Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake: A Sweet, Easy-to-Make Dessert Delight

The Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake is a beloved American dessert that combines convenience with rich, fruity flavor. Known for its minimal prep and maximum taste, this cake has become a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners across the United States. Its name—“dump” cake—comes from the simple method of “dumping” ingredients into a baking dish with little to no mixing or advanced preparation. This no-fuss approach makes it ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

The History of the Dump Cake

Dump cakes originated in the mid-20th century, during a time when home cooking began embracing convenience foods like canned fruits and packaged cake mixes. The first known dump cake recipes appeared in the 1950s and 1960s, often shared through community cookbooks and women’s magazines. These early versions typically used canned fruit pie filling, a boxed cake mix, and butter, layered in a pan and baked until golden and bubbly.

The concept quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and affordability. As pantry staples became more accessible, the dump cake evolved into countless variations, including the now-classic Pineapple-Cherry version. This particular combination emerged as a favorite for its sweet-tart balance, making use of two widely available canned fruits. Over the decades, the dump cake has transcended its humble origins to become a nostalgic treat associated with comfort, ease, and home-style baking.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Cake Irresistible?

The beauty of the Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile.

• Canned Pineapple: Typically crushed pineapple (drained or undrained depending on desired moisture), adds natural sweetness and a tropical tang. It also contributes to the moist, juicy layer beneath the crust.
• Canned Cherries: Usually cherry pie filling, which provides a deep red color, tartness, and thickened syrup that blends beautifully with the pineapple.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Forms the dry base that transforms into a golden, crumbly cake layer during baking. Vanilla or lemon-flavored cake mix can be used for subtle flavor variations.
• Butter: Melted and poured over the cake mix, it creates a rich, buttery crust as it bakes and soaks into the layers below.
• Maraschino Cherries (optional): For extra visual appeal and a burst of cherry flavor, some bakers add a handful of maraschino cherries on top or mixed in.
• Shredded Coconut or Chopped Nuts (optional): Adds texture contrast and depth. Coconut pairs especially well with pineapple, enhancing the tropical feel.
• Vanilla Extract or Almond Extract (optional): A teaspoon can elevate the overall aroma and complexity of the dessert.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

Follow these easy steps to create a warm, fragrant dessert that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Fruit Base: In the prepared baking dish, pour in one 20-ounce can of cherry pie filling and one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple (you can leave it undrained for a juicier cake or drain it if you prefer a firmer texture).
3. Spread Evenly: Use a spoon to gently spread the fruit mixture across the bottom of the dish, ensuring even coverage.
4. Add the Cake Mix: Open one 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it evenly over the fruit layer. Do not stir—this is key to achieving the proper layered effect.
5. Incorporate Optional Add-ins: If using, sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut and/or 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix.
6. Melt and Pour Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cake mix. Again, do not stir.
7. Add Flavor Enhancers: For extra depth, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract over the top.
8. Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the fruit layer is bubbling around the edges.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly for easier scooping.
10. Serve Warm: Spoon into bowls and serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Tips for the Perfect Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake

• Don’t Stir! One of the cardinal rules of dump cake: resist the urge to mix the layers. The magic happens as the butter melts through the cake mix and the fruit bubbles up, creating a custard-like base and a crisp top.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you find cherry pie filling too sweet, consider using unsweetened frozen cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch, or opt for lite versions of canned fruit.
• Use Room-Temperature Butter: While melting is required, starting with softened butter ensures even melting and smooth drizzling.
• Check for Doneness: The cake is done when the top is deeply golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out with a soft, cake-like crumb—not wet batter.
• Avoid Overbaking: Since the cake continues to set while cooling, remove it when the edges are bubbling and the center is just set to prevent drying.
• Grease the Pan Well: This prevents sticking, especially important since the sugary fruit layer can caramelize to the bottom.
• Double the Batch: This cake disappears fast! Consider doubling ingredients and baking in two pans—one to serve, one to freeze for later.

Variations and Customizations

The Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake is wonderfully adaptable. Try these creative twists to suit different tastes and occasions:

• Tropical Twist: Add mandarin oranges, banana slices, or passionfruit puree for a more exotic flair.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a high-quality gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based cake mix.
• Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves to the cake mix for a warm, autumnal touch.
• Alcohol-Infused: Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of rum, amaretto, or cherry liqueur over the fruit layer before adding the cake mix for an adult-friendly upgrade.
• Fresh Fruit Option: Replace canned fruits with fresh pineapple and cherries (pitted and sliced), simmered with sugar and thickener until syrupy.
• Mini Mason Jar Dump Cakes: Layer ingredients in individual oven-safe jars for cute, portable desserts—perfect for parties or gifts.
• Chocolate Lover’s Edition: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cake mix before adding butter for a sweet surprise in every bite.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, the traditional Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake is high in sugars and carbohydrates due to the cake mix and canned fruit fillings. Here’s a general nutritional estimate per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~350–400
• Total Fat: 12–15g (mostly from butter)
• Saturated Fat: 7–8g
• Carbohydrates: 60–65g
• Sugars: 40–45g (naturally occurring and added)
• Protein: 2–3g
• Sodium: 300–400mg

Healthier Modifications:

• Use a reduced-sugar or organic cake mix.
• Opt for unsweetened canned pineapple packed in juice and low-sugar cherry pie filling.
• Reduce butter to 1/3 cup or use a light butter blend.
• Serve smaller portions alongside fresh berries or Greek yogurt to balance the meal.
• Consider using stevia-sweetened fruit fillings or making your own fruit compote with less sugar.

This dessert should be enjoyed in moderation, especially by individuals managing diabetes, heart health, or weight. However, its occasional indulgence can be part of a balanced diet when paired with mindful eating habits.

Ingredients

• 1 (20 oz) can cherry pie filling
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (undrained for juiciness, drained for firmer texture)
• 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour cherry pie filling and crushed pineapple (with juice) into the dish. Spread evenly.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix uniformly over the fruit mixture. Do not stir.
4. If using, scatter coconut and nuts over the cake mix.
5. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top. Add extracts if desired.
6. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let cool for 15–20 minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQ

Can I make Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cake (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze this dump cake?
Absolutely. Once completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F for 20–25 minutes.

Why is my dump cake soggy?
This usually happens if the cake wasn’t baked long enough or if too much liquid was used. Try draining the pineapple or extending baking time by 10 minutes.

Can I use different cake mixes?
Yes! Try white, spice, lemon, or butter pecan cake mix for unique flavor profiles.

Do I need to stir the ingredients?
No. Stirring disrupts the layering process. The butter should naturally seep down as it bakes, forming a cake layer on top and a fruit compote below.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the fruit with sugar and a thickener (like cornstarch) first to mimic the consistency of pie filling.

How long does it keep?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Summary

The Pineapple-Cherry Dump Cake is a no-fail dessert that combines sweet pineapple and tart cherries with a buttery, golden cake topping—effortlessly delicious and always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert for any occasion.