This dump cake recipe is a delightful and easy dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With layers of cherry pie filling, crushed pineapple, and a buttery yellow cake mix topping, this treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
If you don't usually stock cherry pie filling or crushed pineapple in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. These canned fruits are essential for the recipe's fruity layers. Additionally, a box of yellow cake mix is required, which you can find in the baking aisle. Optional chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch if you choose to include them.

Ingredients For Dump Cake Recipe
Cherry pie filling: This is a sweet and tangy filling made from cherries, often used in pies and desserts.
Crushed pineapple: Canned pineapple that has been crushed into small pieces, including its juice, adding a tropical flavor.
Yellow cake mix: A pre-packaged mix of dry ingredients needed to make a yellow cake, providing a sweet and fluffy topping.
Melted butter: Butter that has been melted, used to moisten the cake mix and create a rich, golden crust.
Chopped nuts: Optional ingredient that adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure an even distribution of the melted butter over the dry cake mix, try using a pastry brush. This will help you cover all areas uniformly, preventing dry spots and ensuring a consistent golden brown crust.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cherry pie filling - Substitute with blueberry pie filling: Blueberry pie filling provides a similar sweetness and texture, making it a great alternative.
cherry pie filling - Substitute with apple pie filling: Apple pie filling offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a bit of tartness.
undrained crushed pineapple - Substitute with canned mandarin oranges: Canned mandarin oranges provide a similar sweetness and moisture content.
undrained crushed pineapple - Substitute with fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple can be crushed and used, offering a fresher taste and similar texture.
yellow cake mix - Substitute with white cake mix: White cake mix has a similar base and will work well in the recipe.
yellow cake mix - Substitute with spice cake mix: Spice cake mix adds a different flavor dimension with its warm spices.
melted butter - Substitute with melted margarine: Melted margarine provides a similar fat content and moisture.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and similar texture.
chopped nuts - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
chopped nuts - Substitute with chopped pecans: Chopped pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor and similar texture.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dessert
How to Store or Freeze This Dessert
- Allow the dump cake to cool completely after baking. This ensures that the flavors meld together and the texture sets properly.
- Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep the dessert moist and prevents it from drying out.
- Store the covered dump cake in the refrigerator. It can be kept there for up to 5 days, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the dump cake. First, cut the cake into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and enjoy later.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, place the wrapped portions into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long the dessert has been stored.
- The dump cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the portions in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, place the thawed portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Enjoy the dump cake as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover dump cake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the dump cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dump cake in an oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Place a portion of the dump cake in the skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and moisture. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure it warms evenly.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dump cake in an air fryer-safe dish. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly without burning.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the dump cake at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
9x13 inch baking dish: The container where all the ingredients are layered and baked.
Spatula: Useful for spreading the cherry pie filling evenly in the baking dish.
Can opener: Needed to open the cans of cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple.
Measuring cup: Used to measure 1 cup of melted butter accurately.
Microwave or stovetop: For melting the butter before drizzling it over the cake mix.
Knife: If using, to chop the nuts into smaller pieces.
Mixing bowl: Optional, for mixing the nuts if you want them evenly distributed before sprinkling.
Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when placing it in and taking it out of the oven.
How to Save Time on Making This Dessert
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use pre-chopped nuts: Buy pre-chopped nuts to save time on chopping.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Layer efficiently: Spread cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple directly from the cans to save time.
Evenly distribute cake mix: Use a sifter to evenly sprinkle the cake mix over the fruit layers.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin assembling the dump cake.

Dump Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main 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 oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread cherry pie filling in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with crushed pineapple, including juice.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layers.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, if using.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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