Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
If there’s one dessert that truly delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort, it’s Cherry Dump Cake. With its luscious layers of sweet-tart cherries, juicy pineapple, buttery golden cake, and a little nutty crunch, this simple classic is the hero of last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy nights in. The best part? You don’t even need a mixing bowl! Every bite is a celebration of vibrant fruit and comforting cake, all baked together into a dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it, even though it comes together in just minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cherry Dump Cake so magical is its short list of pantry staples, each one playing a starring role. These ingredients work together beautifully, making a dessert that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few insider tips to help your cake shine:
- Cherry pie filling (1 21-oz can): This brings the signature burst of cherry flavor and a gorgeous ruby hue to every bite.
- Crushed pineapple (1 15-oz can, undrained): Adds juicy sweetness and a tropical twist that keeps the cake moist and flavorful throughout.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box): The shortcut to a golden, tender topping with just the right amount of sweetness—feel free to try white or vanilla cake mix for a different spin!
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, sliced into thin pats): Melts into the cake mix, creating those irresistible buttery pockets and a crisp, golden finish.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): A sprinkle of nuts adds richness and a satisfying crunch—totally optional, but highly recommended for texture lovers.
How to Make Cherry Dump Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also helps create those delightful golden edges that everyone fights over. A quick spritz of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter does the trick.
Step 2: Layer the Fruit
Pour the cherry pie filling and the undrained crushed pineapple right into your prepared dish. Gently stir them together until the fruit is evenly distributed. This fruity duo is the vibrant, juicy base of your Cherry Dump Cake, and mixing ensures every spoonful has a bit of both flavors.
Step 3: Sprinkle on the Cake Mix
Take your dry cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layer. Don’t stir! Just make sure the entire surface is covered so the cake can bake up crisp and golden on top while soaking in the fruit juices underneath.
Step 4: Add Butter and Nuts
Arrange the thin pats of butter evenly across the surface of the cake mix. As the cake bakes, the butter melts down to form a rich, golden crust. If you’re adding nuts, now’s the time to sprinkle them over the top for that irresistible crunchy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and you see the fruit filling bubbling up around the edges. Let your Cherry Dump Cake cool for a few minutes before serving, so the flavors can settle and each scoop holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Dump Cake
Garnishes
To make your Cherry Dump Cake extra special, try adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Fresh cherries or a few extra toasted nuts add a pretty touch and a burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides like a fruit salad or a tangy yogurt parfait. For a dessert table, serve it alongside coffee, tea, or a sparkling rosé to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the warm Cherry Dump Cake into individual ramekins for a personalized dessert experience, or layer leftovers into parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra fruit for an irresistible trifle. For casual gatherings, serve right from the baking dish and let guests dive in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the Cherry Dump Cake to an airtight container. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead treat.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Cherry Dump Cake! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or bake larger amounts in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly. This brings back the crisp topping and gooey fruit so every bite tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries on hand, cook them down with a touch of sugar and cornstarch to create a thick, jammy filling. You’ll want about 2 ½ cups of prepared fruit for this recipe.
Is it possible to make Cherry Dump Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix and double-check that your pie filling and pineapple are gluten-free. The results are still deliciously satisfying.
What’s the best way to serve Cherry Dump Cake for a party?
Scoop warm Cherry Dump Cake into small cups or bowls and set up a toppings bar with ice cream, whipped cream, toasted coconut, and extra nuts. Let guests customize their desserts for an interactive (and tasty) treat.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Certainly! Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches mix beautifully with the cherries and pineapple. Just keep the total fruit amount about the same for best results.
Do I need to use all the butter listed?
The butter helps create that classic crisp topping, but if you prefer, you can reduce it slightly or use a light butter alternative. Just make sure the top is mostly covered so the cake mix bakes up moist, not dry.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Cherry Dump Cake remains a beloved classic: it’s easy, foolproof, and downright delicious. If you’re craving a dessert that brings smiles and second helpings, give this recipe a try—you’ll fall in love with its sweet, comforting flavors and the pure joy of sharing it with family and friends!
Print
Cherry Dump Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy Cherry Dump Cake recipe combining cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple with a buttery yellow cake mix topping, baked to golden perfection for a delicious, fuss-free dessert.
Ingredients
Fruit Layer
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
Cake Topping
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Fruit: Pour the cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple, including juice, into the baking dish and stir gently to evenly combine the fruits.
- Add Cake Mix: Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the fruit layer, making sure to completely cover the fruit mixture without stirring it in.
- Top with Butter: Distribute the thin pats of unsalted butter evenly over the surface of the dry cake mix to help it bake into a moist, golden crust.
- Optional Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly on top if using, to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm alone or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Substitute yellow cake mix with white or vanilla cake mix for a slight flavor variation.
- Add a dash of almond extract to the fruit layer for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
- Use chopped nuts sparingly if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
