This incredibly easy pineapple cherry dump cake recipe is a delightful dessert that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors. The combination of juicy cherries and tropical pineapple, topped with a buttery cake mix crust, creates a moist and utterly irresistible treat. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dump cake is so simple to make that even beginner bakers can achieve delicious results every time.
Dump cakes are celebrated for their simplicity, and this pineapple cherry version is no exception. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a warm, comforting dessert ready in under an hour. It’s the kind of fuss-free baking that the Pioneer Woman is known for – straightforward, delicious, and perfect for sharing.
If you’re searching for more effortless and tasty desserts, you might also enjoy these recipes: classic peach cobbler, blueberry dump cake, or a simple apple crisp.
Cherry pineapple dump cake recipe ingredients.
Image showing the ingredients for pineapple cherry dump cake including canned pineapple, cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter and pecans, laid out on a kitchen counter, emphasizing the simplicity of the recipe.
Simple Ingredients for a Scrumptious Cake
This recipe uses pantry staples, making it a convenient choice when you need a dessert in a hurry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crushed Pineapple: One 20 oz can of crushed pineapple, with its juice, provides a sweet and tangy base.
- Cherry Pie Filling: A 21 oz can of cherry pie filling adds a rich, fruity layer that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Yellow Cake Mix: One box of yellow cake mix forms the buttery and slightly crumbly topping as it bakes.
- Unsalted Butter: One stick of unsalted butter, sliced into pats, melts over the cake mix to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): Half a cup of chopped pecans adds a delightful nutty crunch and flavor, enhancing the texture of the dump cake.
Get Started: Preheat Your Oven to 350°F
Before you begin assembling your dump cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you are, allowing for even baking and perfect results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Dump Cake
Making a dump cake is as easy as its name suggests – you simply “dump” the ingredients into a dish and bake!
- Pineapple Base: Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Spread cherry pie filling evenly over pineapple in baking dish.
Image depicting the second step of making pineapple cherry dump cake, showing cherry pie filling being evenly spread over a layer of crushed pineapple in a rectangular baking dish, highlighting the ease of layering ingredients.
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Cherry Layer: Spoon the can of cherry pie filling over the crushed pineapple, spreading it out to create an even layer. The vibrant red cherries provide a beautiful contrast to the pineapple.
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Cake Mix Topping: Evenly distribute the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layers. Try to cover the fruit as much as possible with the cake mix. Do not mix or stir the layers – just sprinkle the dry cake mix on top.
Place butter pieces evenly over cake mix in baking dish.
Image illustrating the step of topping pineapple cherry dump cake with butter, showing pats of butter evenly placed across the dry cake mix in a baking dish, emphasizing the creation of a buttery crust.
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Butter It Up: Slice the stick of butter into thin pats and arrange them evenly over the dry cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter will melt and soak into the cake mix, creating a delicious, golden crust.
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Nutty Addition (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the buttered cake mix.
Baking to Golden Perfection
- Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The dump cake is done when the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the cherry filling is heated through.
Bake until golden brown.
Image showing the dump cake baking process, where the top is turning golden brown in the oven, indicating it’s almost done and the butter is melting to create a crispy crust.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pineapple cherry dump cake cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Extra Delight
- Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve each slice of warm dump cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess is a perfect contrast to the warm, fruity cake.
- Maraschino Cherries: For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, garnish each serving with a maraschino cherry.
- Warm or Room Temperature: Enjoy this dump cake warm straight from the oven, or let it cool to room temperature – it’s delicious either way!
Cherry pineapple dump cake in bowl with ice cream.
Image showcasing a serving of pineapple cherry dump cake in a bowl topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, presenting a delicious and appealing way to serve the dessert.
Tips and Variations for Your Dump Cake
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts, almonds, or shredded coconut for a different textural and flavor dimension.
- Coconut Crunch: Adding 1 cup of shredded coconut along with the pecans will toast beautifully in the oven, adding a lovely tropical flavor.
- Butter Options: You can use salted or unsalted butter based on your preference. Salted butter can enhance the sweetness, while unsalted offers a pure buttery flavor.
- Crisp-Like Topping: For a crispier topping, mix ½ cup of rolled oats into the cake mix before sprinkling it over the fruit.
- Melted Butter Option: For quicker prep, you can melt the butter and pour it evenly over the cake mix instead of slicing it.
- Fruit Swaps: Feel free to experiment with other canned fruits like peaches, blueberries, or apple pie filling in place of the cherry pie filling for different flavor combinations.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dump cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire cake in a 350°F oven.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze leftover dump cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This pineapple cherry dump cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity and delicious taste make it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the ease and the wonderful flavors of this Pioneer Woman-inspired treat!
