Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: cherry pineapple dump cake! This delightfully simple treat is a go-to for any gathering, and trust me, it never fails to impress. The beauty of this cake is in its effortless preparation—just dump, mix, and bake! I remember the first time I made it for a family reunion. The aroma of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple wafting through the air had everyone flocking to the kitchen. It’s one of those desserts that brings back warm memories and happy faces. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this cherry pineapple dump cake in no time. You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 can cherry pie filling: Look for a 21-ounce can for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained: A 20-ounce can will do wonders here. The juice adds moisture and flavor!
- 1 box yellow cake mix: Any brand works; just grab a standard 15.25-ounce box for that classic cake base.
- 1 cup butter, melted: I use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted, just skip any extra salt in the recipe.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smoother texture.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to get that cake baking just right!
- Grab your favorite baking dish—something around 9×13 inches works beautifully—and spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure it covers the base completely for that delightful cherry flavor in every bite!
- Next, pour the undrained crushed pineapple right over the cherries. Don’t drain it! The juice is key to keeping everything moist and delicious.
- Now, it’s time to sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruity goodness. Just shake it out evenly; there’s no need to mix it in—trust me, it’ll work its magic in the oven!
- Drizzle the melted butter generously over the cake mix. I like to make sure every bit is coated for that crispy, buttery topping.
- If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top now for a little extra crunch and flavor.
- Pop that beauty in the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will have you practically drooling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 10 minutes to get everything in the oven!
- Minimal ingredients make it a budget-friendly dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Delicious flavor with a perfect balance of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple.
- Versatile—serve it warm, cold, or with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy night in; it’s always a hit!
Tips for Success
To make your cherry pineapple dump cake truly shine, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, always use fresh ingredients when possible; it really makes a difference in flavor. Make sure to layer everything evenly—this helps the cake cook uniformly and prevents any soggy spots. Don’t skip on checking for doneness; the top should be golden brown and bubbly! If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. And remember, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any molten fruit disasters. You’ve got this!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the best part about this cherry pineapple dump cake is how versatile it is when it comes to serving! I love to enjoy it warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts just a bit into the cake. Whipped cream also adds a lovely lightness, and don’t forget about fresh fruit—slices of banana or berries make it even more delightful! You can’t go wrong with any of these pairings. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover cherry pineapple dump cake, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either serve it cold or gently reheat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating, which can make it a bit soggy. Trust me, a warm slice with ice cream is pure bliss!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious cherry pineapple dump cake: about 300 calories, 15g of fat, 3g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 20g of sugar and 250mg of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but it’s a sweet treat that’s worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruit? Absolutely! You can use fresh cherries and pineapple if you prefer. Just make sure to chop the fruit into similar-sized pieces for even baking. The cake might be a bit less sweet, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers? To store your leftover cherry pineapple dump cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep it sealed to prevent it from drying out!
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely prepare the cherry pineapple dump cake ahead of time. I recommend baking it and then cooling it completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm it up in the microwave or enjoy it cold. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings!
Can I use other fruits? For sure! Feel free to mix it up with other canned fruits like peaches or blueberries. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the cake’s texture and moisture. Experimentation is part of the fun!
Print
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple dessert made with cherries and pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the cherry pie filling evenly.
- Pour the crushed pineapple over the cherries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix.
- If using, sprinkle nuts on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry pineapple dump cake
