Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: The Simplest Dessert You’ll Ever Bake

Cherry pineapple dump cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers bold, fruity flavors with almost zero effort. With just canned cherries, crushed pineapple, cake mix, and butter, this dish turns basic pantry ingredients into a gooey, golden treat perfect for any occasion. The tart cherries blend beautifully with sweet pineapple, all baked under a buttery crumble that’s irresistibly crisp on top and soft underneath.

I first made cherry pineapple dump cake during a busy holiday week. I needed something quick but impressive, and this recipe saved the day. In just minutes, I had layered the ingredients in a pan and slid it into the oven. As it baked, the warm aroma of bubbling cherries and caramelized pineapple filled the kitchen, and the buttery topping turned perfectly golden. That evening, it became an instant favorite—simple enough for weeknights, yet special enough for family gatherings or potlucks.

In this article, we’ll break down why this recipe works so well, how to get the perfect texture every time, and tips for customizing it to your taste. Whether you’re new to baking or simply need a stress-free dessert, cherry pineapple dump cake is the answer.

Why Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Works Every Time

The Simplicity of “Dump and Bake” Desserts

Dump cakes get their name from their preparation: you literally “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish, layer them, and bake. No mixing bowls, no tricky steps, and no frosting required. The result is a dessert that tastes homemade without the hassle. In cherry pineapple dump cake, the rich cherry pie filling and tangy pineapple create a naturally sweet, juicy base that perfectly balances the buttery cake topping.

A Reliable Recipe for Any Occasion

This dessert is nearly foolproof, which makes it perfect for beginners and busy home cooks alike. With minimal prep and just one baking dish, you can serve up a dessert that looks and tastes impressive. The bubbling fruit filling paired with the golden crust gives it a cobbler-like feel, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or even casual weeknight treats.

Print

How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Detailed Ingredient Guide

The beauty of cherry pineapple dump cake lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient has a purpose. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

• Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): Provides a tart, fruity base. Look for high-quality filling with whole cherries for the best texture.
• Crushed pineapple (20 oz can): Adds natural sweetness and moisture. Use it with the juice included — it helps keep the cake soft and prevents dryness.
• Yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Forms the golden, buttery topping. A vanilla or white cake mix can be substituted for a lighter flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Essential for binding the dry mix and creating a crisp top layer.
• Optional toppings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or toasted coconut for added texture and flavor.

These ingredients layer together without mixing, creating a dessert with gooey fruit beneath and a crisp, buttery crust on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to keep it from sticking.
2. Assemble the fruit base: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly in the dish. Next, pour the crushed pineapple (with juice) over it and gently spread it to cover the cherries.
3. Add the dry cake mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix over the layer of fruit. Do not stir; the magic of this recipe lies in keeping the layers separate.
4. Add the butter: Slowly pour the melted butter over the dry cake mix, covering the surface evenly. This step creates the crisp, golden topping during baking.
5. Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
6. Cool and serve: Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling time allows the filling to thicken slightly, making it easier to portion.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or shredded coconut on top before baking. This adds texture and a nutty depth that complements the fruity filling perfectly.

This easy “dump and bake” technique creates a dessert with a gooey fruit bottom and a crispy, buttery topping that tastes homemade with minimal effort.

Storing and Serving Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

How to Store It Properly

One of the best things about cherry pineapple dump cake is how well it keeps, making it ideal for leftovers or preparing ahead of time. After baking, let the cake cool completely at room temperature to avoid condensation forming inside the dish. Once cooled:

• Short-term storage: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: To store for longer, portion the cake into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to revive its crisp topping. Skip microwaving, as it may cause the crust to turn soggy.

This storage method keeps the cake’s texture intact — gooey fruit filling below and a golden, buttery crust on top.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Cherry pineapple dump cake tastes incredible on its own, but pairing it with the right toppings and accompaniments takes it to another level:

• Classic pairing: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm, fruity base.
• Light option: Add freshly whipped cream for a softer, airy finish.
• For added texture, top with toasted coconut or chopped pecans for a satisfying crunch.
• Flavor twist: Drizzle with caramel or white chocolate sauce for a dessert-bar worthy treat.

For special occasions, serve individual portions in ramekins or glass dessert cups for an elevated look. This presentation is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or dinner parties where you want a dessert that feels polished without being fussy.

Pro Tip: Serve it warm. The contrast of hot cake and cold ice cream or cream creates an irresistible combination guests will love.

Where to Buy Ingredients for Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Grocery Store Essentials

The ingredients for cherry pineapple dump cake are simple and widely available, which makes it perfect for last-minute baking. Most major grocery stores carry everything you need:

• Cherry pie filling: Found in the baking aisle near canned fruit or pie crusts. Popular brands like Comstock or store brands work well.
• Crushed pineapple: Look in the canned fruit section. Opt for pineapple packed in juice instead of syrup for a lighter, more natural sweetness.
• Yellow cake mix: Stocked in the baking aisle, alongside other boxed cake mixes. Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, or store brands are all reliable choices.
• Unsalted butter: Located in the dairy section; always choose fresh butter for the best flavor.

Specialty and Online Options

For higher-quality or organic ingredients, visit specialty stores such as Whole Foods or Sprouts. These stores often carry organic cherry pie filling and non-GMO cake mixes for a healthier version.

If convenience is key, online retailers like Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery Delivery, and Instacart make it easy to order all your ingredients with home delivery. You can even find unique options like gluten-free cake mix or reduced-sugar fruit fillings online, perfect for adapting the recipe to dietary needs.

By knowing where to source the best ingredients, you ensure your cherry pineapple dump cake comes out perfectly every time, with flavors that taste fresh, balanced, and homemade.

Conclusion

Cherry pineapple dump cake is proof that incredible desserts don’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, you can create a dessert that’s fruity, buttery, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, family dinner, or casual weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Warm, gooey fruit paired with a crisp topping makes it a crowd-pleaser every single time—and once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe has been loved for generations.

For More recipes Follow me in Facebook and Pinterest 

FAQs About Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake