Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate dessert hack for busy bakers, offering a deliciously sweet and surprisingly simple way to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. This dump cake recipe is perfect for potlucks, weeknight treats, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for dusting)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How to Make Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
This Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the epitome of effortless dessert making, delivering a warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying treat with minimal prep. Simply dump your ingredients into the pan, and let the oven do the rest, creating a delightful texture that’s both creamy and cakey. With a quick preparation time of just about 10 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious dessert in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Fruit: Open the can of cherry pie filling and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently spread it out to cover the base. Next, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly. Add the drained crushed pineapple on top of the cherry pie filling, distributing it as evenly as possible.
- Add the Dry Cake Mix: Open the box of yellow cake mix. Do not prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers in the baking dish. Try to cover the fruit completely.
- Drizzle with Butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Ensure that all the dry cake mix is moistened by the butter. This is crucial for creating the cakey topping. If you notice any dry spots, you can use a spoon to gently nudge the butter around.
- Add Cinnamon (Optional): If you enjoy a subtle hint of spice, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the melted butter. This adds a lovely aroma and a touch of extra flavor complexity.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be set, and the cake mix topping should appear cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake from the oven. Allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake for its incredibly simple preparation and wonderfully comforting flavor profile. The magic lies in its “dump and bake” nature, meaning you don’t need to mix any batters or follow complex steps, making it a lifesaver for any busy schedule. Unlike a traditional cake that requires precise measurements and multiple bowls, this dump cake offers all the deliciousness with a fraction of the effort, proving that fantastic desserts don’t need to be complicated or costly. The sweet and tart combination of cherry and pineapple, crowned with a golden, tender cake topping, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is truly irresistible.
Moreover, the cost-saving benefit of whipping up this delightful dessert at home is significant, especially when compared to store-bought alternatives or elaborate baking projects. It’s a budget-friendly way to achieve a homemade treat that tastes like it came from a professional bakery. The addition of a cool, creamy topping like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates this already amazing dish to new heights, offering a delightful contrast that makes every bite a pure pleasure. So, if you’re looking for a sweet escape that’s both incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, gather your ingredients and give this Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of your delicious Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake can be stored for up to 3-4 days when kept properly.
- Refrigeration: Once the cake has cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the cake to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. This is the best method to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dump cake. Ensure it’s fully cooled, then wrap the entire baking dish or individual portions securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, place a portion of the cake in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings or a larger portion in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Be mindful that reheating may slightly alter the texture, but it will still be wonderfully flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a testament to the fact that delicious desserts can be incredibly simple to create. Its minimal effort and maximum flavor make it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a sweet treat without the stress, so definitely give it a whirl!
Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Open the can of cherry pie filling and pour it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently spread it out to cover the base. Next, drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly. Add the drained crushed pineapple on top of the cherry pie filling, distributing it as evenly as possible.1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling, 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple
- Open the box of yellow cake mix. *Do not prepare the cake mix according to package directions.* Simply sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers in the baking dish. Try to cover the fruit completely.1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix. Ensure that all the dry cake mix is moistened by the butter. This is crucial for creating the cakey topping. If you notice any dry spots, you can use a spoon to gently nudge the butter around.1 cup unsalted butter, 1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
- If you enjoy a subtle hint of spice, lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the melted butter. This adds a lovely aroma and a touch of extra flavor complexity.1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. The edges should be set, and the cake mix topping should appear cooked through.
- Once baked, carefully remove the Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake from the oven. Allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream