Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more elevated presentation, consider sprinkling a small handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the butter slices before baking. This adds a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Ensure they are distributed evenly so they toast properly without burning. You can also serve the cake with a light dusting of cinnamon if you enjoy warm spices with your fruit desserts.

If you find that the edges are browning too quickly while the center remains undercooked, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time.

This allows the fruit to heat through properly without over-browning the crust. Simply remove the foil for the final 15 minutes of baking to ensure the top becomes perfectly golden and crisp, providing that desirable contrast in texture.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake: Replace the cherry filling with two cans of apple pie filling and add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cake mix before sprinkling it over the fruit for a warm, spiced variation.
• Berry Blast Dump Cake: Use a mix of strawberry and blueberry pie fillings instead of cherry and pineapple for a vibrant, berry-forward dessert that pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh whipped cream.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or cover the original baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The dessert can be kept for up to three days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold, but it is best when gently reheated to restore that comforting, warm, and soft texture that makes it so appealing when fresh out of the oven.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can assemble the fruit and cake mix layers a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator. However, for the best results, wait to add the butter slices until just before you are ready to bake. This prevents the butter from soaking into the dry mix too early, which helps maintain the desired texture of the crust once it comes out of the oven.

Serving ideas

This dump cake is best served warm, shortly after it has finished its 10-minute rest. The warmth enhances the fruit flavors and ensures the crust retains its buttery, crisp texture.

A large serving spoon is ideal for scooping out portions, ensuring that every plate receives a generous amount of both the fruit base and the golden, crumbly top layer. It is a hearty dessert that stands well on its own.

To take the serving experience to the next level, accompany each portion with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, fruity cake creates a classic combination that is hard to beat.

You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream if you prefer something slightly lighter. Serve immediately while the cake is still warm for the best possible experience for your guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Prep 5 minCook 45 minRest 10 minTotal 1 hServes 8

Ingredients

• 2 cans cherry pie filling
• 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup unsalted butter, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the two cans of cherry pie filling into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the drained crushed pineapple evenly over the cherry layer using a large spoon to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
2. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix directly over the fruit layers. Use a spoon to gently distribute the mix so it covers the fruit completely. Arrange the thinly sliced cold butter evenly across the top of the cake mix, ensuring most of the surface is covered.
3. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

2.5 g

Carbohydrates

65 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

42 g

Sodium

320 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.