Name: Delightful Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486815H47M38S
Total time: PT-486815H47M38S
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Who doesn’t love the sweet, fruity flavors of a classic cherry pineapple dump cake? This easy-to-make dessert has become a fan-favorite for good reason – it’s bursting with juicy fruit, has a delightfully moist texture, and requires minimal prep work. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a comforting treat, this cherry pineapple dump cake is sure to satisfy.

The beauty of a dump cake lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of canned fruits, you can whip up a delectable dessert that will have your guests raving. The best part? You can have this cherry pineapple delight in the oven in under 10 minutes. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate in effortless, crowd-pleasing indulgence!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this cherry pineapple dump cake apart is its incredible texture contrast. The juicy fruit filling creates a moist, gooey base, while the golden, crunchy topping provides the perfect crumbly complement. Plus, with canned cherries and pineapple as the starring ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and budget-friendly, making it a go-to for busy home cooks.

But the real showstopper is the flavor. The sweet-tart cherry and tropical pineapple blend seamlessly, creating a taste sensation that’s both familiar and unique. And because this dump cake can be prepared in advance and frozen, it’s the ultimate make-ahead dessert for any occasion – from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake ❓

• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

The beauty of this cherry pineapple dump cake is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet cherries and tropical pineapple creates the irresistible flavor profile that has made dump cake recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
• Step 2: In the prepared baking dish, spread the cherry pie filling in an even layer. Then, top with the undrained crushed pineapple, spreading it out to create an even layer.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, ensuring even coverage.
• Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges.
• Step 5: Allow the dump cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
• Total time: 55-60 minutes

Compared to traditional fruit cobblers or crisps, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this cherry pineapple dump cake saves you valuable time while delivering similar flavors.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 307
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 316mg

These cherry pineapple dump cakes provide approximately 10% of your daily carbohydrate requirements and 20% of your daily fat needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use a reduced-fat or low-fat yellow cake mix and substitute low-fat or non-dairy butter substitute for the melted butter.
• Lower-carb version: Replace the yellow cake mix with a low-carb or keto-friendly cake mix, and use fresh or frozen cherries and pineapple chunks instead of canned.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free cake mix and plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
• Added protein: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the topping for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Fold in 1/2 cup of diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the fruit filling for added nutrients.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the cherry pineapple dump cake.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• Pair with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert pairing.
• Complement the dump cake with a fresh green salad or a light fruit salad for a complete meal.
• For a potluck or picnic, serve the cherry pineapple dump cake alongside grilled chicken, baked beans, and coleslaw.
• Create an elegant dessert platter with the dump cake, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and candied nuts for a special occasion.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: Be careful not to overbake the dump cake, as this can result in a dry, crumbly texture. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
• Uneven distribution: Make sure to spread the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple in an even layer before topping with the cake mix. This will ensure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Skipping the butter: Don’t forget to drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. This helps create the signature crunchy topping that makes dump cakes so irresistible.
• Not letting it cool: Resist the temptation to dive in right away. Allowing the dump cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before serving helps the fruit filling set and the textures to develop properly.
• Using the wrong pan: Be sure to use a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe. A smaller pan may cause the cake to overflow, while a larger one could result in a thinner, drier final product.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These cherry pineapple dump cakes retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dump cake as directed, but instead of baking, cover the unbaked dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dump cake to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual servings of the dump cake in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the crisp topping.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this cherry pineapple dump cake in advance?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the unbaked dump cake, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I substitute other fruit for the cherries and pineapple?

Yes, you can easily swap out the cherries and pineapple for other fruit combinations. Try using apple pie filling and diced fresh or canned peaches, or a mixture of blueberries and blackberries. Just be sure to use the same total volume of fruit (around 40 ounces) for the best results.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this cherry pineapple dump cake. Use a dairy-free yellow cake mix and substitute melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for the regular butter. This will keep the recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet.

Why is my dump cake dry or crumbly?

If your cherry pineapple dump cake turns out dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overbaking. Be sure to keep a close eye on the cake in the oven and remove it as soon as the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges. Letting it cool completely before serving can also help the textures develop properly.

Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! This dump cake recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized. Try stirring in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut to the topping for added texture and flavor. You can also fold in a teaspoon of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the fruit filling.

Conclusion

These cherry pineapple dump cakes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dessert or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible combination of sweet, juicy fruit and a delightfully crunchy topping. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these dump cakes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this cherry pineapple delight a try? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!