls, no fancy steps—just dump, layer, and bake. The combination of tangy pineapple and sweet cherry pie filling pairs beautifully with the buttery, crisp cake topping. It’s perfect served warm with a scoop of ice cream and always a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, BBQs, and holiday parties.

Ingredients

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

Canned crushed pineapple (with juice)
Canned cherry pie filling
Yellow cake mix
Unsalted butter
Optional: chopped pecans or shredded coconut for topping

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Dump the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice into the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
Spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple layer.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers. Do not mix.
Slice the butter and place it evenly over the top of the cake mix.
Optional: Sprinkle chopped pecans or shredded coconut on top for added flavor and crunch.
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: About 50–55 minutes

Variations

Use white or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry or apple for a different fruit combo.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for extra warmth.
Use pineapple tidbits instead of crushed pineapple for a chunkier texture.
Make individual servings by baking in ramekins or muffin tins.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover dump cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Dump cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, but the texture and sweetness may vary. You’ll need to adjust for the missing juice from canned fruit.

Do I need to mix the ingredients together?

No, this recipe works best when layered—hence the “dump” method.

Can I use butter alternatives?

You can use margarine or plant-based butter, but regular butter provides the best flavor and browning.

What kind of cake mix works best?

Yellow cake mix is most common, but white, vanilla, or even spice cake mix can all work well.

Should the butter be melted?

No, just slice the butter thinly and place it evenly on top. It will melt and spread as it bakes.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a great crunch to the topping.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and the edges bubbling. A toothpick inserted should come out clean where there’s only cake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans, and adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep and refrigerate it unbaked for a few hours. For best texture, bake just before serving.

Is it supposed to be gooey?

Yes, the filling stays soft and gooey while the top becomes crisp and buttery—exactly what makes dump cake so good.

Conclusion

Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect quick dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a last-minute party, or just because, it’s a reliable recipe that everyone will love. With just a few pantry staples and under an hour in the oven, you’ll have a warm, fruity dessert that’s comforting, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.