Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for this dump cake?

While the convenience of canned fruit makes this recipe truly "dump and bake," you can use fresh fruit with some adjustments. For cherries, you'll need to pit and cook them with sugar to create a filling-like consistency. Fresh pineapple would need to be crushed and simmered with a bit of sugar to replicate the syrup. Honestly, the canned versions save tremendous time without sacrificing flavor in this particular recipe.

My cake mix still looks powdery after baking. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the butter pieces aren't distributed evenly enough across the cake mix. Next time, cut the butter into smaller pieces and make sure they cover as much of the surface as possible. Some bakers even melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix instead, though this gives a slightly different texture.

Can I make this dump cake in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Layer everything the same way in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours. The top won't get quite as crispy as the oven version, but the flavors will be delicious, and it's great for hot summer days when you don't want to use the oven.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

You can experiment with a few adjustments. Try using light butter or reducing the amount by 1/4 stick. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than heavy syrup. Some bakers have success using diet soda (like Diet Sprite) poured over the cake mix instead of all the butter. The texture will be different, but still delicious!

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe

Name: Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ sticks butter + 1 tablespoon; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup; 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling; 1 (15.25-ounce) yellow cake mix

This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the ultimate no-fuss dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Sweet cherries and tangy pineapple create a luscious fruity base, while the buttery cake topping bakes to golden perfection. Ready in just an hour with only 10 minutes of hands-on prep, this dessert is your secret weapon for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: If you can open cans and melt butter, you can make this cake! It truly lives up to its “dump” name – just layer and bake.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and tropical pineapple creates an irresistible fruity base that everyone loves.
Time-Saver: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can focus on enjoying your company instead of fussing in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and canned fruits makes this an economical dessert option that tastes like a million bucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates that incredible golden, crispy topping and adds richness throughout the cake. Reserve a tablespoon for greasing the pan to ensure easy serving.
Brown Sugar: Just a touch sprinkled on the bottom adds caramel notes and helps create a slight syrupy texture with the fruits.
Crushed Pineapple: Use the kind in heavy syrup for the right sweetness and moisture. The crushed variety distributes evenly throughout the cake.
Cherry Pie Filling: Provides beautiful color, sweet-tart flavor, and those delicious whole cherry pieces throughout the dessert.
Yellow Cake Mix: The convenience hero of this recipe! It creates a perfect golden crust that soaks up the fruit juices while baking. No need to prepare the mix according to package directions.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Fruit Swap Ideas

Peach Paradise: Replace cherry pie filling with peach pie filling for a summery twist.
Berry Bliss: Try blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry for a different fruit profile.
Tropical Delight: Add a cup of shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical flair.

Creative Additions

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter.
Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake mix for a warm, spiced flavor.
Decadent Finish: Scatter chocolate chips over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

How to Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take that tablespoon of butter and generously grease the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the buttered bottom of the pan.

Step 2: Layer the Fruit

Pour the entire can of crushed pineapple (with its syrup) and the cherry pie filling into the prepared pan. Give them a gentle stir to combine the fruits and spread this mixture evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Cake Layer

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruit layer. Don’t mix it in – just create an even blanket of cake mix covering all the fruit.

Step 4: Add Butter Topping

Cut the remaining 1½ sticks of butter into small pieces (about ½-inch squares) and distribute them evenly across the cake mix layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top becomes beautifully golden brown and the fruit begins bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Butter Distribution: Cut the butter into many small pieces rather than a few large ones to ensure the cake mix gets evenly moistened.
Check at 45 Minutes: Ovens vary, so start checking at the 45-minute mark to prevent over-browning.
Let It Set: Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices set slightly for easier serving.
Room Temperature Butter: Using slightly softened butter makes it easier to cut into small pieces for even distribution.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This warm dump cake practically begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! The contrast between the warm fruit filling and cold ice cream creates dessert magic.

Topping Ideas

Freshly whipped cream adds a light, cloud-like contrast to the rich cake
A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to next-level decadence
Fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and refreshing flavor

Serving Occasions

This dessert shines at potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings. It’s also perfect for holidays when you need an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require pastry skills.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight!

Freezing

This dump cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cut into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw single servings when a sweet craving hits.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked experience, reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For a crisper topping, warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned for this dump cake?

While the convenience of canned fruit makes this recipe truly “dump and bake,” you can use fresh fruit with some adjustments. For cherries, you’ll need to pit and cook them with sugar to create a filling-like consistency. Fresh pineapple would need to be crushed and simmered with a bit of sugar to replicate the syrup. Honestly, the canned versions save tremendous time without sacrificing flavor in this particular recipe.
My cake mix still looks powdery after baking. What went wrong?

This usually happens when the butter pieces aren’t distributed evenly enough across the cake mix. Next time, cut the butter into smaller pieces and make sure they cover as much of the surface as possible. Some bakers even melt the butter and drizzle it over the cake mix instead, though this gives a slightly different texture.
Can I make this dump cake in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Layer everything the same way in your slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours. The top won’t get quite as crispy as the oven version, but the flavors will be delicious, and it’s great for hot summer days when you don’t want to use the oven.
Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

You can experiment with a few adjustments. Try using light butter or reducing the amount by 1/4 stick. Choose pineapple packed in juice rather than heavy syrup. Some bakers have success using diet soda (like Diet Sprite) poured over the cake mix instead of all the butter. The texture will be different, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is the perfect example of how the simplest recipes often deliver the most satisfying results. With its juicy fruit base and buttery, golden topping, it manages to be both comforting and impressive at the same time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who rarely turns on the oven, this foolproof dessert will make you look like a kitchen star with almost zero effort. Why not whip one up tonight? Your family will think you spent hours crafting this delicious treat!