Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
The first time I made Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, it was on a sunny summer afternoon, inspired by a craving for something sweet and comforting. I had a can of crushed pineapple sitting in my pantry and a box of yellow cake mix that had seen better days. My family was coming over, and I wanted to whip up a dessert that would impress without keeping me in the kitchen for hours. This dessert seemed perfect, combining the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of pineapple in a warm, gooey cake. It was a hit! Everyone kept asking for seconds, and I loved seeing their faces light up with each bite. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to prepare. Now, it’s become a staple in my summer recipe collection, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Recipe Snapshot
55 mins
5 mins
50 mins
Medium
350 kcal
3 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
15 g
Oven, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan
Why This Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Is a Winner
Simple and Quick to Make
One of the best reasons to love Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master chef to create something delicious. Just throw your ingredients together, and let the oven do the work. It’s a perfect recipe for beginning bakers or those who want a low-effort dessert that still feels special.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
Summer is all about gatherings and celebrations, and this dessert fits right in. Whether it’s a family barbecue or a picnic in the park, Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a delightful way to end a meal. It brings together flavors that evoke the warmth of summer, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Versatile and Customizable
This cake is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. You can add your favorite nuts or even a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra treat. Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings; the base is so accommodating. It’s an ideal canvas for your culinary creativity!
Great for Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake stores well. It can be kept at room temperature for a day and in the fridge for a couple of days afterward. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for midnight snacks or breakfast the next day.
A Nostalgic Comfort Food
This recipe often brings a sense of nostalgia. It reminds many of their childhood when desserts were simple and made with love. Each bite of Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake carries a memory and warmth, transporting you back to carefree days. It’s a reminder of the joy that food can bring to our lives.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
With just a few affordable ingredients, you can create something delicious and satisfying. This cake won’t break the bank, making it an excellent choice for everyone, especially during summer when budgets can be tight.
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake Shopping List
When it comes to the ingredients for Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, combining to create a delightful flavor that’s sure to please. The star players, like crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling, bring sweetness and tartness, while the yellow cake mix forms the cake base that ties everything together.
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (canned): This is the foundation of the cake, adding moisture and a tropical flavor.
- 21 ounces cherry pie filling (canned): This provides a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the pineapple.
- 1 standard size box yellow cake mix: The quick and easy base for our cake; pineapple or white cake mixes can also be used.
- 12 tablespoons butter: Cut into 24 slices, this adds richness and creates a golden, crispy topping.
- Chopped pecans (optional): A delightful crunch that enhances the overall texture.
Recipe Steps for Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Making Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a fun and straightforward process that anyone can enjoy. All you need is a little patience while it bakes, and soon you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to share with friends and family. Let’s jump right into the steps!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Prepare your baking dish by greasing a 9 x 13 inch dish with non-stick cooking spray. This helps the cake come out easily without sticking to the bottom.
Pour the crushed pineapple, along with the juice, into the prepared pan, distributing it evenly across the bottom. This will create a sweet base for your cake.
Next, pour the cherry pie filling over the crushed pineapples, spreading it out evenly. You’ll want to make sure every bite has a little bit of that delicious cherry flavor.
Now, it’s time to sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pineapples and cherries, ensuring it covers the fruits completely. This step is crucial, as it forms the cake layer on top.
Arrange the butter slices over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as you can. This will melt and create a beautiful golden crust on top while baking.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, looking for bubbly filling and a golden top. The cake is done when the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serve warm and enjoy! This cake is delicious on its own, but if you like, you can top it with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
If you have leftovers, store them properly. Allow the cake to cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature for the first day. After that, move it to the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Reheating is easy too! Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until warmed through.
Things Worth Knowing
- Let it cool: Cooling the cake completely before slicing allows the flavors to mix perfectly.
- Watch the oven: Keep an eye on it as it bakes, every oven is different, and you want that perfect golden crust.
- Storage matters: Store the cake tightly covered to keep it fresh; it can last a few days in the fridge.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to try different pie fillings for a new twist on the classic.
How to Switch It Up
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun ways to switch up your Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake:
- Storage: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Cover tightly to keep it fresh; it can last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: You can freeze this cake! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it’s best enjoyed within a month.
- Pairing: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra delicious treat.
- Flavor Variations: Try using peach or blueberry pie filling for a different fruit profile.
- Serving Size: This cake is great for large gatherings; cut it into squares for easy serving.
Best Served With
When it comes to serving Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake, the options are endless. Here are some ideas that enhance your dessert experience:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on top elevates the warm flavor of the cake.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of fresh pineapple or cherries for a refreshing contrast.
- Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a slice for breakfast with a cup of coffee; it makes for a delightful start to the day.
- Summer Gatherings: This cake is perfect for barbecues or potlucks, as it feeds a crowd.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Bring this dish to holiday gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a delightful and easy dessert that captures the essence of summer flavors in its warm, gooey layers. It’s perfect for gatherings, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and bring a taste of joy to your table. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles to those you share it with!
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cake will bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
- Prepare your baking dish by greasing a 9 x 13 inch dish with non-stick cooking spray. This helps the cake come out easily without sticking to the bottom.
- Pour the crushed pineapple, along with the juice, into the prepared pan, distributing it evenly across the bottom. This will create a sweet base for your cake.
- Next, pour the cherry pie filling over the crushed pineapples, spreading it out evenly. You’ll want to make sure every bite has a little bit of that delicious cherry flavor.
- Now, it’s time to sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pineapples and cherries, ensuring it covers the fruits completely. This step is crucial, as it forms the cake layer on top.
- Arrange the butter slices over the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the dry mix as you can. This will melt and create a beautiful golden crust on top while baking.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, looking for bubbly filling and a golden top. The cake is done when the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve warm and enjoy! This cake is delicious on its own, but if you like, you can top it with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- If you have leftovers, store them properly. Allow the cake to cool completely, cover it, and store it at room temperature for the first day. After that, move it to the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheating is easy too! Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until warmed through.
Notes
- Storage: Allow the dump cake to cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish with a lid or saran wrap tightly, then store at room temperature for the first day. Store the remaining cake in the fridge for 2-3 days after that.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave each serving, or pop the cake back in the oven at 350°F, and reheat until warmed through, or for about 15-20 minutes.
