Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts—the cherry pineapple dump cake! This beauty is the epitome of simplicity and deliciousness, and trust me, it’s going to be your new go-to for any occasion. Picture this: sweet, tart cherry pie filling mingling with tropical, juicy pineapple, all topped with a buttery golden cake layer. It’s a flavor explosion that’s not only delightful but also incredibly easy to whip up. Seriously, you just dump the ingredients in and let the oven do the work! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just need a little something sweet for yourself, this cherry pineapple dump cake will be the star of the show. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together—let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Prepare Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this cherry pineapple dump cake! I promise, it’s so straightforward that even your kitchen novice friends will be impressed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that’ll wow everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven means a perfectly baked cake!
- Grab a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one), and spread the can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure to get every last drop—every bite counts!
- Next, add the drained crushed pineapple right on top of the cherries. The mix of flavors here is just divine, trust me!
- Now, take your box of yellow cake mix and sprinkle it generously over the fruit layer. Don’t mix it in—just let it sit there like a lovely blanket over the fruity goodness.
- Drizzle the melted unsalted butter all over the cake mix. This is where the magic happens—this will create that gorgeous golden crust!
- If you’re feeling a little nutty, sprinkle in your chopped nuts at this point. They add a delightful crunch, but it’s totally up to you!
- Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown on top and your kitchen is filled with the most amazing aroma!
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before diving in. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, a few minutes will make it even better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a super quick and easy dessert that comes together in no time—perfect for busy days!
- The combination of sweet cherries and tangy pineapple creates an irresistible flavor that’s simply delightful.
- It’s incredibly versatile—feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or even swap out the cake mix for something different!
- This cake is always a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- Plus, you can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat!
Tips for Success
Ready to make the perfect cherry pineapple dump cake? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to ensure you achieve dessert glory:
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: Make sure to drizzle that melted butter evenly over the cake mix. It’s what gives the cake its delicious golden crust, so don’t hold back!
- Check the Bake Time: Ovens can be tricky, so keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking. You want it to be golden brown, but not overcooked, or it might dry out.
- Use Quality Fruit: Opt for good-quality cherry pie filling and fresh, ripe pineapple if you’re using fresh. The better the ingredients, the more vibrant the flavor!
- Let It Cool: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but allowing the cake to cool for a few minutes helps it set up nicely. It’ll be easier to serve and taste even better!
- Feel Free to Experiment: If you want to switch things up, try different fruit combinations or cake mix flavors. Blueberries and lemon cake mix? Yes, please! The possibilities are endless!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this cherry pineapple dump cake! Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Berry Blast: Swap the cherries for mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries for a tangy twist.
- Peach Paradise: Use canned peach slices instead of cherries for a summery vibe.
- Chocolate Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cake mix for a rich, sweet surprise.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake mix for a cozy, warm flavor.
- Coconut Cream: Mix in shredded coconut with the fruit for a tropical touch!
Feel free to get creative—each variation brings its own delicious flair to this already amazing dessert!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delectable cherry pineapple dump cake, and now you’re wondering about leftovers—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! First, let the cake cool completely before storing it. Once it’s cooled, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long because it’s just so good!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply pop it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to warm it up. If you prefer it crispy, you can reheat it in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so you don’t overdo it—nobody wants a dry cake! Serve it warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream, and let the deliciousness continue!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your cherry pineapple dump cake, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these are just general estimates:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These values can help you make informed choices as you enjoy this delightful dessert, but don’t stress too much—sometimes, a little indulgence is just what you need! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit can add a delightful twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness since fresh fruit can vary in flavor. I recommend using ripe cherries and fresh pineapple for the best results!
Can I make this cherry pineapple dump cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before! Just assemble everything in your baking dish and cover it tightly in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it fresh the next day. You’ll get that wonderful aroma filling the kitchen—it’s worth the wait!
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is! This cherry pineapple dump cake is completely vegetarian-friendly. Just double-check your cake mix to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products.
What can I serve with this dump cake?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream on top. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch. Yum!
How do I know when my dump cake is done baking?
Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. But the aroma will definitely guide you—it’s hard to miss when it’s baking!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this cheesecake delight recipe or this chocolate dump cake recipe!
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Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: 7 Simple Secrets to Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious dessert made with cherry and pineapple.
Ingredients
- 1 can cherry pie filling
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the cherry pie filling evenly.
- Add the crushed pineapple on top of the cherries.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the fruit.
- Drizzle melted butter over the cake mix.
- Add chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- This recipe is easy to customize with different fruits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cherry pineapple dump cake
