Easy 5-Ingredient Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

There are some desserts that feel like a warm hug, and this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is definitely one of them. The first time I made this, I was skeptical. Just dump everything in a pan and bake? It sounded too good to be true. But the result was a bubbling, golden-crusted, fruity masterpiece that had my family begging for seconds. The sweet tang of cherry and the tropical brightness of pineapple create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible, all tucked under a buttery, cake-like topping.

This is the ultimate easy dessert, perfect for last-minute company, potlucks, or those weeknights when you need a sweet treat without any fuss. It’s a “pantry-hero” recipe, using simple, ready-to-go ingredients to create something truly special. It’s less of a formal cake and more of a glorious cobbler, and that’s exactly what makes it so charming.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why make this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

If you need a reason beyond “it’s delicious,” I’ve got plenty! First and foremost, this recipe is the definition of easy. With a prep time of just 5 minutes, it’s all about layering ingredients in a dish—no mixing bowls required! It’s practically foolproof, making it a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers or for when you want to get the kids involved in the kitchen.

It’s also incredibly versatile and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple is a classic hit, but you can easily swap out fruits to your liking. The end result is a warm, gooey fruit bottom with a rich, buttery, and slightly crispy top that pairs perfectly with ice cream. If you love the simplicity of this style, you should also try our Cherry Cheesecake Dump Cake Recipe for another delicious, no-fuss dessert!

Ingredients

• 20 ounces crushed pineapple
• 21 ounces cherry pie filling
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 15 ¼ ounces butter cake mix
• 10 tablespoons salted butter (sliced)
• Ice cream (optional garnish)
• Maraschino cherries (optional garnish)

How to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Step 1: First things first, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Open your can of crushed pineapple and, without draining any of that delicious juice, pour it into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.

Step 3: Next, spoon the cherry pie filling over the pineapple layer. Try to distribute it as evenly as possible. Sprinkle the almond or vanilla extract over the cherries for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 4: Now for the “cake” part! Open your box of butter cake mix and sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the entire fruit layer. Do not mix it in! Just let it sit on top.

Step 5: Take your sliced salted butter and arrange the pieces all over the top of the dry cake mix. This is key to creating that golden, buttery crust.

Step 6: Carefully place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Remove the dump cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This is important, as it allows the filling to set up a bit. Then, serve it warm and enjoy!

How to serve Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

The absolute best way to serve this Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is warm, straight from the oven (after it’s had a few minutes to cool, of course!). A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top is practically mandatory. As the ice cream melts into the warm, gooey fruit and buttery cake topping, it creates a dessert experience that is pure comfort.

For an extra touch of elegance and a nod to the flavors inside, you can add a dollop of whipped cream and a bright red maraschino cherry on top of each serving. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.

How to store Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is simple. Allow the dump cake to cool completely to room temperature. Then, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can scoop out a portion and warm it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. If you want to reheat a larger portion, you can place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Tips to make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Melt the Butter: While slicing the butter and placing it on top works great, for a more even, golden crust, try melting the 10 tablespoons of butter first. Drizzle the melted butter evenly all over the dry cake mix before baking.

Add Some Crunch: For a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle about a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the dry cake mix before adding the butter. The nuts will toast beautifully in the oven.

Switch Up the Cake Mix: A butter or yellow cake mix is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! A white cake mix, a French vanilla mix, or even a lemon cake mix could add an interesting and delicious twist to the flavor profile.

Don’t Stir: This is the most important tip! Resist the urge to mix the layers together. The magic of a dump cake happens when the dry cake mix combines with the fruit juices from below and the melting butter from above to create that perfect cobbler-like topping.

FAQs About Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Can I use a different fruit combination?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of a dump cake. You can swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or peach pie filling. You can also use other canned fruits like sliced peaches or a fruit cocktail instead of pineapple. Just be sure to use about 40 ounces of fruit in total.

Why is my dump cake topping still powdery in some spots?

This usually happens when the butter doesn’t cover all of the dry cake mix. To ensure a perfectly golden and crisp topping, make sure your butter slices are distributed evenly across the entire surface. For a foolproof method, melt the butter and drizzle it over the top before baking.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

While this cake is best served fresh and warm, you can assemble it a few hours ahead of time. Simply layer all the ingredients in the baking dish as directed, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Hungry for more? Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipes!

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a testament to the idea that the best recipes don’t have to be the most complicated. It’s a humble, comforting, and incredibly satisfying dessert that brings together classic flavors in the easiest way imaginable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. It’s the perfect sweet ending to any meal and is sure to become a go-to favorite in your dessert rotation.

Print