Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply layer ingredients and bake—no mixing required.
Classic Flavor Combo: Sweet cherries and tangy pineapple create a perfect tropical twist.
Golden Crust: Cake mix topping bakes to a crisp, buttery crust.
Versatile: Great for any occasion and customizable with your favorite cake mix flavors.
Comforting and Crowd-Pleasing: Always a hit at family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained
21 oz can cherry pie filling
15.25 oz box yellow cake mix (dry)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Layer Pineapple: Spread the drained pineapple tidbits evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Add Cherry Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
Add Cake Mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering completely.
Pour Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cake mix to ensure even moistness and avoid dry spots.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Make sure the melted butter is evenly drizzled over the cake mix to prevent dry, powdery spots.
Using real unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate or spice for a different taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Variations

Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or mixed berry for a different fruit combo.
Add chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top before baking for extra texture.
Use pineapple crushed instead of tidbits for a more uniform texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned?

Yes, but fresh fruit may release more juice and affect baking time. Adjust accordingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not with standard yellow cake mix. Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used.

How do I prevent the cake from being soggy?

Drain the fruit thoroughly and distribute the butter evenly over the cake mix.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze baked cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

What can I serve with this dessert?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit make excellent accompaniments.

Can I add spices?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake mix adds warmth.

How do I avoid the cake mix burning?

Keep an eye on baking and use melted butter, not oil, for even browning.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake is a simple yet irresistibly delicious dessert that combines tropical fruit with a buttery, golden cake topping. Perfect for busy days or special occasions, it’s sure to become a family favorite that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh.

Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake

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A quick and delicious dessert combining sweet cherry pie filling and tangy pineapple tidbits, topped with a golden yellow cake mix and butter. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight treats, this nostalgic cake is easy to make and customizable.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

20 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained
21 oz can cherry pie filling
15.25 oz box yellow cake mix (dry)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread drained pineapple tidbits evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the pineapple layer.
Sprinkle dry yellow cake mix evenly over the fruit layers, covering completely.
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the cake mix to ensure even moistness.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

Ensure melted butter is evenly drizzled over cake mix to prevent dry spots.
Use real unsalted butter for best flavor and texture.
Experiment with other cake mix flavors like chocolate or spice for variety.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg